The Art of Making 925 Sterling Silver: What it is and How its Made
When it comes to choosing silver for your jewellery collection, it's easy to think that the best ones should also be made with 100 per cent precious metal. However, other types of silver sterling can help take its beauty to the next level, such as the 925 sterling silver.
What Does the 925 in Sterling Silver Stand for?
There are many reasons why the number 925 is important when it comes to sterling silver, but the most important is that it shows that the piece of jewellery is 92.5 parts silver and 7.5 parts other metals.
The other 7.5 per cent are usually copper, but in some cases can also include a number of non-precious metals, such as zinc and nickel. Whatever it is, other alloys included in a 925 sterling silver enable it to boost its durability compared to the malleability of fine silver, allowing it to retain its unscathed beauty for years to come.
Why Make it Sterling Silver 925 Instead of 100?
While 100 per cent pure silver is still the most desirable, it also means that it is the most highly sensitive to tarnish than sterling silver. This is because it contains more pure silver and is relatively soft, which makes it susceptible to scuffs and scratches.
Sterling silver, on the other hand, is made with a higher concentration of silver and other metals, like nickel and copper, which makes it sturdier.
These alloys also contribute to the tarnish-resistant property of sterling silver, so it only requires a quick cleaning from time to time, unlike pure silver which requires a lot more care. This makes sterling silver more practical for daily use, all the while maintaining craftsmanship that can last you decades.
How Do You Identify Sterling Silver?
There are a number of ways to tell if your piece of jewellery or silverware is sterling silver. One is to look for the mark "925", which tells you that this is sterling silver.
Another is to check for the words "sterling" or "sterling silver" in the item's description. You may also notice hallmarks like "STG," "SS," or "STER," all of which are authentic labels for sterling silver.
What are the Benefits of 925 Sterling Silver?
A piece of 925 sterling silver jewellery is known for being exceptionally hard and scratch-resistant, which is an important factor to consider before making it a part of your jewellery collection. But what else makes 925 sterling silver a must-have?
925 sterling silver is known for its tarnish-resistant property. This means that it won't be as easily affected by other elements, like moisture and air, which can cause silver to tarnish, losing its lustre and making it look dull and grey.
The Bottom Line: The Wonders of 925 Sterling Silver
925 sterling silver is renowned for its scratch-resistant properties and makes a beautiful addition to any jewellery collection. It is recommended for jewellery made for daily wear since its durable quality makes it more practical than fine silver.
You can look for it in items like necklaces, pendants, earrings and bangles, which makes it a great option for fashion jewellery or as a gift for special occasions. Its versatility makes it a must-have for anyone who wants to make a statement with their jewellery.
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