What is Sterling Silver? Everything You Need to Know
Have you ever shopped for jewellery and wondered what sterling silver actually is, how it differs from pure silver, why it's stamped 925, and whether it's the right choice for you? This guide covers everything you need to know. Sterling silver is one of the most widely used precious metals in jewellery making, and for good reason. Understanding what it is and how it behaves will help you make more confident choices when buying, wearing, and caring for your jewellery.
What is Sterling Silver?
Sterling silver is a precious metal alloy composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. This specific ratio is the internationally recognised standard for sterling silver, and is the reason you'll usually see sterling silver jewellery stamped with the hallmark 925.
Pure silver - known as fine silver - is a beautiful but impractical material for everyday jewellery. In its pure form, silver is extremely soft and malleable, which means it bends, scratches, and loses its shape easily under the normal pressures of daily wear. The addition of copper hardens the metal considerably, giving it the durability and resilience required for jewellery that is worn and handled regularly, while preserving the bright, lustrous appearance that makes silver so desirable.
The result is a metal that is strong enough to be worn every day, workable enough to be shaped into fine detail by skilled silversmiths, and beautiful enough to be treasured for a lifetime. At Rebecca Cordingley Jewellery, every piece in our collection is crafted from solid 925 sterling silver - from our cuff bracelets and bangles to our fidget rings, earrings, necklaces and wedding bands.
What Does 925 Mean on Silver Jewellery?
The stamp 925 is the hallmark for sterling silver. It indicates that the piece contains 92.5% pure silver - the internationally recognised minimum standard for jewellery to be classified as sterling silver. You may see this stamp inside a ring band, on the clasp of a necklace, or on the back of an earring.
If a piece of jewellery does not carry a 925 hallmark, it may be silver-plated, silver-toned, or made from a lower-grade alloy. Always look for the 925 stamp when purchasing silver jewellery to confirm you are buying genuine sterling silver rather than an imitation.
At Rebecca Cordingley Jewellery, every piece we make is stamped 925 and crafted from solid sterling silver - not plated, not silver filled and not silver-toned base metals. When you buy from us, you can be confident you know exactly what you're getting.
Sterling Silver vs Fine Silver: What's the Difference?
Fine silver is pure silver - 99.9% silver with no alloying metals. While it has a slightly brighter, whiter appearance than sterling silver, it is far too soft for most jewellery applications. Fine silver scratches and dents easily, loses its shape under pressure, and is difficult to work with for intricate designs. It is occasionally used for very delicate pieces or for specific applications such as precious metal clay, but it is not practical for rings, bracelets, or other jewellery that will be worn regularly.
Sterling silver, with its 7.5% copper content, strikes the perfect balance between the beauty of pure silver and the practical durability required for everyday jewellery. This is why sterling silver is the global standard for silver jewellery.
Sterling Silver vs Silver-Plated Jewellery: What's the Difference?
This is one of the most important distinctions to understand when shopping for silver jewellery.
Sterling silver is a solid precious metal alloy. A sterling silver ring will look and perform the same whether you've had it for one year or twenty, provided it is cared for properly.
Silver-plated jewellery is made from a base metal - often brass, copper, or zinc - with a very thin layer of silver applied to the surface using an electroplating process. This silver coating is typically just a few microns thick. Over time, with regular wear, the plating wears away to expose the base metal beneath - often resulting in discolouration, skin reactions, and a significant deterioration in appearance.
Silver-plated jewellery may look similar to sterling silver when new, and it is typically much cheaper, but it is not a long-term investment. Sterling silver, by contrast, retains its quality and appearance indefinitely with proper care and is always the better choice for jewellery you intend to wear regularly or keep for years.
What Does Sterling Silver Look Like?
Sterling silver has a warm, bright, white-metallic appearance with a natural depth and luminosity that distinguishes it from cheaper alternatives. It can be finished in a number of ways depending on the desired aesthetic:
High polish - buffed to a bright mirror-like shine, this is the most classic sterling silver finish and is the most reflective and eye-catching.
Brushed or matte - a fine-grained satin texture that diffuses light rather than reflecting it, giving a softer, more understated appearance. This finish is popular in contemporary and minimalist jewellery design.
Hammered - small indentations created by hammering the surface of the metal, giving a textured, organic appearance that catches light beautifully. A hallmark of handmade silversmithing.
Oxidised - sterling silver can be treated with a sulphur-based solution to deliberately darken the surface, creating dramatic contrast and depth. Oxidised silver has a rich, dark patina that gives jewellery a distinctly bold and organic character. Browse our oxidised sterling silver pieces to see this finish in our collection.
This versatility is one of the reasons sterling silver is so highly valued by jewellery makers - it responds beautifully to a wide range of techniques and finishes, making it suitable for everything from delicate, minimalist designs to bold, sculptural statement pieces.
Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?
Yes - tarnishing is a natural and completely normal characteristic of sterling silver. Over time, when sterling silver is exposed to air and moisture, a thin layer of silver sulphide forms on the surface, causing it to darken gradually from a light yellow, to amber, to a deeper grey or black if left unattended for an extended period.
Tarnish is not damage, and it is not a sign of poor quality. It is simply a surface reaction and it is easily reversed. A few minutes with a silver polishing cloth will restore most tarnished pieces to a bright shine.
Several factors accelerate tarnishing, including humidity, exposure to chemicals such as perfume and chlorine, and infrequent wear. Conversely, wearing your sterling silver jewellery regularly actually helps slow tarnishing - the natural oils in your skin maintain the metal's lustre and reduce oxidation.
For a detailed guide on preventing and removing tarnish, read our article on how to care for sterling silver jewellery.
Is Sterling Silver Good for Sensitive Skin?
For most people, yes. High-quality sterling silver made with copper as the alloying metal is generally well tolerated by those with sensitive skin, and is a far safer choice than many fashion or costume jewellery metals.
The small percentage of copper in sterling silver very occasionally causes a reaction in people with a specific copper sensitivity, though this is uncommon. If you have experienced reactions to jewellery in the past, sterling silver is typically one of the safer options available in this price range, particularly compared to base metal alloys or nickel-containing stainless steel.
All Rebecca Cordingley jewellery is made from solid 925 sterling silver with no additional coatings or platings that could irritate the skin. Our sterling silver earrings are a popular choice for customers with sensitive ears who struggle to wear fashion jewellery.
Why Choose Sterling Silver Jewellery?
Sterling silver offers a rare combination of qualities that few other jewellery materials can match at its price point:
Precious metal value - sterling silver is a genuine precious metal with real market value, unlike base metal alloys or stainless steel.
Lasting beauty - with proper care, sterling silver jewellery retains its appearance for a lifetime and can be polished back to a bright shine even after years of wear.
Workability - sterling silver is the preferred material of skilled silversmiths worldwide because of how well it responds to forming, texturing, and finishing. This is what makes truly detailed, handcrafted jewellery possible.
Versatility - sterling silver suits every style, occasion, and age. It can be classic or contemporary, bold or understated, polished or oxidised.
Value for money - compared to gold or platinum, sterling silver delivers genuine precious metal quality at an accessible price point.
Shop Handmade Sterling Silver Jewellery in Australia
At Rebecca Cordingley Jewellery, we specialise in handmade sterling silver jewellery for men and women, crafted individually in our South Australian studio and shipped across Australia and to over 50 countries worldwide. Every piece is made from solid 925 sterling silver using traditional silversmithing techniques — no mass production, no shortcuts.
Explore our full collection of sterling silver rings, fidget rings, stacking rings, cuff bracelets and bangles, earrings, necklaces and wedding bands - each one made by hand and built to last.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sterling silver made of?
Sterling silver is an alloy composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, most commonly copper. The copper content hardens the silver, making it durable enough for everyday jewellery while preserving its beautiful, bright appearance.
What does 925 mean on silver jewellery?
The hallmark 925 indicates that a piece of jewellery is made from sterling silver - 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloying metal. It is the internationally recognised standard for sterling silver and confirms that the piece is genuine precious metal rather than silver-plated or silver-toned.
Is sterling silver real silver?
Yes. Sterling silver is a genuine precious metal alloy containing 92.5% pure silver. It is not the same as fine silver, which is 99.9% pure, but it is far more practical for jewellery due to its greater durability. Sterling silver is the global standard for silver jewellery.
Does sterling silver tarnish?
Yes, sterling silver tarnishes naturally over time when exposed to air and moisture. Tarnish appears as a gradual darkening of the surface and is easily removed with a silver polishing cloth. It is not permanent damage - regular wear and simple care will keep sterling silver looking beautiful.
Is sterling silver the same as silver-plated?
No. Sterling silver is a solid precious metal alloy throughout the entire piece. Silver-plated jewellery has a base metal core with only a very thin surface coating of silver that wears away over time. Sterling silver is significantly more durable, longer lasting, and more valuable than silver-plated jewellery.
Is sterling silver good for sensitive skin?
For most people, yes. Sterling silver made with copper as the alloying metal is generally well tolerated by those with sensitive skin and is a safer choice than many fashion jewellery metals. It is a good option for people who experience reactions to base metal or nickel-containing jewellery.
How long does sterling silver jewellery last?
With proper care, sterling silver jewellery can last a lifetime. The metal does not degrade and can be polished back to a bright shine even after years of wear. Many sterling silver pieces become family heirlooms passed down through generations.