Whats the difference between silver and sterling silver?
Ive seen stuff on the internet that says silver and some they say sterling silver. Which is better for jewelry
They are the same, almost all 'silver jewellery' is actually sterling silver.
Pure silver (aka 'fine silver') is way too soft to be used for jewellery, as it can be softer than lead when freshly annealed. Sterling Silver is a silver alloy mixture. It is by weight 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper. It was invented in the 12th century and got it's name in England, where it was used as currency. Sterling silver has its drawbacks; unlike pure silver, it tarnishes and is subject to firescale. A few of the newer alloys (like Argentium) use germanium in place of copper, to acheive a brighter, tarnish free appearance.
Sometimes silver is plated to prevent tarnishing. Quality silver is plated with rhodium, a metal similar to platinum and completely resistant to tarnishing. Rhodium is the most expensive precious metal (about $175 per gram) and it costs about $20 to plate a ring. Cheaper silver jewellery is plated with chromium. Chromium looks good at first, but it often cracks. It is also more difficult to repair as it tends to blister when heat is applied, turn pink in cleaning acids (firescale pickling solution), and is very difficult to remove with most professional chemicals. Most silver jewellery from China is chrome plated, and be careful when buying jewellery off eBay.
In short:
Virtually all silver jewellery is sterling silver, as pure silver is too soft to be practical. Beware of chrome-plated silver, as it will be full of problems in the future.
Sterling Silver 'Pirouette' Drop Earrings (Thailand)
US$ 28.99
Gleaming ribbons perform graceful pirouettes in earrings from Aoy in Thailand. Meticulously crafted of sterling silver, these earrings are delightfully modern.
Sterling Silver 'Hollow Bell' Hoop Earrings (Thailand)
US$ 32.19
This jewelry pairs contemporary Thai style and classic Eastern motifs for a stylish look. Handmade of sterling silver, these earrings shaped to look like bells, hanging gracefully to adorn any outfit.
US $34.95
