What are the Differences Between Sterling Silver and Silver Plated?

If you’re shopping for a Sterling Silver necklace, it’s important to know the differences between 925 Sterling Silver and Silver plated.

From durability to colour, there are many differences between Sterling Silver & Silver Plated jewellery. Here’s everything you need to know. We will help you understand what each material is and the benefits and drawbacks so you can make a more informed decision when purchasing your next piece of jewellery.

What is Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver is an alloy, made of 92.5% pure silver, and 7.5% other alloy. These other alloys tend to be copper or zinc. Due to the pure silver constitution, sterling silver is often known as 925 silver. 925 Sterling Silver can be identified quickly due to the unique “925” stamp its pieces carry to show their authenticity.

Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?

While the 92.5% being Silver will not tarnish, the remaining alloy can be susceptible to some tarnishing over time. This tarnishing can be accelerated if the jewellery is exposed to humidity, chlorine, make-up, cleaning product or even excessive sweat.

How To Stop Sterling Silver From Tarnishing?

While it is not possible to completely avoid tarnishing, there are some actions which can be taken to slow the process. These are:

• Wear your sterling silver more. Regular wear actually prevents tarnishing.
• Don’t wear your sterling silver in a chlorine pool.
• Don’t leave your sterling silver jewellery on the bathroom sink. It will likely get coated in toothpaste, makeup, or hairspray.
• Wipe your jewelry with a polishing cloth before you put it away.
• Store your jewellery in a jewellery box to protect it when it is not being worn.

How To Clean Sterling Silver?

To keep your jewellery in the best possible condition cleaning should be performed regularly. You can wipe your jewellery with silver polish and a polishing cloth or gently brush it with warm water, mild soap and a soft toothbrush. A toothbrush with soap is a good option for occasional deep cleanings, but wiping with a polishing cloth is best for regular cleanings because it’s gentler.

When cleaning silver jewellery you want to be gentle, there are a few ways in which to clean silver:

• Take a mild soap in warm water.
• Place your silver rings, bracelets, or necklaces in for a few minutes.
• Taking the pieces out of the water, rub gentle with a soft cloth to remove any surface markings.
• Rinse again in warm water.
• Dry your silver before putting it back safely in your jewellery box.

For less intensive cleaning, simply take a soft jewellery polishing cloth and gently rub away any dirt or debris. For pieces, such as earrings, that house beautiful gemstones it’s best not to submerge them in water as it can loosen the gems causing them to fall out.

Click here to learn more about The Ultimate Guide to Sterling Silver Jewelry Cleaning and Care

Benefits of 925 Sterling Silver

• Durability: Sterling Silver is strong and resistant to scratches and wear. This durability makes it a perfect choice for jewellery pieces that are worn frequently, such as a Sterling Silver photo necklace.
• Hypoallergenic: Sterling Silver is generally safe for those with sensitive skin, as it contains minimal amounts of other metals.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Sterling Silver has a beautiful, lustrous finish that doesn’t tarnish easily. With proper care, it can maintain its shine for a long time.

What is Silver Plated Jewellery?

Silver plated refers to jewellery created by covering a base metal, such as copper or brass, in a very thin layer of sterling silver. The coating can be anywhere from 1 micron to 10 microns thick. This base metal can be more affordable than sterling silver or pure silver, which in turn can lead to a more affordable piece of silver jewellery.

This method of coating a base material with a valuable metal is also seen in gold plated and gold vermeil. Both of which use different plating techniques to coat base metals with gold.

As silver plated jewellery consists of two parts, it does contain real silver, despite not being 100% so. In this way plated silver is real, but only its coating and not its core.

Benefits of Silver Plated Jewellery

• Affordability: Silver plated jewellery is cheaper than Sterling Silver, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.
• Appearance: At first glance, silver plated jewelry can look very similar to Sterling Silver, offering a similar aesthetic at a lower price.

Drawbacks of Silver Plated Jewellery

• Durability: The thin layer of silver can wear off over time, especially with frequent use. Once the silver layer wears away, the base metal becomes exposed, which can lead to tarnishing and skin reactions.
• Maintenance: Silver plated jewellery requires more frequent maintenance to keep its appearance.

Care Tips for Silver Plated Jewellery

• Avoid wearing it in water or exposing it to harsh chemicals.
• Store it separately to prevent scratches and damage.
• Clean it gently with a soft cloth to maintain its appearance.

Making the Right Choice

When choosing between 925 Sterling Silver and Silver plated jewellery, consider your budget, the piece’s intended use, and your personal preferences. If you’re looking for a piece to be worn frequently or a gift for someone special, 925 Sterling Silver will be durable, easy to maintain and long lasting.

By understanding the key differences, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your needs. Whether it’s the enduring quality of 925 Sterling Silver or the affordability of silver plated, the right choice will ensure you enjoy your jewellery for years to come.

5 Differences Between Sterling Silver & Silver Plated Jewellery FAQS

• 1What is the base metal?

  Sterling Silver is pure metal, containing 92.5% pure silver. Whereas Silver Plated jewellery has a coating of silver plate over a metal such as copper or nickel.

• 2Is Sterling Silver hypoallergenic?

  Silver plated vs sterling silver can have a significant difference for those with allergies. As the plated version often contains nickel, it can irritate the skin more than sterling silver. Choose hypoallergenic sterling silver for irritation free wear!

• 3Is there a colour difference between them?

  There are commonly subtle differences in colour between silver plated vs sterling silver. Plated often has a lighter tone than sterling silver.

• 4How durable is Sterling Silver?

  As sterling silver is crafted from a metal alloy, rather than a coating, it is often more durable than its plated counterpart. In the comparison of silver plated vs sterling silver, sterling silver is more durable as the coating of plated silver can wear off with improper care.

• 5Is there a difference in weight?

  Sterling Silver pieces tend to be lighter vs silver plated, as the base metal weighs plated pieces down.