Sterling Silver vs Pure Silver: What is the Major Difference?
A broad variety of jewellery items, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings, are made from the popular and highly prized metal known as silver. However, when it comes to buying silver jewellery, the terms sterling silver and pure silver frequently come up. Although the qualities of both forms of silver are similar, there are several key differences that you should be aware of before making a purchase. Here in this article, we will explore sterling silver vs pure silver and help you understand which one is the right choice for you.
What is Pure Silver?
Since ancient times, pure silver, often referred to as fine silver, has been used to make jewellery, coinage, and other beautiful goods. It is a highly prized precious metal. 99.9% silver and 0.1% other metals make up pure silver. Usually, copper makes up the 0.1% of other metals that are added to pure silver to increase its durability and resistance to dents and damage. Due to its softness and malleability, pure silver is the best material for producing intricate and delicate designs.
The fact that pure silver is hypoallergenic, one of its main advantages, makes it the perfect material for persons with sensitive skin. Pure silver, however, cannot be used to create certain types of jewellery as it lacks the necessary resilience and strength due to its delicate nature. This is where sterling silver comes in.
What is Sterling Silver?
Sterling silver is a popular type of silver alloy that is commonly used in the creation of jewellery. It is composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper, zinc or nickel. The term "925 sterling silver" is often used to refer to this type of silver, with the number 925 representing the percentage of silver in the alloy. While still preserving the appeal and brightness of pure silver, sterling silver is strengthened and made more resistant to dents and damage by the inclusion of other metals.
Jewellery items like necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings are frequently made from sterling silver. Sterling silver offers the beauty of silver without the exorbitant price tag because it is less expensive than pure silver, which is one of its main advantages. Also, because sterling silver does not tarnish as easily and can be cleaned with ease, it is easier to maintain than pure silver.
Sterling Silver vs Pure Silver: What is the Major Difference?
Composition: The composition of the metal is the primary distinction between pure silver and sterling silver.
Sterling silver is made up of 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent other metals, whereas pure silver is 99.9 percent silver and 0.1% other metals. The addition of other metals makes sterling silver more durable and resistant to damage, while still retaining the beauty and shine of pure silver.
Durability: As mentioned above, pure silver is extremely malleable and soft, making it unsuitable for use in jewellery on its own. Because pure silver is prone to bending, scratching, and breaking, it is often combined with other metals to create stronger alloys.
As opposed to pure silver, sterling silver is far more robust and long-lasting. The copper makes it more durable against dents, scratches, and other types of harm. However as sterling silver is still a rather delicate metal, constant use may cause scratches or dents over time.
Tarnish resistance: Pure silver's high silver content makes it particularly prone to tarnishing. Pure silver alloy jewellery may tarnish more quickly than sterling silver jewellery.
Although sterling silver is made of an alloy, it is less likely to tarnish than pure silver because of its composition. The copper in sterling silver reacts with oxygen to create a protective layer of copper oxide on the metal's surface, which helps to prevent further tarnishing.
Value: Pure silver is generally more expensive than sterling silver due to its higher silver content. However, as mentioned above, pure silver is not typically used on its own in jewelry-making.
On the other hand, sterling silver is less priced compared to pure silver and can be used to make wide range of jewellery pieces.
Why to choose se Sterling Silver Instead of Pure Silver?
When it comes to choosing between sterling silver vs pure silver for your jewellery, there are a few factors to consider. If you are looking for a more affordable option, sterling silver is the way to go. Besides this, it is more durable compared to pure silver and it is a beautiful metal that can be used to create a wide range of jewellery pieces, without breaking the bank.
As sterling silver is more flexible and easier to work with than pure silver, there are more alternatives available in sterling silver than in pure silver. So, 925 sterling silver jewellery is a much better option for creating jewellery and amassing a jewellery collection.
Types of Sterling Silver jewellery pieces
Some of the sterling silver jewellery pieces are mentioned below which are available in our store Silveright Jewellery.
Sterling silver necklace
A constant in our store, the sterling silver necklaces come in a variety of patterns and designs that go great with your various outfits for various occasions. If you want to liven up your outfit, layer one of our silver necklaces with another one of your favourite accessories.
Sterling silver bracelet
The sterling silver bracelets are ideal for adding shine and sparkle to your wrist. These bracelets are offered by Silveright Jewellery in a variety of styles and designs that will undoubtedly match your preferences in terms of appearance and fashion.
Sterling silver ring
Mix and match various designs and kinds of rings or wear one by itself to highlight your distinct personality and sense of style. A little sparkle and glitter on your finger will change your entire personality.
Sterling silver earrings
Our store offers a variety of earrings in both traditional and sophisticated styles that you may match to your personal sense of fashion and use to complete your overall outlook.
Conclusion
If you are thinking of purchasing sterling silver jewellery you can choose our store. All of the jewellery produced by Silveright Jewellery is real 925 sterling silver. We sole concern is to provide fashionable sterling silver jewellery of high quality at a reasonable cost. Feel free to customize your jewellery with us to create beautiful and unique pieces of sterling silver jewellery. For more information, you can browse our collection of sterling silver jewellery.
FAQs
1. Is sterling silver suitable for daily wear?
Ans. Absolutely! It is actually ideal to wear sterling silver jewellery every day as this will prevent the metal from becoming tarnished and dusty. Feel free to add sterling silver to your jewellery collection with the knowledge that it is strong and, with proper maintenance, it will look wonderful today, tomorrow, and even after ten years from now.
2. Is jewellery made of sterling silver high-quality?
Ans. With a silver composition of 92.5%, sterling silver jewellery is a premium option that is favoured by both jewellery collectors and designers. If you properly maintain, sterling silver jewellery sets can last a lifetime. But you need to purchase the jewellery from a reputable jeweller or jewellery store.
3. Is sterling silver better than pure silver for jewellery collection?
Ans. Yes. The sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% "pure silver" and 7.5% additional metals (usually copper). Since the metals are too soft while not mixed with other metals to create an alloy, the use of pure metal in jewellery manufacturing is actually exceedingly uncommon. Therefore, while manufacturing jewellery and assembling a jewellery collection, sterling silver is actually a much superior option.
