925 Sterling Silver: The Perfect Blend of Beauty and Durability
Sterling silver, also known as 925 sterling silver, is a metal alloy that has been used for centuries in the creation of jewelry and decorative household objects. Its name, ‘925 sterling silver’, is derived from its composition: 92.5% silver (Ag) and 7.5% copper (Cu). Occasionally, other metals may account for the 7.5%, but the 925 hallmark will always indicate 92.5% silver purity.Get more news about
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The term ‘925 sterling silver’ is not just a fancy name. The ‘925’ is a hallmark stamped on genuine sterling silver jewelry, indicating that it contains 92.5% silver. This stamp is usually found in a discreet place, such as the back of a pendant or inside a band. If it’s particularly small, a jeweler’s loupe or magnifying glass may be helpful in spotting the sterling silver 925 stamp and other jewelry hallmarks.
Unlike pure silver, which contains 99.9% elemental silver (Ag), sterling silver (925) contains one or more additional metals that add strength to the otherwise delicate material1. Pure silver is naturally very soft, and would easily bend or break if used for jewelry without being blended with a stronger metal1. Functional silver jewelry is often made with 92.5% silver. The remaining 7.5% of metal in 925 sterling silver is most commonly copper, however, some silversmiths opt to add durability with alloys of zinc or nickel instead.
Sterling silver fortified with copper is preferred by many jewelry collectors, especially those with sensitive skin. The composition of your sterling silver jewelry and environmental factors like humidity and skin oils can impact whether or not your fingers will turn green when you wear it. Skin oils, moisture, and metal composition are all factors that can lead to tarnish in sterling silver jewelry.
While sterling silver 925 is the standard in the United States and several other countries, the term sterling may be used on pieces of lower silver purity in other markets1. If you see a piece marked 800 or 900, you’ll know it contains less silver than American sterling silver. These lower purity metals might go by the names European silver or coin silver. The number 800 stands for 80% silver, 900 for 90%, and so on.
In conclusion, 925 sterling silver is a beautiful and durable material that is perfect for creating stunning jewelry pieces. Its unique blend of silver and other metals gives it the strength to withstand daily wear while maintaining the brilliant shine of pure silver. Whether you’re a jewelry collector or just someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship, 925 sterling silver offers the perfect balance of beauty and durability.
