What really is sterling silver?
What is Sterling Silver in Jewellery?
If you love jewellery (and you must, if you follow me!) chances are you know of sterling silver. It’s one of the most popular and versatile materials used in crafting beautiful pieces, in my case pendants and earrings. What exactly is sterling silver and what makes it so special in the world of jewellery?
The Basics: What is Sterling Silver?
Sterling silver isn’t pure silver. In fact, pure silver is quite soft and wouldn’t hold up well to everyday wear. To make it durable enough for jewellery, pure silver is mixed with other metals. This blend is known as an alloy, and for sterling silver, the mix is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. That’s why you see sterling silver jewellery stamped as “925. It’s a reference to that 92.5% silver content. You will notice the “r” and 925 stamp on my pieces. (The “r” is my logo.) It’s important to understand this is THE formula for sterling silver and any other mix is not sterling.
This combination creates a material that is both strong and lustrous, perfect for creating jewellery that can last for years with proper care. Copper helps give sterling silver its strength while allowing it to retain that brilliant shine we all love.
Why Sterling Silver for Jewellery?
One of the top reasons people gravitate towards sterling silver is its beauty. Its natural, bright shine can complement any skin tone, and it pairs beautifully with other metals, gemstones and my iconic vintage & antique buttons. Sterling silver is also incredibly versatile. Because of its relatively affordable price compared to other precious metals like gold or platinum, it’s often used for everyday wear and for experimenting with new designs.
But sterling silver isn’t just about looks. It’s a durable metal, so it can handle a bit of rough and tumble in your daily life. As long as it’s properly cared for, sterling silver jewellery can last for decades, becoming a cherished part of your personal collection.
Caring for Sterling Silver Jewellery
Like all good things, sterling silver needs a bit of love to stay looking its best. Over time, sterling silver can tarnish due to exposure to air and moisture. But don’t worry—it’s easy to clean. You can use a simple polishing cloth or mild cleaning solutions designed for silver to keep your pieces looking fresh and shiny. I provide FREE polishing cloths with all jewellery orders. If you need a new one, let me know and I’ll pop one in the post.
When you’re not wearing your sterling silver jewellery, it’s best to store it in a dry, airtight container to minimize tarnishing. Avoid exposure to chemicals, perfume, household cleaners and salt water as these can speed up the tarnishing process.
My jewellery offers a combination of beauty, durability and affordability which is one of the main reasons I love working with sterling silver. It’s great for anyone who wants stylish, high-quality, one of a kind jewellery without the price of gold or platinum. Mixing silver and gold is increasingly popular-Gone are the days when you had to pick one metal or the other. These days, it’s all about pairing them together. It’s a fun, modern way to add some flair to your look without spending a fortune, and it gives you even more options to play with your style.
Whether you’re adding to your Renée collection, a new customer or picking out a gift, sterling silver is a timeless, versatile choice that never goes out of style.
To view the latest treasures on the website, go here: https://www.reneeblackwelldesign.com/
