Differences of Sterling Silver vs. Pure Silver

Differences of Sterling Silver vs. Pure Silver

Discover the differences between silver and sterling silver. Learn about their properties and uses in jewelry and silverware.

 

Sterling silver and silver are often discussed in the context of jewelry and silverware, but they refer to different materials with distinct properties:

Silver:

Silver, often called fine silver, is a precious metal in its purest form, typically 99.9% pure.
It is very soft and malleable, which makes it less suitable for everyday items like jewelry and utensils that require durability.
Fine silver is marked as 999, indicating its purity in parts per thousand.


Sterling Silver:

Sterling silver is an alloy made from 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper, though other metals like zinc or nickel can also be used.
Adding these metals provides greater strength and durability, making sterling silver much more suitable for items like jewelry, silverware, and other decorative objects that require a more rigid material.
Sterling silver is marked with hallmarks like 925, .925, or "Ster" to indicate its composition.


In summary, while sterling silver contains a high percentage of silver, it is not pure silver. The addition of other metals to the alloy is what makes sterling silver much more practical for use in many consumer goods.

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