Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% pure silver and about 7.5% other metals (mostly copper) — pure silver is too soft, and the copper gives it the strength to wear every day. Warm in lustre and affordable, it is the material of most everyday jewellery, and the precious metal closest to life.

About Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper); “925” is the purity mark for 925 parts per thousand (millesimal fineness). Fine silver (99.9%) is soft and easily deformed, hard to bear daily wear; a little copper keeps silver’s bright lustre while adding the hardness and toughness it needs. This is “sterling” — the standard for silver for centuries.

Why Choose Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is affordable, warm in lustre and easy to shape — the best material for entry and everyday jewellery, and the most fitting for a gift that carries feeling without ceremony. It is not out of reach like gold and platinum, yet it is a true precious metal; that soft white light is understated, enduring and versatile. For anyone who wants a piece to wear close and daily, without a heavy burden, sterling silver is the gentlest way in.

History & Culture

The word “sterling” comes from medieval England — by the 13th century, law had set silver’s purity at 92.5% and stamped it with a hallmark for public trust; the system spread across Europe and became today’s global “925” standard. “Sterling” is said to come from the “Easterlings” — German traders whose silver coins were known for high purity; in 1275 King Edward I legislated for silver coinage, and by 1300 England fixed 92.5% as the standard and introduced hallmarking. In older Rome, people believed silver held protective power and wore it as a talisman; many cultures’ traditional jewellery, too, carries faith and blessing in silver.

The Truth About Sterling Silver

Sterling silver oxidises and darkens (tarnishes) over time — a nature, not a defect; the market also has plated silver and names like “Tibetan silver” and “Thai silver”, differing in purity and worth.

• Truth one: tarnish is its nature. Silver forms a dark film (tarnish) as it meets sulphur in the air — normal; a wipe restores the shine, it is not spoiled.
• Truth two: “925” is a promise, but read the mark. Genuine pieces stamp “925”, “S925” or “Sterling”.
• Truth three: plated ≠ solid silver. Silver-plating is only a surface layer over copper or alloy, and wears through in time.
• Truth four: many names. “Tibetan silver” is often white copper with almost no silver; “Thai silver” usually means oxidised, antiqued 925 — ask about the composition before buying.

Sterling Silver on the Market

Tell apart sterling silver, plated silver, fine silver (999) and “Tibetan silver / white copper” imitations; the keys are the hallmark and composition.

Type	Traits	Price	How to tell
Sterling silver 925	92.5% silver, hard-wearing	Affordable	Stamped “925 / Sterling”
Fine silver 999	99.9%, softer	Slightly higher	Stamped “999”, soft and scratches
Silver-plated	Surface silver over copper	Low	Wears through, no 925 mark
Tibetan silver / white copper	Almost no silver	Very low	No silver mark, greyish-yellow

Before You Buy

Look for the “925 / Sterling” hallmark; it tarnishes, so wipe often, store dry and keep it from chemicals — rhodium plating slows the yellowing.

• Look for the hallmark: “925”, “S925”, “Sterling”.
• Tarnish is normal: a silver cloth or gentle method restores the shine; seal and store dry when not worn.
• Keep it from perfume, hot springs, pool chlorine and sulphur.
• If you react to metal, choose rhodium-plated 925, or platinum.