Cheap sterling silver sure is tempting. But is cheap silver jewelry safe to buy? I’m wearing my favorite sterling silver ring while writing this piece, and I assure you silver is a beautiful metal for jewelry. Cheap doesn’t have to be a four-letter word! Let’s dispel these misconceptions and discuss what to look for before you make your next purchase.
What is sterling silver?
Sterling silver is a type of silver that is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. Copper helps harden the metal, making it durable without sacrificing its shine. We use it to make jewelry, silverware, and other decorative items. The US standard for sterling silver is 925, which indicates that 925 parts per thousand are pure silver!
The history of sterling silver dates to the 12th century, when silver became a popular metal for making coins and other items. The term sterling silver comes from the Old Norman word “esterling,” which means little star. “Esterling” is where we get the word sterling to describe sterling silver.
In medieval Europe, producing silverware and other items made from sterling silver became a major industry. Silver shows up in everything from religious objects and personal adornments to tableware and decorative items. Over time, the demand for silver grew, and the metal became increasingly valuable.
In the 19th century, the industrial revolution brought new advances in manufacturing, making it possible to produce large quantities of silver items more efficiently. The rise of mass production also led to the growth of the middle class, who was interested in purchasing affordable silver items for their homes. As a result, sterling silver became popular as a cheaper alternative to solid silver.
Today, sterling silver is still widely used for various purposes, including jewelry, silverware, and other decorative items. Despite its long history, sterling silver continues to evolve, with new designs and manufacturing techniques always cropping up.
There are other types of silver out there too. Coin silver is 900 parts per thousand pure silver. As the name suggests, it’s for minting coins. Jewelry may also be silver plated, which is also called silver coating. These products won’t have a sterling silver hallmark.
Silvertone is a name for silver-colored jewelry that may not contain silver. We use it for costume jewelry or fashion jewelry. Silvertone is very popular for jewelry under $10.
How do you identify sterling silver?
There are a few ways to identify sterling silver. Here are some tests anyone can perform.
Look for a hallmark or stamp. Sterling silver will often have a hallmark or stamp, such as “925” or “sterling,” indicating its purity. In the US, it should have a quality mark to tell the metal and a trademark to show the manufacturer. At Shop LC, we use several hallmarks to establish our brands, such as D’joy, RHAPSODY, ILIANA, LUXORO, and others.
Check the color and weight. Sterling silver is a bright white color and is relatively heavy compared to other types of silver. Polished silver will have a whiter metallic sheen than other metals like platinum, white gold, or stainless steel. It’s half as dense as gold and platinum so it won’t be as hefty.
Magnets. Sterling silver is not magnetic. Some other metals are magnetic. You can use a magnet to check whether the item is sterling silver. You should feel the magnet’s pull when it’s placed near the jewelry if it’s magnetic.
While these tests are a great place to start, it’s always better to consult a professional appraiser or jeweler if you’re trying to evaluate a specific piece. In the US, jewelry must have a hallmark indicating its maker and the purity of the metal (for precious metals). Reputable sellers like Shop LC will proudly display this information on their products.
Why is sterling silver so cheap?
Sterling silver is inexpensive compared to other precious metals like gold and platinum. It is an alloy made up of a mixture of metals, with silver being the main component. The other metals typically used to make sterling silver, such as copper, are much less expensive than silver. Silver is also more abundant than other precious metals, which helps keep the price down.
Another factor contributing to the lower cost of sterling silver is that it is not as durable as other metals. Hence, it requires more maintenance and is more prone to tarnishing. Sulfur in the air can react with silver to form silver sulfide – known as tarnish. You know what I mean if you’ve ever polished granny’s silver!
Finally, the market supply and demand also affect the cost of silver. When the need for silver is high, the price goes up; when the demand is low, the price will be low. This supply and demand are why the price of silver fluctuates over time.
Will sterling silver last a lifetime?
Sterling silver can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. However, it is less durable than other metals, such as gold or platinum. It is more prone to tarnishing and scratching.
To ensure that your sterling silver lasts a lifetime, keep it clean and store it properly. It is a good idea to clean your sterling silver regularly using mild soap and water or a specialized silver cleaning solution.
Avoid using abrasive materials or chemicals, as they can scratch or damage the silver. Products like toothpaste might clean silver but can create abrasions on the metal’s surface over time. It’s a popular hack, but don’t hack up your jewelry!
It would be best if you also were careful not to expose your sterling silver to extreme temperatures, as these can cause damage or discoloration.
When not in use, it’s best to store your sterling silver in an airtight container or a tarnish-proof bag to protect it from the elements. You can also keep it in a jewelry box or a cloth pouch.
It’s also worth noting that, despite the best care, the copper in the alloy can react with the air and cause the silver to tarnish over time. Some people may prefer the patina that develops over time. Still, if you like to keep the original shine you will have to polish it more often.
Which sterling silver is best?
The best type of sterling silver is made of the highest-quality materials and crafted to the highest quality standards.
When looking for sterling silver, look for items that are marked with a “925,” “sterling silver,” or “sterling” hallmark, indicating that the silver is 92.5% pure. Additionally, look for items crafted by reputable manufacturers or designers, as these are more likely to be made of high-quality materials and to have been prepared to the highest standards.
Also, it’s worth noting that some sterling silver is plated with rhodium or gold, which can add to its appearance and durability. Most sterling silver jewelry from Shop LC includes a rhodium finish.
Regarding craftsmanship, it’s also essential to look for items that have been finished to a high standard. This means there are no rough edges, the jewelry is symmetrical, and the pieces fit together well.
Cheap Sterling Silver at Shop LC
As we’ve learned, cheap sterling silver doesn’t mean low quality! We’re taking it a step further. At Shop LC, most jewelry we make most of the jewelry we sell in our factories. They are Platinum LEED Certified and utilize industry-leading practices such as using solar energy and recycled water.
Doing so allows us to deliver superior quality at a fraction of the price. And when the traditional retail markup is 100 to 300 percent, those savings can be enormous!
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