For good reason, sterling silver is one of the most popular jewelry materials on the market. Sterling silver jewelry is both fashionable and timeless, thanks to its elegant luster and attractive cool color. Whether you currently have sterling pieces or are looking for new ones, it’s useful to know a little bit about this distinctive precious metal.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT STERLING SILVER JEWELRY:
Is Sterling Silver Real?
Sterling silver is real silver, although it is not pure silver. Rather, it is always composed of 92.5 percent pure silver. Because pure silver is so delicate, it is inappropriate for jewelry or other applications where an object is regularly touched and utilized. Silver is combined with other metals by manufacturers to strengthen the durability of pure silver.
Metals such as copper, zinc, and others are examples of such materials. Regardless of the components utilized, the completed product must contain 92.5 percent silver. The item of jewelry cannot bear the label “sterling silver” if the pure silver content is less than 92.5 percent or higher than 92.5 percent.
What Are the Benefits of Using Sterling Silver in Jewelry?
Which is more valuable, silver or sterling silver? That is entirely dependent on your application. Because pure silver jewelry is frequently destroyed, sterling silver is typically the finest choice for jewelry. Here are a few of the reasons why sterling silver is a high-quality and attractive jewelry material:
Sterling silver, according to the Mayo Clinic, is hypoallergenic. If your skin reacts to other materials, such as nickel, this is an excellent alternative. Sterling is one of the most durable precious metals, making it a perfect choice for delicate filigree as well as items that will be worn frequently.
Valuable
– Because sterling silver is a precious metal, jewelry manufactured from it will retain its worth. This may not be the case with costume jewelry made of brass or other materials.
Sterling is far less costly than gold, platinum, and other precious metals.
The Value and Desirability of Sterling Silver
Because of the metal composition, sterling silver jewelry has intrinsic worth. The sterling silver itself is valuable, regardless of the style or quality of the jewelry. Silver is an ever-valuable commodity. The current price of sterling silver is determined by market circumstances. You may check the current market value at sites like JM Bullion, but keep in mind that prices can fluctuate dramatically from day to day and year to year.
Is sterling silver as valuable as pure silver?
Sterling silver is not nearly as valuable as pure silver, but it is not much less valuable. Assume you have an old brooch in poor condition. Even if it isn’t particularly appealing as a piece of jewelry, you wonder how much the silver contained within it is worth. The worth of the brooch, which weighs half an ounce, may be determined by whether it is pure silver or sterling silver.
Is sterling silver inexpensive or of high quality?
Whether you think sterling silver is a desirable jewelry material is primarily a question of personal opinion and the other materials you’re comparing it to. Sterling silver has a lower value than other white precious metals such as white gold, palladium, and platinum. If you’re anticipating one of these metals and have sterling silver jewelry, you could be disappointed. Sterling silver, on the other hand, is significantly more precious and of superior quality than basic metals such as nickel or steel.