Understanding the Difference Between Pure and Sterling Silver

Silver Jewelry

If you are looking for a great and elegant piece to add to your jewelry collection, you can never go wrong with a sterling silver ring. The metal alloy has become one of the most popular jewelry types in the market, and it’s all for good reasons. Sterling silver has an irresistible lustre and possesses the same durability as most other jewellery metal choices. Nonetheless, one of the many reasons why most people opt for sterling silver is because of its customizability. Silver Rings can be fashioned according to your style and taste, and they can be designed according to the latest trends. Silver can be a good investment which will not fade or tarnish. If you are looking to buy this type of jewellery, you can either opt for pure or sterling silver.

What is Pure Silver?

Silver jewelry and other items have been a known symbol of prosperity and wealth. The only problem you would commonly encounter when looking for the right investment comes from the differences sterling, or pure silver has to offer. And this is because most of the time, you can’t tell them apart. The difference in silver – pure or sterling – comes from its chemical composition. Pure silver is also known as “fine silver” which is made up of 99.9% of the element. Pure ones are soft and more difficult to shape because of their chemical structure. One good example of pure silver is those found in thermometers. Pure silver jewellery is fine and delicate, which means they are not as durable as sterling silver. They are easily bent and easily tarnishes due to its malleability and higher fading factor. Bulk fine silver is usually sold with indicators like “999” to indicate their authenticity.

What is Sterling Silver?

If you are opting for silver accessories, the better choice is sterling silver which combines metal and pure silver. Most often, sterling silver including Silver Rings is composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% metal alloy. The 7.5% can be copper or zinc or both metal combined. Sterling silver has many uses because they are more rigid and durable than fine silver. The metal alloy is commonly used in things like:
  • Silverware
  • Platters
  • Plates
  • Coffee sets
  • Jewellery
  • Silver-plated items
Sterling silver jewellery has a millesimal fineness. A 925 grade means it has 92.5% pure silver and the rest are other metals. Jewellery standards are measured by this factor and one way to determine whether you are looking at an item with a better silver quality or not.

Taking Care of Your Sterling Silver Jewelry

Taking Care of Your Sterling Silver Jewelry Taking care of your sterling Silver Rings will make it last longer. It will require special attention, so it preserves its longevity and appearance. One way to do this is with your day-to-day care. Sterling silver will easily tarnish when exposed to salty air, chlorine, or sulfur, so it is always best to keep your Silver Rings in safe and dry places. Using a silver jewellery cleaner will preserve your silver ring’s sheen. There are highly dedicated projects especially made for cleaning silver jewellery items. These cleaning agents are safe enough to clean your pieces and avoid that affects its quality. It is always important to keep your sterling silver pieces dry and clean to avoid affecting its quality. More often, the only way to make your jewelry last long is to keep it clean and free from agents that can affect its quality.

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