When it comes to buying silver jewelry, you’ve probably heard the terms “regular silver” and “925 sterling silver” thrown around. But what exactly do these terms mean, and how are they different from one another? When purchasing your next piece of silver jewelry, knowing the differences will help you buy the right silver jewelry.
Let’s see the key differences between regular silver and 925 sterling silver and help you understand what’s best for you.
What is Regular Silver?
“Regular silver” isn’t a precise term in the jewelry industry. Generally, when people talk about regular silver, they are referring to silver that may not be pure or may be a lower-grade silver. This can include silver alloys (silver mixed with other metals) that are less than 92.5% pure silver. Because of this, regular silver can be prone to tarnishing more quickly, and it may not have the same shine or strength as higher-quality silver.
Regular silver can sometimes be misleading because it doesn’t specify the purity of the metal, which means it might be mixed with a lot of other materials that can affect its durability and appearance. For example, a piece of jewelry labeled as “regular silver” might contain only 80% silver mixed with other metals like copper, nickel, or zinc. While this can still give the piece a shiny finish, it won’t have the same lasting power as higher-quality silver.
What is 925 Sterling Silver?
On the other hand, 925 sterling silver is a specific, high-quality type of silver. When a piece of jewelry is marked "925," it means that 92.5% of the metal is pure silver, with the remaining 7.5% typically consisting of other metals like copper. This blend is what makes sterling silver so durable and strong, while still maintaining the beauty of silver.
Because 925 sterling silver is made with 92.5% pure silver, it has a brighter, shinier finish that lasts longer and resists tarnishing better than regular silver. The mix of metals also helps the silver hold its shape, making it less prone to bending or breaking.
Key Differences between Regular Silver vs. 925 Sterling Silver
1. Purity
The main difference between regular silver vs. 925 sterling silver is the purity level. Regular silver is often less than 92.5% pure silver, which can make it weaker and more prone to tarnishing. 925 sterling silver, on the other hand, is made up of 92.5% pure silver, which makes it more durable and resistant to wear.
2. Durability
925 sterling silver is stronger and more durable than regular silver. The addition of other metals like copper makes the silver alloy more resistant to scratching, bending, or breaking. Regular silver may not hold up as well over time, especially if it’s a lower-quality alloy.
3. Tarnishing
Tarnishing is a common issue with silver jewelry, but 925 sterling silver is less likely to tarnish than regular silver. The 7.5% of other metals in sterling silver help protect the silver from oxidation, keeping it shiny for longer.
4. Price
As standard silver contains less pure silver than 925 sterling silver, regular silver jewelry is frequently less expensive. However, this can be a false economy in the long run since regular silver may not last as long as sterling silver.
5. Appearance
Both regular silver and 925 sterling silver can have a shiny, polished look, but sterling silver is generally more brilliant and reflective due to its higher silver content. If you don't know how to get real 925 sterling silver jewelry, read our article on how to get real 925 sterling silver.
Understanding the difference between regular silver vs. 925 sterling silver can help you make a better decision when purchasing silver jewelry. While regular silver may be cheaper, it doesn’t offer the same quality and durability as 925 sterling silver.
For pieces that will stand the test of time and stay shiny, 925 sterling silver is the way to go. Always look for that “925” stamp on your jewelry to ensure you’re getting the best quality silver available!