For centuries, sterling silver has been treasured for its beauty and versatility. Whether you're investing in sterling silver jewellery, curious about its composition, or wondering "Is sterling silver real?" or even "What is sterling silver?", this guide will give you the answers you seek.

In this article, we’ll explore:

• What is sterling silver?
• Is 925 silver real silver?
• Does sterling silver tarnish?
• How to care for silver jewellery
• How silver compares to gold and stainless steel

Once you're across the basics, check out our Australian jewellery, where you'll find lots of unique sterling silver designs and much more besides.

Let’s dive in!

What is Sterling Silver?

Yes, sterling silver is real silver — but with an important difference. Pure silver (or fine silver) is 99.9% silver, but it’s too soft to make durable jewellery and other items from. To strengthen it, silver is alloyed with 7.5% copper, creating what we know as sterling silver.

Sterling silver is also known as '925 silver'. A stamp reading '925' is a hallmark you’ll often find on silver jewellery, confirming it contains 92.5% pure silver, which is where the '925 silver' name comes from.

This pure silver and copper alloy makes sterling silver perfect for jewellery making, as it retains silver’s beauty while being far more durable for everyday wear.

Is Sterling Silver Real? Understanding 925 Silver

A common question is: "Is 925 sterling silver real?" and the answer is a resounding "yes". If you see jewellery marketed as or hallmarked as '925 Silver', 'Sterling Silver' or just '925', this means the jewellery is asserted to be made from genuine silver.

However, be very cautious of very misleading terms like 'nickel silver' or 'German silver': jewellery items with these materials contain no real silver. Both do contain nickel, which can easily cause allergies and skin rashes.

How to test if your silver jewellery is real

If you’re unsure whether your jewellery is genuine silver or sterling silver, try these simple tests:

• Magnet Test: Silver is not magnetic. If a magnet sticks to your jewellery, it’s very likely not sterling silver.
• Bleach Test: A small drop of bleach on real silver will cause it to turn black due to oxidisation.
• Hallmarks: Look for "925", "Sterling", "SS", or "Sterling Silver" stamps or hallmark. These stamps aren't legally required in countries like Australia and elsewhere, but they are a strong indicator that silver jewellery is real.

For absolute certainty, invest in a silver testing kit or have your jewellery assessed by a jeweller.

Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?

Yes, sterling silver tarnishes, but this is a normal and natural reaction rather than a flaw. Tarnish will occur when silver reacts with air, moisture, and chemicals like perfumes or chlorine.

However, unlike rust, tarnish does not damage silver: it’s just a surface layer of oxidisation that can be cleaned off easily.

You might wonder if sterling silver rusts and the answer is "no". Rust is corrosion which eats into the surface of metals which contain iron. Silver does not contain iron and doesn't rust.

How to Prevent Tarnish:

• Store jewellery in an anti-tarnish pouch or airtight container. Storing it away from free-flowing and especially humid air is important.
• Avoid exposing silver jewellery to chlorine, lotions, salt water and other chemicals.
• Wear your jewellery often! The movement and natural oils on your skin help prevent tarnish.

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Cleaning Sterling Silver Jewellery

Even with the best care, silver jewellery will still develop tarnish over time. To restore its shine, try these cleaning methods:

• Wash it: Just some water, mild soap and a sponge can work wonders to get rid of grime. However, this method won't remove tarnish.
• Jewellery Polishing Cloth: The safest method for light to moderate tarnish.
• Silver Dip Solution: A quick solution for heavier tarnish, but don’t overuse it and take care with gemstones or special finishes.
• DIY Baking Soda & Foil Method: Line a bowl with aluminium foil, add hot water and a teaspoon of baking soda. Place your jewellery inside and let the tarnish lift away.

We recommend avoiding harsh chemicals like toothpaste or baking soda scrubs, as they will create micro scratches the surface of your precious silver jewellery which will worsen with repeated applications.

For a more information about cleaning silver tarnish, check out our article on how to clean silver jewellery.

For an even more detailed care and cleaning guide for jewellery of all types, take a look at our very comprehensive jewellery cleaning guide.

Silver vs Gold Jewellery: Which One is Right for You?

If you’re deciding between sterling silver jewellery and gold jewellery, here are key factors to consider:

• Cost: Silver is significantly more affordable than gold while still being a precious metal.
• Durability: Gold (especially 18k+) is softer than silver although it is tarnish-resistant.
• Skin Sensitivity: Many fewer people have sensitivites to sterling silver compared to base metals, making it a great choice for most sensitive skin.
• Style: Silver has a cool, elegant sheen, while gold offers warmth and luxury.

Learn much more about how to choose in our gold vs silver jewellery guide.

Sterling Silver vs. Stainless Steel Jewellery

A common alternative to sterling silver is stainless steel jewellery. While both metals are durable, there are key differences:

• Silver is a precious metal, while stainless steel is an alloy of base metals.
• Silver has a warm, bright glow, while stainless steel has a cooler, more industrial look.
• Sterling silver can tarnish, but it’s easy to clean and is just a surface layer on top of the precious metal.
• Stainless steel doesn't tarnish. However, while it is rust resistant, it can still rust easily enough, which is corrosive and damages the metal surface.
• Silver holds its value over time, whereas stainless steel jewellery has minimal value.
  

If you’re investing in jewellery that lasts, sterling silver is the superior choice.

Final Thoughts: Why Choose Sterling Silver Jewellery?

Sterling silver jewellery is a perfect balance of beauty, quality, and affordability. It’s an excellent investment for those who want timeless jewellery without the price tag of gold.

Key takeaways:

• Sterling silver is 92.5% silver alloyed with copper, making it strong and durable.
• 925 silver is real silver: it's just alloyed with copper for strength.
• Few people have allergies to silver or sterling silver, making it safer for sensitive skin.
• Tarnish is natural but easy to clean.
• Silver is much more affordable than gold but still retains its value.

Explore our stunning sterling silver jewellery collection to find your next favourite piece. Alternatively view our full jewellery range:

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Related sterling silver articles:

• Silver - Wikipedia
• Metals of antiquity - Wikipedia
• A History of Jewellery - V&A Museum

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