What's the difference between sterling silver and fine silver?

Sterling silver is 92.5% silver with the remaining 7.5% mostly copper, while fine silver is 99.9% pure. The copper in sterling silver makes it noticeably harder and more practical for rings and everyday-wear pieces, since fine silver on its own is too soft to hold its shape well. We stock fine silver too, mainly as bezel wire, where its softness actually helps it wrap tightly around a stone.

Does sterling silver tarnish?

Yes. The copper in sterling silver reacts with sulphur and moisture in the air, which is what causes tarnishing over time. It happens faster in humid climates, near the coast, or if pieces are stored in direct sunlight or an unsealed container.

How do I clean tarnished sterling silver?

A soft polishing cloth handles most everyday tarnish, and for anything more stubborn, a mild abrasive cloth like our 3M or Sunshine polishing cloths will bring the shine back without damaging the metal. Avoid household cleaners or chlorine, since these can react with the silver and make tarnishing worse rather than better. Do you use 3M polishing paper on plated items.

Is sterling silver real silver?

Yes. At 92.5% pure silver, it's a genuine silver alloy, not silver plating or a silver-look substitute. The remaining 7.5% is added deliberately, mostly copper, to give the metal the strength and durability that pure silver alone doesn't have.

Do I need to hallmark sterling silver jewellery?

It depends where you're selling, so it's worth checking what applies in your area. That said, most jewellers stamp with a 925 mark anyway, hallmarking or not, because it's a quick way to tell your customers exactly what they're buying. We stock 925 hallmark stamps if you want to add that to your own pieces.

What are silver casting granules used for?

Casting granules are small pellets of sterling silver, sized specifically for melting down in a crucible for casting or for making your own ingots to roll and draw into sheet or wire. They melt more evenly than scrap or larger offcuts since the pieces are a consistent, manageable size.

925 Sterling Silver Wire, Sheet & Findings

Q: Is sterling silver real silver?

Yes. At 92.5% pure silver, it&#39;s a genuine silver alloy, not silver plating or a silver-look substitute. The remaining 7.5% is added deliberately, mostly copper, to give the metal the strength and durability that pure silver alone doesn&#39;t have.

Q: Do I need to hallmark sterling silver jewellery?

It depends where you&#39;re selling, so it&#39;s worth checking what applies in your area. That said, most jewellers stamp with a 925 mark anyway, hallmarking or not, because it&#39;s a quick way to tell your customers exactly what they&#39;re buying. We stock 925 hallmark stamps if you want to add that to your own pieces.

925 Sterling Silver - Frequently Asked Questions

: Sterling silver is 92.5% silver with the remaining 7.5% mostly copper, while fine silver is 99.9% pure. The copper in sterling silver makes it noticeably harder and more practical for rings and everyday-wear pieces, since fine silver on its own is too soft to hold its shape well. We stock fine silver too, mainly as bezel wire, where its softness actually helps it wrap tightly around a stone.
: Yes. The copper in sterling silver reacts with sulphur and moisture in the air, which is what causes tarnishing over time. It happens faster in humid climates, near the coast, or if pieces are stored in direct sunlight or an unsealed container.
: A soft polishing cloth handles most everyday tarnish, and for anything more stubborn, a mild abrasive cloth like our 3M or Sunshine polishing cloths will bring the shine back without damaging the metal. Avoid household cleaners or chlorine, since these can react with the silver and make tarnishing worse rather than better. Do you use 3M polishing paper on plated items.
: Yes. At 92.5% pure silver, it's a genuine silver alloy, not silver plating or a silver-look substitute. The remaining 7.5% is added deliberately, mostly copper, to give the metal the strength and durability that pure silver alone doesn't have.
: It depends where you're selling, so it's worth checking what applies in your area. That said, most jewellers stamp with a 925 mark anyway, hallmarking or not, because it's a quick way to tell your customers exactly what they're buying. We stock 925 hallmark stamps if you want to add that to your own pieces.
: Casting granules are small pellets of sterling silver, sized specifically for melting down in a crucible for casting or for making your own ingots to roll and draw into sheet or wire. They melt more evenly than scrap or larger offcuts since the pieces are a consistent, manageable size.

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925 Sterling Silver Metals

925 Sterling Silver - Frequently Asked Questions

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925 Sterling Silver Metals

925 Sterling Silver - Frequently Asked Questions

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