Understanding Sterling Silver vs Regular Silver: Which is Best for Necklaces and Bracelets?
When it comes to jewelry making, especially for necklaces and bracelets, the choice between sterling silver and regular silver can be quite confusing. The term “regular silver” is more ambiguous, but for the purpose of this discussion, we will focus on sterling silver and its characteristics in comparison to other silver alloys. This article aims to clarify the differences and help you make an informed decision on which type of silver is better suited for your pieces.
What is Sterling Silver?
Sterling silver is a well-known and widely used silver alloy that has its origins in the British silver and copper alloy dating back to King Edward I. Originally, a pound sterling was made of 240 silver alloy pennies, each weighing one pennyweight (24 grains), making a total of 24 pounds sterling per pound of silver. Today, sterling silver is an internationally recognized standard, requiring a minimum of 92.5% pure silver.
The term “sterling silver” does have some flexibility. Legal minds debate whether essentially pure silver, at 9999/10000 (99.99%), can be marked and sold as sterling if a maker or seller chooses to do so. This flexibility is especially relevant in the production of items like hard glass enameled silver pieces.
Historical Context and Variations
Historically, different silver standards varied across regions. In Europe, many areas used the Loth system based on 16 parts, resulting in common silver alloys ranging from 11 to 15 parts out of 16 until the adoption of millesimal notation (750/1000 or 800/1000 as typical legal minimums). Moving into Russia, the Zlotnick system was used, with 84-875/1000 being a common silver alloy during the czarist era.
Properties of Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, primarily copper. This blend adds a significant amount of stiffness to the silver, making it more durable for use in jewelry. However, this added malleability makes it brittle and more prone to tarnishing when compared to some of its purer counterparts.
Comparing Sterling Silver to Regular Silver
The term “regular silver” is not standard and may refer to a range of silver alloys. Sterling silver is only 0.925 pure silver, with added alloys to improve its working properties, especially for jewelry making. The remainder is typically copper, but it can also include other metals depending on the desired properties of the final product.
Choosing which is “better” for your jewelry needs depends on your definition of better. For instance, sterling silver is more durable and easier to work with than pure silver for crafting items like necklaces and bracelets. However, pure silver (9999/10000) is less prone to tarnishing and retains its purity over time, making it a preferred option for items like statues or display pieces.
Conclusion
When deciding on sterling silver or other types of silver for your jewelry, consider the properties and intended use of your pieces. Sterling silver is a practical and widely used alloy in jewelry making due to its durability and ease of working. However, other factors such as cost, tarnishing tendencies, and the specific requirements of the piece should also be taken into account.
By understanding the differences between sterling silver and other silver alloys, you can make a well-informed choice that best suits your jewelry needs.