What Is Sterling Silver and Is It Good for Everyday Jewelry?

What Is Sterling Silver and Is It Good for Everyday Jewelry?

Sterling silver has been used to create beautiful jewelry for generations. Its bright white appearance works with almost any style, from a simple everyday pair of earrings to an elaborate gemstone ring.

But what exactly is sterling silver? Is jewelry stamped 925 really silver? Why does sterling silver tarnish? And is sterling silver a good choice for jewelry you plan to wear regularly?

Understanding what sterling silver is and how to properly care for it, can help you decide whether it's the right precious metal for your jewelry collection.

Table of Contents

• What is sterling silver? 
• What does 925 mean on jewelry? 
• What is the difference between sterling silver and pure silver? 
• Is sterling silver real silver? 
• Why is sterling silver used for jewelry? 
• Does sterling silver tarnish? 
• Can you get sterling silver wet? 
• How do you clean sterling silver jewelry? 
• Is sterling silver a good value? 
• What is estate sterling silver jewelry? 
• How do you shop for estate sterling silver? 
• Frequently asked questions about sterling silver 

Summary

Sterling silver is a precious-metal alloy containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals. The additional metals, commonly including copper, give silver greater strength and durability, making it better suited for jewelry than softer fine silver.

Jewelry marked 925 generally indicates that the piece is sterling silver, or 92.5% silver.

Sterling silver can tarnish over time, but tarnish does not mean the jewelry is ruined or poor quality. With proper cleaning and care, sterling silver jewelry can remain beautiful for many years.

Sterling silver can also offer an attractive price point compared with gold or platinum, making it possible to enjoy substantial designs, gemstones and distinctive jewelry without necessarily having the higher price associated with other precious metals.

What Is Sterling Silver?

Pure silver is naturally quite soft. While that softness can be useful for certain applications, it isn't always ideal for jewelry that may be worn regularly.

To make silver more practical for jewelry, pure silver is combined with a small percentage of other metals to create an alloy.

Sterling silver consists of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals.

Copper is commonly used as part of that remaining 7.5%. The resulting alloy retains silver's beautiful appearance while providing additional strength and durability.

That's why you'll frequently see sterling silver used for:

• Rings 
• Earrings 
• Bracelets 
• Necklaces 
• Chains 
• Pendants 
• Charms 
• Gemstone jewelry 

It is a versatile precious metal that can be used for everything from delicate designs to bold statement pieces.

What Does 925 Mean on Jewelry?

Have you ever looked inside a ring or on the clasp of a necklace and noticed 925 stamped into the metal?

That number refers to sterling silver's purity.

A piece marked 925 is indicating that the metal contains 925 parts silver out of 1,000—or 92.5% silver.

You may also encounter markings such as Sterling, Ster, or similar variations on sterling silver jewelry.

Keep in mind that a stamp is useful identification information, but markings can sometimes be worn, missing or misleading. If you're unsure what an older piece of jewelry is made from, a jeweler can examine and, when appropriate, test the metal.

Is 925 Sterling Silver Real Silver?

Yes. Sterling silver is real silver.

This is one of the most common misconceptions about sterling silver.

The fact that sterling silver isn't 100% pure silver doesn't make it "fake." The small percentage of additional metal is what helps make sterling silver more suitable for everyday jewelry.

Think of it similarly to gold jewelry. A 14-karat gold ring isn't pure gold, but it is still genuine gold jewelry.

Sterling silver works on the same basic principle: silver is combined with other metals to improve its performance as jewelry.

What Is the Difference Between Sterling Silver and Pure Silver?

The primary difference is purity.

Fine silver generally contains 99.9% silver and may be marked 999.

Sterling silver contains 92.5% silver and is commonly marked 925.

Fine silver is softer and more easily scratched or bent. Sterling silver's additional alloy metals make it stronger and generally more practical for jewelry intended for regular wear.

This is one reason you'll encounter sterling silver much more frequently when shopping for rings, bracelets, necklaces and other everyday jewelry.

Why Is Sterling Silver Used for Jewelry?

There are several reasons sterling silver has remained popular.

It's a precious metal

Sterling silver gives you genuine precious-metal jewelry at a price that is often more approachable than gold or platinum.

It's versatile

Its neutral white color pairs beautifully with diamonds and colored gemstones. It also coordinates easily with white gold, platinum and other jewelry you may already own.

It can accommodate many designs

Sterling silver can be used to create delicate jewelry as well as substantial statement pieces.

It works with casual and dressy styles

A simple sterling silver chain can be worn every day, while an elaborate sterling silver gemstone bracelet can make a completely different statement.

That's part of the fun of silver, you can build a very diverse jewelry collection.

Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?

Yes, genuine sterling silver can tarnish.

And importantly, tarnish does not mean your jewelry isn't real silver.

Sterling silver can react with substances in the surrounding environment, particularly sulfur-containing compounds, creating a darker layer on the surface of the jewelry.

Humidity, perspiration, cosmetics, household chemicals and certain environments can also affect how quickly you notice discoloration.

Some people are surprised when a favorite sterling silver piece begins turning dark. Fortunately, surface tarnish can often be removed and the beautiful silver finish restored.

Can You Get Sterling Silver Jewelry Wet?

Occasional contact with ordinary water isn't necessarily going to destroy sterling silver, but we don't recommend making a habit of wearing your jewelry in water.

Remove your sterling silver jewelry before:

• Swimming in a chlorinated pool 
• Entering a hot tub 
• Swimming in saltwater 
• Showering 
• Cleaning with household chemicals 

Chlorine and other chemicals can be particularly problematic for jewelry.

It's also a good habit to apply perfume, hairspray, lotion and cosmetics before putting on your jewelry.

As we like to say with jewelry care: last thing on, first thing off.

How Do You Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry?

Proper cleaning depends partly on the piece.

For uncomplicated sterling silver jewelry without delicate gemstones or special finishes, gentle cleaning may be possible at home.

A few basic tips include:

Use a jewelry polishing cloth. A polishing cloth specifically intended for silver can remove light tarnish and restore shine.

Use mild soap when appropriate. Some pieces can be gently cleaned using mild soap, warm water and a soft cloth.

Avoid aggressive scrubbing. Silver can scratch, so don't attack it with abrasive household cleaners or rough materials.

Be careful with gemstones. A cleaning method that's safe for the silver may not necessarily be safe for every gemstone set into it.

When in doubt, ask us. If you're dealing with an older piece, heavy tarnish, gemstones or a sentimental item, bring it to Hopman Jewelers before experimenting with DIY cleaning methods.

Sometimes the safest cleaning method is simply letting a professional handle it.

How Should You Store Sterling Silver?

Proper storage can help slow tarnishing and protect your jewelry from scratches.

Keep sterling silver pieces in a clean, dry location and consider storing individual pieces separately in soft pouches or appropriate jewelry storage bags.

Separating your jewelry also helps prevent chains from tangling and harder gemstones from scratching neighboring pieces.

Before putting silver jewelry away after wearing it, gently wiping it with a soft jewelry cloth can help remove oils, perspiration and other residue.

And don't forget about the jewelry sitting untouched in the back of your jewelry box. Check it occasionally so tarnish doesn't have years to accumulate before you notice it.

Is Sterling Silver a Good Value?

Sterling silver can be an excellent jewelry value.

Because silver generally has a lower price point than gold or platinum, customers can often purchase larger or more elaborate designs while staying within a comfortable budget.

That makes sterling silver especially appealing when you're looking for:

• Everyday jewelry 
• Fashion jewelry 
• Gemstone jewelry 
• Larger statement pieces 
• Gifts 
• Charms 
• Chains and bracelets 
• Pieces you like to change with your wardrobe 

However, value isn't simply about price.

A piece you love and wear regularly can be a much better purchase than an expensive piece that spends its life tucked inside a jewelry box.

What Is Estate Sterling Silver Jewelry?

Here's where sterling silver gets especially fun.

Estate jewelry simply means previously owned jewelry. It doesn't necessarily mean antique, and it doesn't have to be hundreds or even dozens of years old.

At Hopman Jewelers, our estate jewelry collection regularly includes previously owned sterling silver pieces alongside gold and platinum jewelry.

Estate sterling silver can include everything from simple everyday jewelry to unusual gemstone pieces, designer jewelry and styles that may no longer be produced.

Because estate jewelry has had a previous owner, every piece has a history. And when you purchase it, you get to give that piece its next chapter.

Previously loved. Ready for a new story.

Check out our current Estate Sterling Silver Jewelry here.  

Is Estate Sterling Silver a Good Value?

It certainly can be.

Estate jewelry gives shoppers an opportunity to find jewelry that may be different from what's currently being manufactured.

With sterling silver estate jewelry, you may discover:

• Unique designs 
• Unusual gemstones 
• Retired or discontinued styles 
• Substantial silver pieces 
• Vintage-inspired designs 
• Designer jewelry 
• One-of-a-kind finds 

It can also provide an opportunity to purchase a beautiful piece of previously owned jewelry at an attractive price.

One important thing to remember about estate jewelry is that the selection is always changing. Once a particular piece sells, we may never have another one exactly like it.

That's part of what makes shopping the estate cases at Hopman Jewelers so much fun.

How Do You Shop for Estate Sterling Silver?

Don't be afraid to look beyond whether a piece appears perfectly polished when you first see it.

Sterling silver can develop tarnish while sitting unworn, and tarnish alone doesn't tell you whether a piece is good quality.

Instead, consider:

• The overall condition 
• Quality of construction 
• Condition of clasps and connections 
• Wear to prongs and settings 
• Condition of gemstones 
• Whether the piece has been repaired 
• Hallmarks or maker's marks 
• Whether you genuinely love the design 

At Hopman Jewelers, we can also help you understand what you're looking at and answer questions about a piece before you purchase it.

Sterling Silver at Hopman Jewelers

Sterling silver gives us the ability to offer jewelry in an enormous range of styles and price points.

At Hopman Jewelers in Downtown Elkhart, you'll find new sterling silver jewelry as well as previously owned sterling silver estate jewelry, including rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and gemstone pieces.

Our estate selection changes frequently, which means there's always a reason to take another look through the cases.

Whether you're searching for an everyday silver piece, a unique estate find, a special gift or simply something that catches your eye, sterling silver offers plenty of possibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sterling Silver

Is 925 sterling silver good quality?
Yes. The 925 designation indicates sterling silver containing 92.5% silver. Quality also depends on factors such as construction, workmanship, gemstones and the overall condition of the jewelry.

Does sterling silver turn your skin green?
It can happen for some wearers. Reactions may involve the metals alloyed with the silver as well as individual body chemistry, perspiration, lotions and other products. A skin reaction doesn't automatically mean the jewelry is fake.

Can tarnished sterling silver be restored?
In many cases, yes. Surface tarnish can often be removed through appropriate cleaning and polishing. Heavily tarnished or gemstone-set jewelry may be better handled professionally.

Is sterling silver better than silver-plated jewelry?
They're different products. Sterling silver contains 92.5% silver throughout the metal alloy. Silver-plated jewelry typically has a thin layer of silver applied over another base metal. The plating can eventually wear away.

Is sterling silver good for everyday wear?
Yes, many sterling silver pieces are suitable for regular wear when cared for properly. However, the design, thickness, gemstones and type of jewelry should also be considered. A substantial sterling silver bracelet and a very delicate ring, for example, won't necessarily tolerate the same amount of wear.