Sterling Silver is a high quality precious metal that is affordable for most people.
Since pure silver is very soft, it is mixed with another metal and called sterling silver. The .925 signifies that it is 92.5% pure silver plus 7.5% other metal. The question is – what other metal is used & why?
In a higher quality sterling silver, the other metal is usually copper but this can vary. Other metals that can be used are nickle or zinc. Nickle is a common allergen to many people thus causes a reaction when worn (Stone Willow does NOT use a nickle silver combination). The reason another metal is used in combination with pure silver is that pure silver is so soft. The additional metal makes the sterling silver more durable and harder.
Using cheaper base metal or silver plated metals can leave discoloration or staining on the skin. Cheaper base metals can also cause allergic reactions to a high percentage of people – especially when used in piercings. In most cases, sterling silver does not cause reactions but be careful about the additional metal being used such as nickle additive. In a quality sterling silver, the additional metal would be copper.
Sterling Silver is strong and durable. It is not compromised or worn down like silver plated metals. Scratches on plated metal will show a different colour and will tarnish at different rates.
Sterling Silver has a very pretty lustre! It’s like looking at the moon!
Fun Survival Tip: If you soaked your sterling silver jewellery in water, it would kill all the bacteria living in the water and make it safe to drink! What better reason to wear sterling silver?
Fun Facts: The name of the metal is derived from the Greek αργυρος, which means shiny. The name of the pound sterling (£) reflects the fact it originally represented the value of one pound weight of sterling silver.
Ask me how to take care of your sterling silver and how to prevent tarnish.