What is Sterling Silver?
Sterling silver is one of the most common alloy mixtures used in jewelry. It must contain at least 92.5% pure silver, with the remaining 7.5% being any other metal, typically copper. Centuries of experimentation have shown that copper is the best companion for silver without affecting its beautiful color. Sterling silver is often abbreviated as 925, a high-quality alloy used to make exquisite jewelry suitable for all occasions.
History and Marks
The use of sterling silver for jewelry and currency has a long history — more precisely, dating back to the 12th century. Coins of this era were known as "Easterlings," especially in livestock markets. Eventually, this name was shortened to "Sterling," now used to denote the highest grade of silver. Sterling silver is affectionately referred to as "moon metal" due to its milky white and grey tones, usually bearing what are called hallmarks. These marks indicate the silver content and sometimes the completion date and country of origin. By federal law, it must bear a manufacturer's mark or a registered trademark. Acceptable quality marks for sterling silver include:
- Sterling
- Sterling silver
- Ster
- 0.925
Common Uses of Sterling Silver in Jewelry
Sterling Silver Necklaces
Because sterling silver is lightweight and durable, this alloy is one of the most popular among artisans.
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Sterling Silver Earrings
Light and comfortable, sterling silver earrings are the perfect choice for any style. There's a variety of styles to choose from, like studs, pendants, and drops. Many sterling silver earrings also feature gemstones and pearls for added beauty.
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Other Sterling Silver Items from Mallria
- Bracelets
- Chains
- Men's Accessories
What's the Best Way to Care for Sterling Silver Jewelry?
With proper care, your high-quality sterling silver jewelry will last a lifetime. To minimize scratches and other damage, store your silver jewelry in cloth pouches or in separate compartments of a jewelry box. Avoid exposing your silver to household chemicals like bleach and ammonia or swimming in chlorinated water, as these can harm sterling silver.
Regular Cleaning of Your Silver Jewelry
Also, be mindful to prevent tarnishing, which occurs naturally when silver reacts with sulfur or hydrogen sulfide in the air. To clean silver items, use a soft cloth with a polish specifically designed to remove tarnish. Quality silver polishes, solutions, or cloths for removing tarnish can be found in hardware or specialty craft stores. Tarnish is easiest to remove when it first appears, but frequent wear of silver jewelry is the best way to prevent tarnish buildup. Regular cleaning of all silver items prevents tarnish and keeps your silver bright and shiny.
Is Mallria Jewelry Made from Sterling Silver?
All our silver jewelry is made from beautiful sterling silver, providing high-quality accessories for any occasion.
Common Questions About Sterling Silver
What's the Difference Between Sterling Silver and Fine Silver?
Sterling silver contains at least 92.5% silver, while fine silver contains 99.9% of the metal. Fine silver is very soft and usually used for manufacturing. On the other hand, sterling silver is an excellent choice for jewelry because it combines silver with other alloys to increase the metal's strength. Fine silver is not practical for jewelry due to its softness, whereas sterling silver is ideal for daily wear, maintaining its luster with regular care.
Is Fine Silver Suitable for Jewelry?
Fine silver is too soft to be crafted into jewelry and not suitable for frequent wear. Jewelry made from fine silver requires extra care when worn. Our silver jewelry is made from sterling silver, which is better suited for crafting necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings. Sterling silver jewelry is perfect for everyday wear and keeps its shine with regular maintenance.
Is Sterling Silver Valuable?
Sterling silver is a valuable metal used for jewelry, household items, and decorative objects. The small amount of copper added to sterling silver has a negligible effect on the metal's value. Instead, the price of sterling silver items is influenced by the labor needed to make them, the skill of the craftsman, and the complexity of the design. Additionally, sterling silver jewelry is often rhodium-plated for a brighter white appearance and increased scratch resistance.
Will Sterling Silver Lose Its Shine?
Yes, sterling silver (925) can lose its shine when exposed to certain chemicals, high humidity, or sulfur. You might notice that sterling silver jewelry kept on a vanity, in a jewelry storage box, or even in your own bag can tarnish over time. Typically, silver develops a dark layer on the surface when it tarnishes. This tarnish is a sulfide coating which can be quickly removed with a jewelry polishing cloth. For heavily tarnished jewelry, a jeweler can help polish the silver back to its original shine.