Sterling silver is a beautiful and versatile metal, cherished for its brilliant shine and elegant appeal used mostlyin jewelry. But what exactly is it, and why is it so popular? If you've ever seen a "925" stamp on a piece of jewelry, you've seen the hallmark of genuine sterling silver.
What is Sterling Silver?
The short and simple answer: sterling silver is an alloy, or a mixture of metals. It's composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper.
Pure silver, also known as fine silver, is beautiful but too soft and pliable to be used for durable jewelry or other items. By adding a small amount of a harder metal like copper, jewelers create a material that is much stronger and more resilient to daily wear and tear, while still retaining the lustrous beauty of silver.
The "925" marking is a universal standard that guarantees the piece meets this specific purity, making it a valuable and high-quality material.
Why Choose Sterling Silver?
Before you read further check our great collection of highly curated jewelry of 925 sterling silver.
Affordability: Compared to precious metals like gold or platinum, sterling silver offers a luxurious look at a more accessible price point.
Durability: While not as hard as stainless steel, the addition of copper makes sterling silver strong enough for everyday use.
Versatility: Its cool, pale white color complements a wide range of styles and can be easily mixed and matched with other metals.
Hypoallergenic: For most people, sterling silver is hypoallergenic because it is largely free of metals that commonly cause skin reactions, like nickel.
How to Care for Your Sterling Silver
One of the most common questions about sterling silver is how to prevent tarnish. Tarnish is a natural oxidation process that occurs when the copper in the alloy reacts with air and moisture. The good news is, it's easy to clean!
Wear it often! The oils in your skin can actually help prevent tarnish.
Avoid chemicals: Take off your sterling silver jewelry before swimming in chlorinated pools, cleaning with household products, or applying lotions and perfumes.
Store it properly: When you're not wearing your pieces, store them in a cool, dry place, preferably in an airtight bag or a soft pouch.
Clean regularly: For light tarnish, you can use a silver polishing cloth. For a deeper clean, a soft toothbrush and a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water works wonders.
