Difference Between Normal Silver and Sterling Silver

You may have noticed that "sterling silver" and "silver" are often used interchangeably when discussing buying silver jewellery. However, before making a purchase, it's important to be aware of the significant distinctions between the two. While sterling silver is a preferred metal for jewellery due to its strength and luster, it isn't the same as pure silver.

In this article, we'll examine the differences between pure silver and sterling silver, as well as the contrasts between the two metals. By the end, you'll have a better understanding of the sterling silver vs pure silver and which one might best suit your needs. Let's get started!

What is Sterling Silver?

Popular silver alloys used in jewellery creation include sterling silver, which is ideally made up of 7.5% additional metals used are copper and 92.5% pure silver. However, other metals are also added to make the silver more resilient and less prone to tarnishing.

Due to its 92.5% pure silver composition, sterling silver has a glossy, shiny appearance similar to pure silver. Moreover, 7.5% of other metals also increase their strength, making them more resistant to damage.

On the other hand, pure silver is composed of 99.9% silver and 0.1% additional adulterations. While pure silver is incredibly soft and malleable, it is too fragile and easily scratched or bent, making it unsuitable for use in jewellery. Sterling silver is a more practical substitute because it is stronger and has the capability to sustain for long years.

Although sterling silver contains a considerable amount of pure silver, it is essential to understand that it is not the same as pure silver. This is because the presence of other metals in sterling silver alters its composition and properties. We'll go into more detail about the differences between sterling silver and pure silver further in the blog.

See Also - What Is 925 Sterling Silver

What is Silver?

As we might have witnessed that since ancient times, silver has been used to make coins and other ornamental jewellery. Silver is a precious metal. It is a pliable, soft metal with a distinctively shiny, reflective surface.

99.9% silver and 0.1% additional impurities make up pure silver, commonly called fine silver. Although it is a very soft metal that is simple to shape and work with, it is not suitable for manufacturing jewellery since it is too easily scratched and bent as compared to Sterling Silver.

Silver and sterling silver differ primarily in their chemical makeup. While silver is a soft, flexible metal that can't be used to make jewellery all alone. Meanwhile, sterling silver is a more robust substitute that also includes other metals and just a little amount of pure silver. We'll go into more detail about the variations between sterling silver and pure silver in the following section.

The Distinctive Characteristics of sterling silver vs silver Jewellery 

Although pure sterling silver vs silver jewellery both are varieties of the same metal, there are some significant differences between the two that are worth investigating.

First and foremost, sterling silver and pure silver have different chemical compositions.

While pure silver is made up of 99.9% silver and 0.1% other impurities, sterling silver is made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals. Sterling silver is not hypoallergenic because it has zinc and other metals mixed with silver. It can get tarnished faster than pure silver due to these metals. But, even though it is not considered as pure silver, it is still a terrific material to use for making high-quality, long-lasting, and sparkling shine.

The durability of the two is another important distinction. Pure silver is a very soft metal that should not be used alone to create jewellery, as already indicated. On the other hand, sterling silver is a stronger alloy that can endure normal wear and tear.

Pure silver and sterling silver both have a similar lustre and sheen. However, sterling silver is more tarnish-resistant because it contains other metals, whereas pure silver is more likely to tarnish due to its high silver concentration.

Overall, even though pure silver and sterling silver are both alluring metals with distinctive qualities, they have different uses. Pure silver is more suitable for decorative objects that won't be subjected to daily wear and tear, while sterling silver is a more practical option for jewellery manufacturing due to its endurance. We hope that the difference between silver and sterling silver is clearly understood. Now coming to the main question, is Sterling Silver Pure Silver or not? 

Is Sterling Silver Pure Silver?

There is a common misconception that sterling silver and pure silver are interchangeable. While the composition and qualities of the two forms of silver differ significantly, they do have some similarities.

Hence, the straightforward answer to the question is no, sterling silver is not pure silver. 

Although sterling silver contains a significant amount of pure silver, it is not considered pure silver due to the added metals that provide increased strength and durability, making it a preferred material for jewellery-making.Therefore, though sterling silver contains a substantial amount of pure silver, it is not the same as pure silver due to the presence of other metals.

What makes TrueSilver stand out from the rest 

TrueSilver is a trusted brand when it comes to shopping for Sterling Silver Jewelry. There are not just one but several reasons why TrueSilver stands out from its competitors. We offer sterling silver jewellery of the highest quality, designed to last. Each of our products is meticulously handcrafted, resulting in the finest possible quality. Moreover, we have a wide range of distinctive and chic designs that we offer anywhere else. 

Our items draw inspiration from the latest fashion trends, making them ideal for adding a dash of flare to any outfit. Our collection includes accessories such as coins, personalised jewellery, that can be customised and matched to create a unique look. With our affordable prices, you can update your wardrobe without burning your pocket. 

At TrueSilver, we take great pride in our excellent customer service. We're always here to help you with any questions you may have and to assist you in choosing the perfect jewellery for any occasion. Most importantly, we offer fast and reliable shipping options so you can start wearing your new jewellery as soon as possible.

Conclusion 

While the difference between sterling silver and pure silver is made up of 99.9% silver and 0.1% other impurities, sterling silver is an alloy made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals. Due to its robustness, sterling silver is a preferred material for jewellery production and is more resilient than pure silver. Pure silver is softer and more flexible than sterling silver, but because of its propensity to tarnish, it is less useful for jewellery creation.

The type of silver used in a piece should be taken into account while searching for silver jewellery. Pure silver is best suited for decorative things that won't be handled frequently, whereas sterling silver is an excellent option for daily use and can sustain daily use. 

We hope that through this article you have got clarity on sterling silver vs silver. 

Consider shopping at TrueSilver if you're looking for sterling silver jewellery of the highest quality. At TrueSilver, we believe that beauty and sustainability can go hand in hand, and we're committed to doing our part to create a better world for future generations.

So why wait? Visit our website today to explore our stunning collection of sterling silver jewellery and experience the TrueSilver difference for yourself. Whether you're looking for a special gift for a loved one or simply treating yourself, we're confident that you'll find something truly special at TrueSilver.