Silver jewelry is often discussed generically, but it’s important to note that not all silver jewelry is the same. Silver grades vary in terms of quality, durability, and cost, and it could be an interesting knowledge point for you to get to know their differences. In this article, we will explore the various silver grades available today, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each.
What Are Silver Grades?
The quality and durability of silver jewelry pieces can differ significantly depending on the type of silver used in their creation. Pure silver is seldom used in jewelry due to its softness. It typically consists of 99.9% pure silver with just 0.1% impurities like oxygen, chlorine, and other trace elements. To make silver more suitable for jewelry-making, manufacturers combine it with other metals to create an alloy. This process increases the metal’s durability and can enhance its appearance, making it shinier and more resistant to scratches.
Silver is then classified into different grades based on the ratio of silver to other metals in the alloy. Some grades are superior to others; some producers may use lower-quality alloys as a way to cut costs. However, colorita have always insisted on using high-quality 925 silver as the material in order to provide customers with high-quality jewelry.
The different types of silver used in jewelry:
1. Pure silver (.999)
Otherwise known as fine silver, pure silver features a .999 hallmark. This speaks to its 99.9% silver purity and is renowned for its unique, natural sheen and luster. Unlike some alloys, pure silver will not tarnish and leave marks on wearers. It is, however, remarkably soft and is likely to dent and scratch during use.
That said, there is a demand for fine silver within the handmade jewelry market, where bespoke, one-of-a-kind pieces are sought after.
2. Sterling silver (.925)
Sterling silver is considered the de facto alloy when it comes to silver jewelry making.
It is typically composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, with nickel used by some manufacturers. Copper is added to silver to make it harder so that jewelry can be worn without fear of damage.
Sterling silver also features a much brighter, shinier finish than pure silver. This shiny luster is what most of us associate with silver, as sterling silver is what most US and European jewelry stores stock.
As it contains copper, however, sterling silver will naturally tarnish over time. This dark material is easily removed however and leaves no permanent mark. Due to the processing technology of 925 silver, its brightness and luster are closer to platinum, and its hardness is also better than pure silver. Considering its unique skin friendly and anti allergic properties，Sterling silver is widely regarded as an ideal material for making jewelry.
3. British silver (.958)
Some UK-made silver jewelry may also feature a .958 hallmark. This is commonly known as Britannia silver or British silver and was first introduced in 1697 by the UK parliament. It was originally developed to prevent the melting down of silver coinage but has since found use as tableware and jewelry.
British silver is not commonly used by jewelry manufacturers as it is not as durable as sterling silver, lacks the same sheen, and costs more.
4. Argentium silver (®, .925, .935, .960)
Argentium silver is a collective term for silver alloys that do not tarnish. They all contain at least 92.5% silver, though this ranges as high as 96%. It looks almost the same as sterling silver and has been around since 1998 but is not widely used.
The secret ingredient in Argentium silver is germanium. This is added to silver alongside copper and reduces how much the silver piece will tarnish. It’s a popular choice for wristwatches and other pieces that are worn for extended periods, like bracelets.
Argentium silver is expensive, however. Not only does it usually contain more silver content, but the manufacturing process itself adds considerable expense as it is patented.
5. Silver plated
Silver-plated jewelry is often called costume jewelry and is used purely for aesthetical reasons. The jewelry itself is made from a cheaper metal such as brass or copper and then coated with a very thin layer of sterling silver.
This layer is added with various techniques with electroplating being the most commonly used. This involves submerging the base metal and silver into an electrolyte solution and running a current through both. Through an electrochemical process, positively charged silver molecules then attach themselves to the negatively charged jewelry piece.
This layer is extremely thin — typically 1 to 10 microns thick and allows silver-plated jewelry to remain very cheap to produce.
While silver-plated jewelry can look every bit as glamorous as solid sterling silver pieces, the layer wears off quite easily and is most suited for short-term or infrequent use.
6. Nickel silver
Nickel silver is not actually silver, despite its name. It is, in fact, an alloy made from copper and nickel, which is sometimes substituted by zinc. It is also known as Alpaca silver or German silver.
It was created to create an inexpensive alternative to sterling silver. While it contains no silver, its name refers to its appearance, which is very similar to .925 silver. It is another popular choice for costume jewelry, where aesthetics trumps durability and preciousness.
Resellers should be aware that many people suffer from nickel allergies which can cause a rash and skin irritation. It won’t necessarily feature any kind of hallmark as it is not a graded silver.
7. Coin silver (.900)
A fairly uncommon silver grade is coin silver which was used most in the United States. It features a lower silver-to-copper ratio of 90% and 10%, as it was traditionally made from melted-down coinage. Jewelry made from coin silver, therefore, bears a .900 hallmark.
Coin silver jewelry is now extremely rare and not used by manufacturers on a large scale. It is most commonly found as antiques or used by bespoke jewelry creators.
Conclusion
As the art of jewelry-making continues to evolve, so does the exploration of silver’s diverse forms and applications. Whether it is the classic allure of sterling silver, the contemporary allure of Argentium, or the artistic potential of fine silver, each type contributes to the rich jewelry design. Understanding these variations empowers both creators and consumers to make informed choices, ensuring that the jewelry pieces they cherish not only reflect their personal style. Also, explore the versatility and beauty of silver itself.
As you dive into the world of silver jewelry and personalized items, we urge you to browse the silver collections at Colorita. Our brand brings you top-quality craftsmanship and a range of captivating designs that truly embody the beauty of silver. Explore our collection to find pieces that resonate with you or make meaningful gifts for your loved ones. With Colorita, you are not just getting jewelry – you are getting a piece of the timeless allure that silver offers.
