Sterling silver, what is it, and how is it different from regular silver?

Silver has been known as a precious metal since time immemorial, but its properties make it very soft and lack strength. Therefore, to make it suitable for manufacturing, alloying elements were added in varying percentages. In the 18th century, silver jewelry became especially popular, and large-scale mining began. These ornaments were made from sterling silver, which contains 92.5% silver and 7% copper. The mixing temperature of these metals is 1640⁰ Fahrenheit. The alloy is quite strong and durable, white in color.

The exact origin of this name is unknown. One theory holds that in the 12th century, a common, and highly sought-after silver coin existed in England bearing this name. The weight of 240 coins always equaled 1 pound, no more, no less. According to a second, more widespread theory, these silver coins were minted in northern Germany, in the Easterling region, and when trading with England, they paid for goods with local coins. These silver coins were of high quality. Over time, this alloy became the standard for English coinage.

General information about the sample sterling silver

As with gold, jewelry makers and buyers needed to know the amount of impurities contained in silver. This determined the properties of the precious metal and its selling price.

To differentiate silver with different amounts of added material, the concept of "assay value" was introduced. For example, sterling silver sample The number was 925. Craftsmen placed a hallmark with this number on inconspicuous places on their pieces. It meant that 1,000 grams of precious metal contained 925 grams of silver and 75 grams of impurities.

The introduction of hallmarks in jewelry solved several problems. First, it reduced the risk of counterfeit jewelry. It was difficult for counterfeiters to accurately alter the stamped number. Therefore, an experienced craftsman or dealer could easily detect a counterfeit. Second, the introduction of hallmarks allowed buyers to immediately understand the value of the jewelry they were about to purchase.

Different types of samples sterling silver

Now that the essence of the sample of precious metals is known, it will be easier to understand, What does sterling silver mean?This is a type of silver that has been assigned a 925 standard.

Many jewelers often hear the question: What is 925 sterling silver?Buyers who ask this question usually expect to hear that it's some special type of precious metal. But, in essence, it's the same silver, simply smelted with copper or another metal. This is the definitive answer to the question: What is 925 sterling silver??

Sterling silver is different from regular silver. silver

Mixing silver with another material improves some of its properties. Those who appreciate jewelry tend to buy sterling silver. The difference between silver and sterling silver Noticeable when examining the jewelry. Sterling silver should have a refined, lustrous hue with expressive iridescence. In some ways, it resembles platinum. Sterling silver has excellent strength properties. This allows artisans to craft cutlery and even some decorative elements from it.

Many jewelers enjoy working with sterling silver. It's ideal for blackening. Sterling silver also pairs beautifully with pearls and diamonds.

A distinctive feature of sterling silver is its markings. Sometimes, instead of the 925 hallmark, items made from this material are marked "sterling" or "ster."

Sterling silver was impeccable and highly valued not only in the form of coins but also jewelry. For this reason sterling silver sample Very high. 925 is the classic, most common sterling silver. It can be used to make the finest jewelry. sterling silver sample It is not durable, so it is not used for jewelry. To strengthen this fineness, 7-10% copper or aluminum is added. The international system of fineness includes 960, 750, 800, 875, 916, and 960. The quality of the alloy can be determined by its color—the whiter the color, the higher the fineness.

Price Depends on the fineness. Jewelry with a fineness of 999 is more expensive than jewelry with a fineness of 800. Price It is much lower in price than other precious metals, but the beauty and elegance of items made from it are stunning, and many people prefer to wear jewelry made from this silver.

Ancient jewelers - metallurgists, took into account well  properties, which distinguishes it from other silver. They introduced the essential percentage composition of the alloy, making it strong, wear-resistant, and hard. A high percentage of silver maintains its color and resistance to oxidation. Alloying elements can be various metals, not just copper. They can include zinc, gold, platinum, palladium, titanium, and aluminum. Each of them makes sterling silver Highly durable, the alloy becomes resilient and long-lasting. This is why old coins made of this silver still look quite good. However, the dosage of alloying elements must always be considered to ensure the product maintains its quality, such as rapid tarnishing. Cadmium is a unique alloying element; it imparts special properties to the alloy. This sterling silver is widely used in science and technology, and its price is higher than that of regular gold. Therefore, properties make this alloy very popular and in demand not only in jewelry production, but also in other areas.