Silver vs Sterling Silver Necklaces: Key Differences Explained

Pure Silver vs Sterling Silver: The Fundamental Difference

When you see simply "silver" on a jewellery tag, it could refer to pure silver (99.9% silver content, also called fine silver) or, more commonly, it might be a vague term for silver-coloured metal that contains little or no actual silver.

Sterling silver, however, has a specific definition: it's an alloy containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper). This precise composition gives sterling silver its renowned balance of beauty and durability, making it the gold standard (ironically!) for silver jewellery.

At Ella & Eve, our necklaces and other jewellery pieces are crafted from genuine sterling silver, ensuring you receive a quality piece that maintains its beauty while standing up to daily wear.

Composition and Purity: What's in Your Silver?

Pure silver (fine silver) is 99.9% silver content, making it incredibly soft and malleable. While beautifully lustrous, this softness makes it impractical for everyday jewellery that needs to maintain its shape and resist damage.

Sterling silver's 92.5% silver content (hence the common stamp "925") strikes the perfect balance. The additional 7.5% is typically copper, though sometimes includes zinc, nickel, or other metals. This composition is why sterling silver is sometimes referred to as "925 silver."

The copper in sterling silver significantly increases its strength while maintaining the beautiful white lustre that makes silver so desirable. This makes sterling silver ideal for intricate designs in necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that need to keep their shape.

Be wary of terms like "silver-plated" or "silver-tone," which indicate only a thin coating of silver over a base metal, offering the look of silver without the quality or longevity of sterling silver.

Durability and Strength: Built to Last

The durability difference between pure silver and sterling silver is significant and directly impacts how your jewellery will hold up over time:

• Pure Silver: Extremely soft and malleable, pure silver can bend, scratch, and deform easily. A pure silver necklace would quickly lose its shape with regular wear.
• Sterling Silver: The added copper creates a much stronger metal that retains its shape and resists damage. Sterling silver can withstand daily wear while maintaining intricate details and designs.

This enhanced durability is why sterling silver is the standard for quality silver jewellery. When you invest in an Ella & Eve sterling silver necklace or bracelet, you're getting a piece designed to maintain its beauty through years of wear.

For those who prefer gold tones, we also offer beautiful gold necklaces and gold bracelets that provide the same quality and durability you expect from Ella & Eve.

Appearance and Shine: The Visual Difference

Both pure silver and sterling silver offer that coveted bright, white lustre that makes silver jewellery so versatile and appealing. However, there are subtle differences worth noting:

• Pure Silver: Has a slightly brighter, whiter appearance but is rarely used in jewellery due to its softness.
• Sterling Silver: Offers a very similar bright white shine that's virtually indistinguishable to the untrained eye. The slight difference is a worthwhile trade-off for the significantly improved durability.

Sterling silver's ability to be polished to a high shine makes it perfect for both statement pieces and everyday wear. Its versatile appearance complements all skin tones and pairs beautifully with any outfit or occasion.

Our Ella & Eve necklaces showcase this beautiful lustre, whether in minimalist designs or more elaborate styles. For those who prefer warmer tones, our gold necklaces offer the same quality with a different aesthetic appeal.

Tarnishing and Maintenance: Keeping Your Silver Beautiful

All silver, whether pure or sterling, will naturally tarnish over time when exposed to air and certain substances. Tarnish is a chemical reaction that creates a darkened layer on the surface of the silver.

Sterling silver may tarnish slightly faster than pure silver due to the copper content, but this difference is minimal compared to the durability benefits you gain. The good news is that tarnish is only a surface issue and can be easily addressed:

• Regular Wear: Wearing your sterling silver jewellery regularly actually helps reduce tarnishing, as the natural oils in your skin help keep the silver clean.
• Simple Cleaning: A soft polishing cloth is usually all you need to restore shine to lightly tarnished pieces.
• Proper Storage: Store your silver in a cool, dry place, ideally in an anti-tarnish bag or cloth when not being worn.
• Avoid Chemicals: Remove your silver jewellery before swimming, showering, or applying cosmetics to prevent accelerated tarnishing.

With minimal care, your sterling silver necklaces, earrings, and other pieces will maintain their beautiful shine for years to come.

Value and Investment: What You're Really Paying For

Understanding the value difference between various silver types helps you make an informed purchase:

• Pure Silver: Has a higher intrinsic metal value due to its 99.9% silver content, but its impracticality for jewellery means you rarely find it in wearable pieces.
• Sterling Silver: Offers the best combination of silver content (92.5%) and durability, making it more valuable for jewellery that will be worn and treasured for years.
• Silver-Plated: Significantly less valuable as it contains only a thin layer of silver over a base metal. These pieces often wear down quickly, revealing the base metal underneath.

Sterling silver represents an excellent value proposition – you get the beautiful appearance of silver in a form that's durable enough for everyday wear. While not as costly as gold, sterling silver is a genuine precious metal with intrinsic value that can last for generations with proper care.

At Ella & Eve, we believe in offering fair prices for genuine sterling silver jewellery, making luxury accessible without compromising on quality.

Hallmarks and Authenticity: How to Identify Quality Silver

One of the most reliable ways to distinguish between different types of silver is through hallmarks – small stamps that indicate metal content and origin:

• Sterling Silver: Look for marks such as "925," "Sterling," "S/S," or "STG" – these indicate genuine sterling silver with 92.5% silver content.
• Pure Silver: May be marked as "999" or "Fine Silver" to indicate 99.9% purity.
• Silver-Plated: Often marked as "EPNS" (Electroplated Nickel Silver), "Silver-Plated," or may have no silver-related markings at all.

All Ella & Eve sterling silver jewellery carries appropriate hallmarks, guaranteeing the authenticity and quality of your purchase. These hallmarks are your assurance that you're receiving genuine sterling silver, not a lower-quality alternative.

Beyond hallmarks, quality sterling silver has a distinctive weight and feel – it's heavier than silver-plated items and has a certain coolness to the touch that's characteristic of precious metals.

Choosing the Right Silver Necklace for You

When selecting between silver options for your next necklace, consider these factors:

• Intended Use: For everyday wear, sterling silver offers the durability you need. For special occasions only, silver-plated might suffice if budget is a concern.
• Skin Sensitivity: Sterling silver is generally hypoallergenic for most people, though those with extreme sensitivity to copper might need to consider alternatives.
• Budget: Sterling silver represents the best value proposition, balancing quality with affordability. Pure silver jewellery (if you can find it) would be more expensive and less practical.
• Longevity: If you want a piece to last for years or even become an heirloom, sterling silver is the clear choice.

At Ella & Eve, we offer a diverse collection of sterling silver necklaces to suit every style and occasion. From delicate pendants to statement pieces, each is crafted from genuine sterling silver for lasting beauty.

We also offer beautiful options in gold necklaces, gold earrings, and gold anklets for those who prefer a warmer tone in their jewellery collection.

Your Silver Jewellery Questions Answered

Is sterling silver real silver?

Yes, sterling silver is real silver. It contains 92.5% pure silver, with the remaining 7.5% usually being copper or other metals added for strength and durability.

Will sterling silver turn my skin green?

High-quality sterling silver rarely turns skin green. This reaction is typically caused by the copper content reacting with skin acids and varies from person to person. Keeping your silver clean and dry reduces the likelihood of any skin discoloration.

How can I tell if my necklace is sterling silver or silver-plated?

Look for hallmarks like "925," "Sterling," or "S/S" which indicate sterling silver. Silver-plated items may be marked "EPNS" or "Silver-Plated." Sterling silver also feels heavier, cooler to the touch, and doesn't show wear patterns revealing a different colored metal underneath.

Discover Beautiful Sterling Silver at Ella & Eve

Now that you understand the difference between silver and sterling silver, you can shop with confidence. Sterling silver offers the perfect balance of beauty, durability, and value – making it the ideal choice for jewellery you'll treasure for years to come.

Browse our collection of stunning sterling silver necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and anklets – each piece crafted with care and attention to detail.