Ever wondered why sterling silver remains a go-to metal for jewelry lovers around the world? Sterling silver has earned its place as one of the most loved metals, celebrated for its radiant shine, long-lasting durability, and timeless style.
Whether you’re curating a full, stylish collection or choosing your very first piece, understanding what sterling silver is (and how it behaves) helps you shop with confidence and care for your jewelry so it shines for years to come.
What is sterling silver jewelry?
Sterling silver is a metal alloy made from 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. This blend strengthens the naturally soft silver while preserving its beautiful shine and flexibility, making it ideal for everyday jewelry.
As an authoritative reference, the Encyclopedia Britannica explains that silver in its pure state is too soft for most functional uses, which is why alloying it with copper has become the standard for long-lasting jewelry pieces.
Is sterling silver good quality for jewelry?
Sterling silver is considered a high-quality metal for jewelry because it balances beauty, durability, and affordability. For a deeper look at its advantages and drawbacks, see our full guide: pros and cons of sterling silver jewelry.
ADJUSTABLE TENNIS BRACELET
ADJUSTABLE TENNIS BRACELET
$ 110
BAGUETTE HUGGIES
BAGUETTE HUGGIES
$ 65
BUTTERFLY DROP EARRINGS
BUTTERFLY DROP EARRINGS
$ 79
Does sterling silver 925 turn green?
Sometimes the skin beneath sterling silver may show a greenish tint, but this doesn’t mean the jewelry is low quality or “fake.” The discoloration happens because the copper in the alloy can react with:
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Sweat
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Your skin’s natural pH
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Lotions, perfumes, or cosmetics
Institutions like the Canadian Conservation Institute note that metals in alloys can react to humidity and environmental substances, causing temporary color changes. These reactions are normal, harmless, and don’t affect the integrity of the piece.
The green tint is easily removable, and simple cleaning will restore your jewelry’s look without any lasting effects.
How do you clean sterling silver jewelry?
To clean sterling silver jewelry, start by mixing warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap. Soak the piece for a few minutes, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush, and rinse thoroughly. For tarnish, use a paste of baking soda and water, rub lightly, and polish with a microfiber cloth.
2.4 ct. Moissanite SOLITAIRE EARRING
2.4 ct. Moissanite SOLITAIRE EARRING
$ 105
2mm Round Bezel TENNIS BRACELET
2mm Round Bezel TENNIS BRACELET
$ 150
ALL AROUND ETERNITY BAND
ALL AROUND ETERNITY BAND
$ 75
How do you know if jewelry is sterling silver?
You can identify sterling silver by looking for hallmarks such as “925,” “.925,” “92.5,” or the word “sterling.” These markings indicate that the piece is made from an alloy containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals.
If you’re comparing materials or unsure whether your piece might be something else, like steel, our guide sterling silver vs. stainless steel jewelry can help you distinguish them.
Can you shower with sterling silver jewelry?
Occasionally, showering with sterling silver jewelry won’t ruin it, but it’s not ideal. Hot water, soaps, shampoos, and constant humidity can accelerate tarnish.
Studies from the Canadian Conservation Institute show that moisture and certain compounds in water and air increase the speed at which silver tarnishes, so regular exposure in the shower can dull the shine more quickly.
BAMBOO EAR SET- 3 & 2 HOLES
BAMBOO EAR SET- 3 & 2 HOLES
$ 107
CAN OPENER MINI BOX SLIM CHAIN NECKLACE
CAN OPENER MINI BOX SLIM CHAIN NECKLACE
$ 44
BOLD ETERNITY DIAMOND RING
BOLD ETERNITY DIAMOND RING
$ 145
How do you store sterling silver jewelry?
Keep sterling silver pieces in dry, closed spaces, such as small pouches, jewelry boxes, or anti-tarnish bags, to slow oxidation. Avoid bathrooms or areas with high humidity, and store each item separately to prevent scratches.
How long does sterling silver jewelry last?
With proper care, sterling silver can last decades or even generations. The metal doesn’t “expire” or weaken structurally; it simply scratches or tarnishes over time, issues that can be polished away.
If you want even longer-lasting shine, you can compare it with plated options in our guide 925 Silver vs Rhodium Plated Jewelry.
BAMBOO long earrings
BAMBOO long earrings
$ 65
CAN OPENER BOX GOLD CHAIN NECKLACE
CAN OPENER BOX GOLD CHAIN NECKLACE
$ 60
BRIGHT SOLITAIRE SET
BRIGHT SOLITAIRE SET
$ 160
Is there nickel in sterling silver jewelry?
Authentic sterling silver is defined as 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper, not nickel. In principle, it should be nickel-free, making it a good option for people with sensitive skin.
Clinical research on contact dermatitis notes that most metal allergies are linked to nickel exposure, which is why many brands choose alloys like sterling silver that avoid this metal. For more on how silver reacts over time, see sterling silver jewelry tarnish.
Sources:
- Encyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). Silver. In Britannica.com.
- Canadian Conservation Institute. (2007). Silver—Care and tarnish removal (CCI Notes 9/7).
- PubMed – Nickel Allergy Study Kim, Y. Y., Kim, M.-Y., Park, Y. M., Kim, H. O., Koh, C. S., & Lee, H. K. (2008). Evaluating the nickel content in metal alloys and the threshold for nickel-induced allergic contact dermatitis. Allergy, 63(6), 645–651.
