Sterling Silver vs. Silver Plated

Here the most brilliant top 15 rings with splendid gems are on sale for you to buy among them some delicate items. In order to be able to make informed decisions, it is important that you understand the difference between sterling silver and sliver-plated jewelry. This post will tell you everything you need to know about sterling silver, including how to distinguish it from silver plated items as well the right way of cleaning your pieces and an overview on what makes something be called a piece of jewelry made in silver.

Sterling Silver — All you need to know

Sterling silver is a metal that consists of 92.5% pure silver and the rest will be other metals in majority copper. While making this combo not only increase the strength and endurance of silver but also make it fit for everyday use. Our sterling silver jewelry from Tmsonbon is built to withstand the test of time, so that it will continue to adorn your life for many years.

This is one of the unique characteristics that make sterling silver hypoallergenic, which in itself could also be beneficial to people with allergies. On top of that, silver also ages well and develops an incredible natural patina after some time making it look warm and elegant for generations. This is what many view as a feature, not necessarily negative — think of it like how an antique piece from centuries ago naturally has patina, showing years of wear and tear; this gives character to the jewelry.

The Way to tell true Silver from silver-plated Jewelries

If only you know what to look for, it can be easy to identify whether an item is sterling silver or simply silver-plated:

• Hallmarks: Most real sterling silver pieces will have a hallmark that identifies its purity, like 925 or sterling. On the other hand, if you see marks of “silver plate” or EP (probably valid for electroplated), they are silver-plated objects and do not have a solid layer but only an external one.

• Weight：Sterling-silver jewelry is often heavier than silver-plated jewelry because of its increased silver content. If a piece feels or seems to be lightweight and flimsy, it is probably silver plated.

• Color & Patina: Sterling silver will develop a natural patina over time, giving it character. Silver Plated — Silver-plating will wear off quickly and expose the base metal underneath.

Clean Your Sterling Silver Jewelry

Your sterling silver jewelry is something that should be treasured and looked after. Making the most of your crafts Here are some ways that you can ensure they look great.

• Do not forget regular wiping: Every time you wear the jewelry, gently dab it with a soft lint-free cloth to clean off dirt and oil.

• Soak: When a deep clean is needed for your sterling silver, soak your jewelry in warm (but not hot!) soapy water for a few minutes. Here you will need a soft brush to loosen dirt and debris in detailed designs.

• Cleaning: Rinse off well with warm water to avoid leaving a soap residue, and wipe dry using the softness of cloth A better surfacer than the paper towels as they can scratch.

• Storage: Sterling silver should be stored in a cool and dry place like fabric pouches or jewellery boxes to reduce tarnishing as well as scratching.

Silver Plated Jewelry?

In this type of jewelry, a thin layer of silver is coated or bonded on another base metal e. g. brass and copper mainly by methods like electroplating etc. These items are marketed as Silver plated Jewelry. Silver plated items resemble sterling silver in appearance and touch, but tend to tarnish more easily so are usually priced lower.

How Long Will Silver Plated Jewelry Last?

Probably the biggest factor that makes silver-plated jewelry ephemeral is how thick a layer of silver it has, along with how frequent it is worn to wear off. Typically silver-plated pieces the will any where between a few months to several years with proper care. The silver layer, however may wear out revealing the base metal after some time.

So the next time you buy jewelry, I hope now you can make a well-informed purchase by knowing its difference. Here at Tmsonbon, you will find a collection of beautiful yet strong sterling silver jewelry that is sure to last for years. Check out our range now, and start adding to your jewelry box!