Sterling silver is the most popular silver alloy used in jewelry and decorative items worldwide. Understanding sterling silver helps you make informed purchases and properly care for your silver items.
Sterling silver contains exactly 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper). This combination creates the perfect balance of beauty, durability, and workability.
The 925 standard developed because pure silver (999) is too soft for practical use. Adding 7.5% copper makes sterling silver strong enough for jewelry while maintaining silver's beautiful appearance.
While pure silver is more valuable by weight, sterling silver is more practical for everyday items. Sterling tarnishes more slowly and maintains its shape better than pure silver.
Proper care keeps sterling silver beautiful for generations. Store in anti-tarnish cloth, clean regularly with appropriate silver cleaners, and avoid exposure to chemicals.
Always look for proper hallmarks when buying sterling silver. Authentic pieces should be marked '925,' 'STERLING,' or equivalent national marks.