Why is S925 Necklace Better?

Silver jewelry is gleaming and gorgeous and can be easily crafted into unique designs. It symbolizes prosperity and is the gift to represent 25 years of marriage. If you’re a jewelry lover, no doubt you’ve purchased or at least browsed sterling silver rings, necklaces, bracelets, or earrings. Maybe you’ve inspected jewelry online or in a department store and wondered whether it was real silver or if there’s really a difference between sterling silver and pure silver. Next time you go jewelry shopping you won’t have to wonder because we’ll explain everything you need to know about silver and sterling silver jewelry. 

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What is silver?

Fine silver is 99.9% pure silver and does not tarnish. Silver is a bright, highly polishable metal that’s been used for currency, decorative objects, and jewelry throughout history, but not without support from other metals. On its own, silver is too soft for practical, everyday use. But it’s just too pretty not to be used in jewelry and other fine decorations, so it’s often mixed with other metals to create a more durable material known as sterling silver. 

What is 925 sterling silver?

Sterling silver is an alloy made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper or zinc. Sterling silver pieces are stamped with 925 to mark their authenticity. As one theory goes, King Henry II dubbed the durable coins made of silver alloy in circulation “Easterling coins,” which evolved into “sterling” silver. Today, the pound sterling remains the U.K.’s standard unit of currency. 

Is sterling silver real?

Sterling silver is real silver–there’s nothing fake about it. It’s simply a mixture of real silver and just enough other metals to make it strong but not too difficult to mold. Just like 14k or 18k gold jewelry, silver must be made into an an alloy to be wearable. In the US, the ratio of silver to other metals in genuine sterling silver is regulated, but the percentage of silver in jewelry from other countries is often lower than 92.5%. If you’re looking for sterling silver jewelry, be careful to avoid silver-plated jewelry, which is jewelry made of a cheap metal coated in a thin layer of silver. 

How to tell if sterling silver is real

1. Look for the 925 marking. Genuine sterling silver jewelry will be marked with these three numbers or STERLING or STER. 
2. Hold a magnet to the silver. If the magnet sticks, your jewelry is not real sterling silver. 
3. Smell the sterling silver. If it smells strongly metallic, then your jewelry is not real sterling silver.  
4. Analyze the price tag. If the price of silver jewelry seems too good to be true, it might be and probably is not - 925 sterling silver. 
5. Take the jewelry to a jeweler. If you want to know that your jewelry is genuine sterling silver beyond a shadow of a doubt, let an expert test it for you. 

What’s the difference between sterling silver and silver? 

Sterling silver is an alloy made mostly of silver and a small percentage of copper and zinc to strengthen it. It can last a lifetime and be passed on for many generations if properly cared for. Silver is soft and not as durable as sterling silver. It only contains .01% of trace elements. Silver is hypoallergenic, but sterling silver is not because it’s combined with zinc. Sterling silver is more easily tarnished than fine silver because of the other metals it contains. While 925 sterling silver is less “pure” than silver, it does not mean it’s not good. Sterling silver is a high-quality material that’s both durable and beautiful to wear. 

Read more about hypoallergenic jewelry. 

How to tell the difference between sterling silver and real silver 

Sterling silver and silver look exactly the same, and if you have silver jewelry, it’s most likely sterling. The best indicator is the marking, or hallmark, stamped on in small numbers or letters. Sterling silver will have a 925 or STER, and fine silver will have a 999 or FS. 

Which is better for jewelry–sterling silver or silver?

Sterling silver is better than silver when designing and wearing jewelry because it’s stronger and can look good for a lifetime. Fine silver jewelry is easily damaged and not the best choice to wear on a regular basis. Sterling silver is also better for setting gemstones. Gemstones are too easy to lose in a 999 silver setting. 

Does sterling silver tarnish?

Sterling silver does tarnish when gaseous compounds in the air containing sulfur contact the sterling silver and react creating silver sulfate, which leaves a dark coating or tarnish on the silver. Humidity, chlorine, make-up, cleaning products, and even the acid in your skin can all contribute to tarnishing. But tarnish isn’t permanent or a cause for concern. Give your sterling silver a simple polish, and it’s as good as new.  

Does sterling silver rust?

Sterling silver does not rust. Rust is corrosion that deteriorates iron. It’s harmful to some materials, but sterling silver isn’t one of them. 

How much is 925 sterling silver worth?

Sterling silver is one of the most affordable, high-quality jewelry materials, and it retains and may even increase its value. There’s only a slight price difference between sterling silver and fine silver. Figuring out the worth of your sterling silver requires a simple calculation. 

1. Weigh your sterling silver in ounces or convert the weight to ounces. 
2. Look up the current value of silver in ounces. 
3. Multiply the weight by .925 to determine exactly how much pure silver is in your jewelry. 
4. Lastly, multiply the pure silver weight by the current value of silver to find out how much yours is worth. 

Keep in mind that the value of your jewelry in silver does not determine its overall worth. The price of a sterling silver piece of jewelry is much more than its cost of silver. It also reflects the artistry, uniqueness, gemstones, and age of the piece.

How to clean sterling silver jewelry

Cleaning sterling silver is simple. You can wipe your jewelry with silver polish and a polishing cloth or gently brush it with warm water, mild dish soap and a soft toothbrush. A toothbrush with soap is a good option for occasional deep cleanings, but wiping with a polishing cloth is best for regular cleanings because it’s gentler. 

Learn more ways to clean jewelry. 

How to keep sterling silver from tarnishing 

There’s no way to completely eliminate tarnishing, but you can take steps to keep your sterling silver jewelry shiny for longer. 

• Wear your sterling silver more. Regular wear actually prevents tarnishing as long as you don’t wear it when you’re sweaty. 
• Don’t wear your sterling silver in a chlorine pool. Chlorine will change the color of the silver. 
• Don’t leave your sterling silver jewelry on the bathroom sink. It will likely get coated in toothpaste, makeup, or hairspray. 
• Wipe your jewelry with a polishing cloth before you put it away. 
• Store your sterling silver jewelry in a jewelry case to protect it. Choose from one of our DIY jewelry storage ideas or our jewelry storage ideas for travel. 

Shop Q Evon sterling silver favorites

Here are a few of our favorite one-of-a-kind designs crafted from genuine 925 sterling silver. 

Sterling Silver Swirl Hoop Earrings–$93-$320 (3 sizes)

3-Stone Petal Pendant Iolite Necklace–$279

2 Silver Waves of Beauty Ring–$124

Oxidized Silver Treasure Sculptural Bracelet–$453

East-West Silver Ring in Blue Topaz–$309

View our entire collection of silver jewelry.

Silver and sterling silver look alike and are both highly valued in the jewelry industry for their immense beauty. But is silver and sterling silver the same? NO.

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They differ in composition, durability, tarnish resistance, malleability, and price. Knowing their distinct characteristics is crucial when choosing the right piece for your jewelry line. In this comprehensive guide, we will explain the difference between silver and sterling silver in an easy-to-understand way.

What is Pure Silver?

Pure silver (sometimes referred to as “fine silver”) is composed of 99.9% silver. Its high purity content makes it soft and malleable, which is suitable for intricate jewelry designs but not the best option for everyday wear. Pure silver is not very durable, and it’s prone to scratches & bending because of its softness.

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What is Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver is a composition of 92.5% pure silver + 7.5% alloyed metals (usually copper or zinc).The added metals is to increase its strength and make it more durable than pure silver. Sterling silver jewelry is highly resistant to scratches and bending, making it a good choice for everyday wear.

Is Sterling Silver/925 Silver Real Silver?

Yes, sterling silver and 925 silver are real silver.

Sterling silver is sometimes called 925 silver, which is an indication of its composition (92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloyed metals).

What is the Difference Between Silver and Sterling Silver?

Explained below is a complete s999 vs s925 comparison, highlighting their distinct features, pros, and cons.

Composition

• Pure Silver: Contains 99.9% of silver. This high silver content is instrumental in its softness and malleable texture. While it’s easy to fabricate into various jewelry designs, the end result is not always strong, making it incapable of withstanding daily wear.

• Sterling Silver: Contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. Sterling silver is a nickel free metal. Rather than using nickel, which is strong but allergic to sensitive skin, sterling silver uses copper and zinc as alloyed metals. This makes the pure silver stronger and safer for everyday wear.

Durability & Sturdiness

• Pure Silver: Very soft, which makes it more prone to scratches, deformation, and dents. Because of its low sturdiness, it’s not often used for jewelry pieces that undergo high-stress applications.

• Sterling Silver: Because of the inclusion of copper and zinc, sterling silver is stronger, tougher, and lasts longer than pure silver. This makes it capable of holding up against knocks, scratches, bending, and dents. Moreover, when sterling silver is rhodium-plated (which we will add to all our silver jewelry), it has an extra protective layer that helps to maintain the jewelry’s appearance and color retention for a long time.

Tarnish Resistance

• Pure Silver: Fine silver is a precious metal, which does not tarnish easily. But after a while, it begins to tarnish, especially because it doesn’t contain alloyed metals that provide extra strength.

• Sterling Silver: Just like pure silver, sterling silver is bound to tarnish, but it will take a longer time. This is due to the numerous protective measures implemented to make sure it retains its original appearance. In addition to the protection derived from the alloyed metals, e-coating is also applied to further enhance its resistance to tarnishing.

Malleability

• Pure Silver: A standout feature of pure silver vs sterling silver is their malleability rate. Pure silver is highly malleable, meaning it can be easily bent or shaped. This makes it ideal for intricate designs and artistic craftsmanship. However, its softness makes it susceptible to deformation under pressure, which is why it’s not always used in frequently worn pieces like rings, earrings, and bracelets.

• Sterling Silver: Also soft, but harder and more rigid than pure silver due to the alloyed metals. This increases its strength, making it less prone to bending or warping. Even though sterling silver is harder, it’s still flexible to be configured into different types of jewelry.

Price and Value

• Pure Silver: The price difference between silver and sterling silver is another defining factor when considering the better option. Pure silver is more expensive. Its higher value comes from its purity level (99.9% silver).

• Sterling Silver: 925 sterling silver price is lesser because it contains only 92.5% silver and it’s alloyed with cheaper metals. Despite this, sterling silver still offers better value like durability, resistance to tarnishing, and versatility for crafting different types of jewelry.

So, Which is Better for Jewelry: Silver or Sterling Silver?

After examining the pros and cons of sterling silver jewelry against silver jewelry, it’s easy to deduce that sterling silver is a better option.

Pure silver is majorly characterized by its high malleability, which makes it unsuitable for most jewelry because it is prone to deformation, dents, and scratches.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of S925 Necklace. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Sterling silver, on the other hand, is stronger and flexible at the same time, which are great elements for making different types of jewelry. Typically, sterling silver offers a balance between value and practicality, with a cheaper price and longer lifespan.

How Can You Tell If Sterling Silver is Real?

• Hallmarks or Stamps

One of the easiest ways to verify if sterling silver is real is by checking for hallmarks or stamps. Simply check the inner linings of the jewelry to see the hallmark or stamp on it.

When you see hallmarks and stamps like 999 or S999, it indicates that the jewelry is pure silver. But when you see hallmark 925 or stamps like S925, 92.5, .925, or Ag925, it means the jewelry is sterling silver. You might also see the word, sterling or SS.

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• Magnet Test

Silver is a non-magnetic metal, so a simple way to check the authenticity of sterling silver is by using a magnet. Hold a magnet close to the sterling silver jewelry, if it sticks, the 925 sterling silver is fake. But if it doesn’t stick, it is real.

However, note that some sterling silver jewelry may contain alloyed metals like platinum, titanium, and rhodium that are also non-magnetic. So, the best way to tell if a sterling silver is real is by doing the two methods – the jewelry 925 stamp and a magnet test.

Which Type of Silver Should You Choose for Your Jewelry Line?

These are the factors you should take into consideration when selecting the type of silver for your jewelry line:

Your Designs and Styles

Most jewelry pieces made out of pure silver are gifts given to children or the elderly, with simple designs. Oftentimes, pure silver is used for investment and heirloom pieces because of their high market value. But generally, if your jewelry line is focused on intricate, delicate pieces with fine details, pure silver is good.

Choose sterling silver if your brand is focused on providing versatile, fashion designs like rings, bracelets, chains, and other everyday jewelry. Sterling silver is best for functional, modern pieces needed to withstand daily wear without losing their shape.

Your Target Market

Another deciding factor for S999 vs S925 is your target market. If your clientele wants luxury, high-end jewelry, pure silver is the most appealing because of its richer silver purity. It offers a sense of uniqueness and exclusivity, which makes your customers feel special.

But if your target market is more budget-conscious or seeks durable pieces for everyday wear and fashion, choose sterling silver. It serves as an affordable alternative, without compromising on quality.

Your Budget

Comparing the differences between silver and sterling silver is not enough if you don’t examine the costs involved. Pure silver is more expensive due to its high silver content. Thus, it requires a larger upfront investment, particularly for a big jewelry line.

Sterling silver, on the other hand, is more affordable while still delivering quality jewelry pieces. It allows for greater flexibility if you’re working within a tight budget and don’t want to sacrifice the value of your products.

Why Do Jewelry Brands Chase After 925 Silver Over 999?

Jewelry brands are beginning to realize the truth about the 925 silver vs 999 debate, and are chasing after 925 silver because of these 2 major reasons:

• High-end Touch and Affordability

The cost of pure silver fluctuates frequently, but sterling silver allows you to save money and create high-end jewelry at a more affordable price.

Customers also benefit from this as they get durable and exquisite jewelry that exudes a premium feel at a lower price. This grants you access to a broader market and higher profits.

• Sustainable Material

Sterling silver uses less pure silver, making a sustainable jewelry manufacturer conserve resources and produce less carbon when mining for the silver needed.

Also, sterling silver is recyclable, meaning old or damaged pieces can be melted down and reused to create new designs. This makes it an eco-friendly alternative to pure silver, catering to the growing customers’ demands for sustainability.

FAQs & More Facts About Silver

Read on to get a more in-depth understanding of sterling silver’s outstanding features and abilities.

What is Argentium Silver?

Argentium silver is a modern sterling silver, containing a higher percentage of pure silver. It’s available in options of 93.5%, 94%, or 96% pure silver and alloyed metals, usually germanium for more resistance to tarnishing, durability, and brightness.

Is Sterling Silver Waterproof?

Yes, sterling silver is waterproof. However, be cautious of how often and how long it stays in water. Prolonged exposure to water, particularly saltwater from the ocean, chlorinated water in swimming pools, or chemicals in the shower like shampoo and soap, can cause damage over time.

How Long Does Sterling Silver Last?

Sterling silver can last for years if maintained properly. However, ensure you take caution about factors like moisture and chemicals because they influence how long sterling silver stays in pristine condition.

Does Sterling Silver Turn Green?

No, sterling silver does not turn green. It’s not made of metals like brass and nickel that cause skin discoloration in the form of a greenish tint.

Does 925 Sterling Silver Tarnish? Does Sterling Silver Rust?

Yes, sterling silver will tarnish, but this is after a very long time of everyday use. Meanwhile, the tarnishing can be easily cleaned by a silver polishing cloth or a professional to restore the jewelry’s original shine.

Rust is the oxidation of iron and sterling silver does not contain iron. So, sterling silver does not rust.

What’s the Difference Between Sterling Silver and Silver Plating?

Sterling silver is a composition of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloyed metals, offering durability and long-lasting quality.

Silver plating, on the other hand, involves coating a base metal, such as copper or brass with a thin layer of silver. In a short period, the silver plating may wear off, exposing the metal underneath.

The company is the world’s best S925 Earrings supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

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