What is the difference between real silver and sterling silver? Silver has for a long time been used both in jewelry and for other purposes. Today, it is common for silver jewelry to either be made of real silver or so-called sterling silver . But what is the difference between these?
From a practical perspective, the difference between the different materials lies in their durability. Genuine silver is soft and less durable, which makes it susceptible to damage and scratches. Sterling silver is more durable, thanks to the addition of another metal. This makes this a popular material choice in jewelry making.
Real silver compared to sterling silver
Genuine silver is a basic element and a piece of jewelry that has been manufactured must consist of 99.9 percent silver unless otherwise stated. Sterling silver, on the other hand, is a so-called alloy that consists of 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent other metals, usually copper.From a practical perspective, the difference between the different materials lies in their durability. Genuine silver is soft and less durable, which makes it susceptible to damage and scratches. Sterling silver is more durable, thanks to the addition of another metal. This makes this a popular material choice in jewelry making.
Pros and cons of sterling silver
Sterling silver, as already mentioned, has several practical advantages compared to pure silver. Its strength allows it to withstand daily wear and tear, making it an ideal material for jewelry such as rings and bracelets . Sterling silver is also cheaper than real silver.However, there are also disadvantages to sterling silver. One of these is that due to oxidation, the material may darken over time, especially if exposed to humid environments. It can also cause allergic reactions in some people due to the other metals in the alloy. Hypoallergenic jewelery is made from, for example , surgical steel or titanium.
