What is the Difference Between Silver and Sterling Silver?

Silver and sterling silver are both types of silver, but they have some key differences:

1. Purity: Silver, also known as fine silver, is 99.9% pure silver. Sterling silver, on the other hand, is an alloy made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper.
2. Durability and Strength: Sterling silver is more durable and stronger than pure silver due to the presence of other metals, particularly copper, in its composition.
3. Malleability: Fine silver is generally too soft and malleable for most uses, including making silver jewelry. Sterling silver, with its added copper, is harder and more durable, making it a better choice for jewelry.
4. Tarnishing: Sterling silver tarnishes more easily than pure silver due to the copper content. Tarnishing can be avoided by keeping the jewelry in a dry environment and cleaning it regularly.
5. Price: Sterling silver is usually less expensive than pure or fine silver. This is because the added metals, such as copper, are less expensive than the pure silver content.
6. Jewelry: Most silver jewelry is made from sterling silver, not pure silver, due to its durability and better workability.

In summary, the main differences between silver and sterling silver are their purity, durability, malleability, tarnishing, price, and common uses. While silver is a pure element, sterling silver is an alloy that combines silver with other metals to improve its strength and durability, making it a popular choice for jewelry.

Comparative Table: Silver vs Sterling Silver

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between silver and sterling silver:

Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of other metals, usually copper, which gives it strength and durability. In contrast, pure silver is soft and malleable, making it difficult to shape properly and more prone to damage. Sterling silver items are generally more expensive than pure silver items due to their higher purity and durability.