About the Types of Silver Used in Jewelry | Linjer Jewelry (2024)

Throughout history, silver has been a beloved metal in the world of jewelry. Its cool-toned shine is timeless, and it's still a popular choice today.! Learn more about the different types of silver used in jewelry, from pure silver to alloys mixed with other metals.

What Is a Silver Alloy?

A silver alloy is a mixture of pure silver with one or more other metals. They are created to increase the strength of pure silver, which is unsuitable for jewelry due to its soft and malleable nature. The most commonly used silver alloy in jewelry is sterling silver which is composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, such as copper and zinc to increase its durability and resistance to wear and tear.

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What Are Quality Marks?

Quality marks on silver jewelry indicate the purity and quality of the silver used in the piece. The most common quality mark is "925”, which signifies that the jewelry is made from sterling silver - an alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. Other quality marks for silver may include “sterling”, “ster”, "999" or "fine silver”, indicating that the piece is made of 99.9% pure silver.

These quality marks on silver jewelry are enforced by regulatory organizations like the Federal Trade Commission in the United Statesto protect consumers from misleading claims. Understanding quality marks is crucial for buyers, as it allows you to make informed decisions and ensure that you get authentic, high-quality pieces that will last.

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Types of Silver

There are many different types of silver available, each with their own unique characteristics and uses. Here is an overview of some of the most common types of silver in the market:

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is the best type of silver for modern jewelry. It is an alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, such as copper. This combination creates a durable and affordable silver option that is also easy to work with. Sterling silver is a popular choice for everyday wear jewelry, such as rings, earrings, and bracelets. To determine if a piece of jewelry is made of sterling silver, look for a “925” stamp on the piece

Pure Silver

Pure silver, also known as fine silver, is the most valuable form of silver that contains 99.9% silver and 0.1% other metals. Fine silver jewelry will usually have a “999” or “FS” mark somewhere on the piece. Due to its high malleability, pure silver is generally not considered a practical option for most jewelry as it is susceptible to deformation, scratches, and dents.

Argentium Silver

Argentium silver is a modern silver alloy that contains small amounts of germanium, making it more tarnish-resistant than traditional sterling silver. It is composed of 93.5% or 96% silver and 3-5.5% copper and 1% metalloid germanium. Look for a “925”, “935”, or “960” mark to identify Argentium silver.

Argentium silver tends to be more expensive than sterling silver due to the higher cost of the raw materials required in its production.

Coin Silver

Coin silver is an alloy of 90% silver and 10% copper. As its name suggests, coin silver was traditionally used for making coins but is now less common in jewelry making. Compared to sterling silver, coin silver has a lower silver content which makes it more prone to tarnishing over time

Silver-Filled

Silver-filled features a layer of silver bonded to a base metal, such as copper or brass, with the silver typically making up 5% or 10% of the total weight. While more affordable than sterling silver, the thin layer of silver is likely to wear off over time, exposing the base metal underneath, leading to discoloration or potential skin allergies.

Silver Plated

Silver plated jewelry is made by electroplating a thin layer of silver onto a base metal, such as copper or nickel. However, the thin layer of silver can wear off over time, exposing the base metal underneath which may cause allergic reactions. Silver plated jewelry is also prone to tarnishing and requires frequent cleaning to maintain its appearance. Silver plated metal is a good choice for one-time-wear costume jewelry or other inexpensive pieces.

Nickel Silver

Nickel silver, also known as German silver, is a silver-colored alloy that does not actually contain silver. It is made from copper, nickel, and zinc and is the less expensive alternative to silver. However, it is not durable or lustrous and its high nickel content can likely cause skin irritation.

Bali, Thai, or Mexican Silver

Bali, Thai, and Mexican silver are known for their intricate designs , often featuring traditional and cultural motifs and patterns. While they are good for unique and culturally-inspired pieces, buyers should be aware of the varying silver content and quality.

Selecting the ideal silver for your jewelry requires an understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of each option. By understanding the composition and properties of each type of silver, buyers can make informed decisions and choose jewelry that best meets their needs.

What Type of Silver Is the Best?

We recommend sterling silver as the top quality choice for jewelry due to its durability, practicality and tarnish resistance. Sterling silver is a perfect blend of affordability and beauty, making it the ideal choice for everyday wear.

Sterling silver offers an unbeatable combination of durability, affordability, and beauty, making it the ideal choice for anyone seeking silver jewelry that will stand the test of time!

Discover our entire collection of sterling silver jewelry and find gorgeous styles that are effortless and timeless. From simple stacking rings to classic hoop earrings, shop our ever-changing styles and silhouettes made in this durable metal!