Silver, in all its forms and types, is timeless and trendy and one of the cheapest materials used to make jewelry. If you are a frequent buyer of silver jewelry, then having accurate knowledge of its various types and forms is one essential thing for you.
Mostly, we found sellers selling pure silver, or sterling silver-made jewelry online or physically. All of these types have different properties, durability, tarnish-resistant potential, and therefore, the cost.
Let's check out the major differences between pure silver, sterling silver, and silver materials so that you will be able to make the right decision for your next purchase.
Difference Between Pure Silver & Sterling Silver
Pure silver or Fine Silver
Pure silver is 99.9% pure. It has a shiny, bright white appearance and is often used in high-end, delicate jewelry. One of its drawbacks is that it is quite soft, making it more prone to scratches and bending. On the other hand, it doesn’t tarnish as easily as other types of silver. Because of its purity, pure silver is also hypoallergenic and, therefore regarded as safe for people with sensitive skin.
925 Sterling silver
Sterling Silver is a popular material for everyday jewelry. It contains 92.5% silver, with the remaining 7.5% made up of other metals like copper. It is more durable than pure silver and is used in making items that need to last longer. However, it tarnishes over time due to its copper content, so regular cleaning is recommended. Last but not least, sterling silver is hypoallergenic and is a more affordable option compared to pure silver.
Types of Silver Used in Jewelry
The following are the well-known and commonly used silver types in jewelry and other products manufacturing.
Raw Silver
Raw silver, also known as unrefined silver, is silver in its unprocessed form. It comes directly from mining operations and is not yet purified or alloyed. This type of silver is usually melted and refined before being used in jewelry, as it may contain impurities that affect its quality and appearance.
Sterling 925 Silver
Sterling 925 silver is one of the most common and ideal silver types used in jewelry making. It contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of other metals, typically copper. Its impurity is the actual cause of its durability and resistance to damage, without losing the beautiful luster of silver. Sterling silver is ideal for everyday jewelry like rings, necklaces, and bracelets.
Fine 999 Silver
Fine 999 silver, also known as pure silver due to its highest purity. It is softer and more delicate than sterling silver, making it less suitable for heavy or everyday jewelry. However, it is highly valued for its bright shine and is often used in high-end or intricate pieces where purity is important.
Coin Silver
Coin silver refers to silver that was historically used in the production of coins, with a purity level of around 90%. Its slightly lower silver content makes it less shiny and more durable than fine silver, therefore used in some vintage or antique jewelry making.
Argentinum Silver
Argentium silver is a modern type of silver alloy that is more resistant to tarnishing than traditional sterling silver. It contains up to 93.5% or 96% silver along with other metals like germanium, which defines its tarnish-resistant properties. Argentium silver is ideal for jewelry that requires low maintenance.
Nickel Silver
Despite its name, nickel silver contains no actual silver. It is an alloy made from nickel, copper, and zinc, giving it a silver-like appearance. Nickel silver is often used in customized jewelry or inexpensive pieces due to its affordability. However, it is not a worthy silver type as it may cause skin irritation for people sensitive to nickel.
Silver Plated
Silver-plated jewelry consists of a thin layer of silver coating over a base metal, such as brass or copper. Due to its appearance as silver, the underlying metal is much less valuable, and the silver coating can wear off over time. Silver-plated pieces are more affordable but less durable than solid silver jewelry.
Mexican Silver
Mexican silver or Bali silver refers to silver jewelry made in Mexico and Bali. You can get the best and the poorest quality silver from these two countries at the same time, which means that the name of the country or brand does not guarantee its quality.
FAQs
How do I know my jewelry is made of 925 sterling silver?
Look for a stamp or hallmark on your jewelry that reads “925 or STER". It indicates that the piece contains 92.5% pure silver.
How to care for sterling silver?
To care for sterling silver, store it in a dry place, don't wear it while taking a shower, and clean it regularly with a silver polishing cloth. Also, avoid exposing it to chemicals like perfumes and lotions.
Which is better pure silver or sterling silver?
Sterling silver is more durable and better suited for everyday wear, while pure silver is softer and more delicate, making it ideal for intricate or high-end pieces.
Which type of silver is the best?
Fine 999 silver is the purest, but sterling 925 silver is the best for most jewelry due to its strength, durability, and classic look.
Which is costly, silver or sterling silver?
Pure silver is generally more expensive because it contains a higher percentage of silver than sterling silver.
How to identify pure silver?
Pure silver often has a "999" hallmark, indicating 99.9% silver content. You can also test it using a magnet (pure silver is non-magnetic) or a silver testing kit.
Kommentare