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What is Sterling Silver?
Generally speaking, in the jewelry industry and in our perception, sterling silver refers to a metal alloy containing 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metal, such as copper, which is now the silver type we are familiar with and now the universal standard for silver gioielli all'ingrosso.
In the professional chemical industry, sterling silver refers to pure silver, which is composed of 99.99% silver and 0.1% impurities. That is what we call 999 silver or pure silver.
However, due to the soft texture and lower hardness, pure silver is easy to be scratched and bent, making it unsuitable for fine jewelry and silver necklaces. On the other hand, compared with silver of other purities, pure silver is not prone to tarnishing.
What is 925 Silver?
925 sterling silver is an alloy composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metal, such as copper. The 925 sterling silver is the most recognized “sterling silver” standard in the jewelry industry, and it is also considered the international standard silver. Therefore, there are usually labels, such as S925, 925, or sterling on sterling silver jewelry.
Pros & Cons of 925 Silver
Pros
Hypoallergenic: Silver itself has the property of antibacterial and its chemical properties are stable, making it will not cause skin allergies or other damage to human skin. Even people with sensitive skin can wear sterling silver jewelry without worries.
Affordability: Precious metal jewelry, such as gold or white gold, is valuable and expensive, and they are not suitable for daily wear. Compared with expensive metal materials, silver is comparatively cheap and cost-effective. Common people can afford a piece of delicate and valuable sterling silver chain at a reasonable cost.
Durability: The good hardness and strength of silver make it more suitable for making jewelry. The silver jewelry is more durable and can also be used for inlay gemstones.
Cons
Prone to Turning Black: This is the main disadvantage of sterling silver jewelry. Silver is easy to react with sulfide in the air, thus forming a black sulfide film and the silver jewelry can tarnish and turn black. In addition, moisture, sweat, perfume, and cosmetics can accelerate the oxidation of silver chain necklace.
Necessary Routine Cleaning: Silver easily oxidizes and turns black, so 925 silver jewelry needs more careful cleaning. The wearer would better wrap it regularly and store it in a jewelry box to slow down the oxidation process.
Lower Hardness: Although silver with 925 is more suitable for making jewelry than pure silver, at the same time, compared with other materials, such as stainless steel, alloy, and platinum, sterling silver 925 is still soft. In daily wear, it is easy to be deformed or scratched by squeezing, especially with thinner chains and dainty silver necklace.
Does Sterling Silver Tarnish or Turn Black?
Silver jewelry can generally tarnish and turn black, but this is completely normal. Silver is easy to react with sulfide in the air, thus forming a black sulfide film, and the silver jewelry can tarnish and turn black.
What’s more, when silver comes into contact with very humid air, the oxidation rate of sterling silver chains will be accelerated. That’s why pure silver necklaces or some sterling silver pendants tarnish faster in bathrooms or coastal cities. Also, sweat, perfume, cosmetics, soap, washing powder, and other harsh chemical substances can accelerate the oxidation rate.
But this does not mean that the silver necklace is fake or that it has low quality. In comparison, if a so-called chunky silver necklace never turns black over time, then it may not be a true sterling silver product. Therefore, the wearer should store 925 sterling silver jewelry carefully.
Conclusion
Yes! Sterling silver is real silver. In the jewelry industry, 999 pure silver may not be the first choice to make silver jewelry; 925 sterling silver is the most common material!
How to Tell If Silver is Real?
The following are several chemical method tests to tell if silver is real:
The Magnet Test
Silver is a non-magnetic metal. Bring a magnetic close to a silver chain. If the magnet does not attract it, then it may be made of true silver; while if it is attracted by the magnet, it must be fake because true silver has no magnetism.
The Ice Test
Silver is the metal with the best thermal conductivity in the world. Place a cube of ice on the silver jewelry chain. The rapid melting of ice can indicate a genuine silver item, due to silver’s exceptional thermal conductivity. In contrast, ice will melt much more slowly on other metals, which have significantly lower conductivity. This method is an effective and interesting trick to tell you if silver is real.
The Bleach Test
Chlorine bleach will react chemically with silver. Put a drop of bleach in a hidden area of the silver necklace and let it for a few minutes. A real silver necklace can turn black quickly because black silver chloride is formed. However, other metals will not turn black or have apparent changes. Please notice! This test may damage the silver product and leave a mark. Please be careful!
FAQ about 925 Sterling Silver
Does Sterling Silver Rust?
Sterling silver can not rust. Rust is a reddish iron oxide that typically appears on iron objects. Silver jewelry must be compounded with iron for it to rust over time. Sterling silver is typically made with other metals like copper.
How to Care for Sterling Silver Jewelry?
Avoid chemicals: Such chemical substances as perfume, soap, bleach, and cosmetics can accelerate the oxidation rate and make it turn black rapidly.
Wipe after Wearing: After wearing, you can wipe your sterling silver bracelet carefully with a soft cloth (such as silver polishing cloth) to remove sweat and oil and restore its brilliance. You can also prepare mild soapy water and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean it carefully, at last rinse with clear water.
Proper storage: Put it in a jewelry box or a sealed bag to avoid oxidation and turning black when you’re not wearing a sterling silver jewelry.
Clean it Regularly: If it turns black, it is important to wipe it with a silver polishing cloth or professional tools.
