The majority of people mistakenly believe that silver and sterling silver refer to the same metal. Sterling silver and pure silver, however, are not synonymous. The distinction is attributable to the quantity of pure silver in the metal. Let us have a look at both of them and figure out what’s the difference between sterling silver and silver?
Silver has long been used to manufacture jewelry and valuable things, and it is one of the most valuable metals in the world. When shopping for silver jewelry, you will generally have a choice between normal silver and what is termed as ‘sterling silver.’ But, exactly, what is sterling silver? Is it genuine silver? And which of the two is superior?
What is Pure Silver?
Silver is a chemical element with the symbol Ag, derived from the Latin word Argentum, which means “bright” or “white.” Silver has the atomic number 47 and, in addition to its appealing look, it possesses a variety of unique qualities.
It reflects more light than any other metal and is a great conductor of heat and electricity. It may also be found in a variety of forms in the Earth’s crust. Some silver is discovered “native” — that is, in its purest form. It can also be found combined with other metals, such as gold, as an alloy. It is also found in chlorargyrite and argentite, among other minerals.
Uses of Silver
Fine silver is a versatile metal that may be utilized in a variety of applications. Aside from its attractiveness, what makes silver so appealing is how readily it can be combined with other elements to create innovative products or works of art.
Humans have utilized it for coinage, valuable goods, and jewelry from prehistoric times. In contemporary times, it is used in photovoltaic panels and photography, as a catalyst in chemical processes, and to create stained glass, among other things.
Pure silver is relatively delicate and difficult to mold accurately in jewelry, making it difficult to utilize for things that require frequent usage or certain forms. Because of this fragility, fine silver products are less durable.
They are easily twisted, deformed, or destroyed, which is why fine silver is mostly used to create fine jewelry. This implies that if you are searching for a silver-colored ring or pendant for everyday wear, sterling silver is preferable over fine silver.
Stamp and Authenticity
Fine silver is 99.99 percent pure, which means it possesses 0.01 percent impurities, similar to other elements in the periodic table, which might impact its look or chemical characteristics. It is important to look for a purity stamp when purchasing fine silver. When a silver product is sold professionally, it is imprinted with one or more silver hallmarks indicating its purity.
This is done by the maker or silversmith. It may also have an additional optional marking indicating the date of manufacturing, location of manufacturing, and maker’s mark. The trademarks are imprinted using hammers and punches, resulting in sharp edges and metal spurs. Consequently, hallmarking is usually accomplished prior to the piece being delivered for final polishing.
What is Sterling Silver?
Sterling silver is an alloyed version of silver that is considerably more suited for usage in jewelry and crafts.
The purity of fine silver is 99.9%, as already mentioned. The metal is lovely in this state and tarnishes less, but it is typically too soft and flexible for many applications, including producing most jewelry.
Alternatively, fine silver is mixed with copper to produce sterling silver, which has 92.5 percent pure silver and 7.5 percent copper/zinc. Because of this high percentage of pure silver, sterling silver is frequently known as ‘925 silver’ or characterized with the 925 stamp.
The copper or zinc hardens and strengthens the silver, making it easier to deal with and use while maintaining its color. The majority of silver jewelry you purchase and wear will be sterling silver.
The sole disadvantage of sterling silver is that the additional copper causes it to tarnish more readily, with the metal eventually becoming dark in color, particularly in humid environments. But, it is simple to clean, and behind the tarnish, your sterling silver will be in excellent condition: it will not rust or corrode with typical use.
Uses of Sterling Silver
The use of these other metals strengthens and extends the life of sterling silver greatly. This enables it to be applied to manufacture a variety of different items, such as jewelry, Silverware, Plates, Platters, Sets of Coffee, items with a silver coating, etc.
Take note of the last usage of silver-plated goods in the preceding list. When something is described as “silver-plated,” it usually indicates that the product is constructed of some other metal and that a light coating of sterling silver is “plated” on top of it.
Furthermore, sterling silver has a far larger number of applications than pure silver. Since sterling silver is more durable than fine silver, it will not be scratched or deformed by ordinary usage and wear and tear.
Stamp and Authenticity
Sterling silver is also marked to signify that it is genuine sterling silver. To signify the pureness of the silver contained therein, these stamps are commonly called “925” or “92.5” or “.925.” Nevertheless, “SS” is also used as a sterling silver stamp on occasion.
Which One Is Better?
When settling the debate about what’s the difference between sterling silver and silver, another important question comes into the forefront: which one is superior? There are various advantages to utilizing sterling silver rather than fine or pure silver.
The price is perhaps the most evident advantage. Fine silver has a greater clarity portion of silver, making it more costly than sterling silver, which is less pure. Sterling silver, on the other hand, looks exactly as wonderful as fine silver.
Sterling silver may be found in jewelry such as earrings, bangles, and necklaces, and also domestic products like flatware, tea sets, candle holders, and sometimes even mirrors. Because of sterling silver’s resilience and stretchability, you can acquire more cheap pieces and a wider choice of diverse items for a much lesser price.
There is also the matter of long-term viability. Due to the extra metallic materials, sterling silver is substantially more robust than fine silver. This will ensure that your product lasts as long as possible and looks as good as new.
Since sterling silver is an alloy, it tends to be more vulnerable to rusting on the exterior due to its sensitivity to water and air. Pure silver, due to its higher clarity, is more similar to the actual gold in that it does not corrode even when in continual contact with moisture.
Sterling silver is seen to be the ideal option for people looking for a magnificent, costly adornment that will last for years. What matters most is your own choice, as well as what you want in terms of longevity and cost-effectiveness.
What is the best option for you? What best expresses your personality and sense of style? When it comes to sterling silver jewelry, the choices are unlimited, so go ahead and pick what makes you happiest!
Important Note for People with Sensitive Skin
While we have already demonstrated how sterling silver is arguably the better product to go for, it has a minute downside that is worth mentioning. Because pure silver is hypoallergenic, it is an excellent choice for persons who suffer from skin allergies. However, the bigger the quantity of other metals in the silver, the poorer its purity. Copper and nickel are often used, both of which can irritate delicate skin.
Sterling silver jewelry is safe for most people who have skin allergies. With only 7.5 percent copper in the combination, the amount will be insufficient to cause a reaction. It is also a far better choice than lesser quality silver. However, if you have extremely sensitive skin, even just a trace of copper might lead to irritation. You will need to look for a hypoallergenic option in such a situation.
Take into account that gold, similar to silver, is blended with other materials in jewelry to make it more durable. The same concerns apply to gold jewelry as they do to silver jewelry. The purer the metal (measured in carat gold), the less probable it is to affect your skin. Even highly pure gold, however, might be too much for persons who are extremely sensitive to metals.
Platinum is a hypoallergenic substitute. It is also white in hue, similar to silver. However, it is far more costly. Platinum is currently more than 40 times the cost of silver as a raw commodity.
Final Thoughts
In this article, we have thoroughly answered the question, what’s the difference between sterling silver and silver? Silver jewelry may be purchased at your local jewelry store or on Amazon, which offers a surprisingly wide assortment of silver jewelry on their website.
If you buy jewelry online that you cannot see in person, be sure you get precisely what you paid for. Always bear in mind the above-mentioned things to look out for while purchasing silver.
