The Complete Guide to Sterling Silver Jewellery

The Complete Guide to Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver jewellery has been treasured for centuries for its timeless beauty, versatility, and lasting quality. Whether you're searching for a meaningful gift, adding to your own jewellery collection, or simply curious about what "925" means, understanding sterling silver can help you make informed choices when looking to buy.

At Raven & Pearl, I believe jewellery should be both beautiful and made to last, which is why many of my carefully curated pieces feature vintage silver.

 

WHAT IS STERLING SILVER?

Sterling silver is a precious metal alloy made from 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, most commonly copper. Pure silver (99.9%) is naturally very soft, making it unsuitable for everyday jewellery. By adding a small amount of copper, sterling silver becomes much stronger, whilst maintaining its beautiful bright white finish.


WHY CHOOSE STERLING SILVER JEWELLERY?

It won't lose its colour

Although silver does tarnish if not worn regularly, it can be easily buffed with a soft polishing cloth to bring back its bright white colour. Unlike a lot of plated costume jewellery that wears away over time (often turning your skin that spooky green colour!), sterling silver, and gold, will always have your back.

Unlike rust, tarnishing is a natural chemical reaction between the silver and sulphur compounds found in the air. Moisture, perfumes, cosmetics, household cleaning products,

Excellent Value

Sterling silver offers the luxury of a precious metal without the high price tag of gold or platinum.

Suitable for Sensitive Skin

High-quality sterling silver is generally considered hypoallergenic, as it does not contain nickel. 

 

HOW TO CLEAN STERLING SILVER JEWELLERY

Tarnishing is a natural chemical reaction that occurs when silver is exposed to sulphur compounds in the air, and can often be accelerated with perfumes, cosmetics, household cleaning products, etc. You don't need any expensive cleaning products to clean silver jewellery, and you can do it yourself in the comfort of your own home!

For Light Tarnishing

  1. Wash with warm water and a few drops of mild washing-up liquid.

  2. Use a soft microfibre cloth to gently clean the surface.

  3. Rinse thoroughly.

  4. Dry immediately with a clean soft cloth.

For Heavier Tarnish

Use a specialist silver polishing cloth designed for sterling silver. These cloths safely remove tarnish while restoring shine without scratching the metal.

Avoid using abrasive cleaners, toothpaste, or rough brushes, as these can damage polished finishes and gemstones.

If your jewellery contains pearls or marcasite, clean these areas gently and avoid soaking them in water or using harsh chemical cleaners.

 

HOW TO PREVENT SILVER FROM TARNISHING

A few simple habits can keep your jewellery looking beautiful for much longer:

  • Store jewellery in an airtight pouch or jewellery box

  • Remove jewellery before swimming or showering

  • Apply perfume, hairspray, and lotions before putting any jewellery on

  • Wipe jewellery with a soft cloth after wearing it

Interestingly, sterling silver actually benefits from being worn regularly, as gentle friction from clothing and skin helps reduce the tarnish from building up.

 

HOW LONG DOES STERLING SILVER LAST?

One of sterling silver's greatest advantages is its longevity.

Unlike plated jewellery, which can wear away over time, sterling silver is a solid precious metal throughout. With occasional polishing and proper care, quality sterling silver jewellery can last a lifetime.

Many vintage sterling silver pieces remain in excellent condition after several decades, making them highly sought after by collectors.

 

STERLING SILVER VS. PLATED JEWELLERY

Although they can look similar when new, there are important differences.

Sterling Silver Silver-Plated
Solid precious metal Thin layer of silver over an unknown base metal
Can be polished repeatedly Plating eventually wears away
Lasts for decades Typically shorter lifespan
Higher long-term value Lower initial cost
Easier to repair Difficult to restore once plating wears

 

If you're looking for jewellery that can be worn and enjoyed for years, sterling silver is usually the better long-term investment when compared with plated costume jewellery.

 

WHY I LOVE SILVER JEWELLERY

At Raven & Pearl, vintage silver and gold will always be at the forefront when I am searching for my next pieces to sell. I believe in the importance of preserving timeless design, quality craftsmanship, and jewellery that can be treasured for years to come. In a world of fast fashion, vintage and pre-owned sterling silver is a conscious purchase that will not need replacing if it is cared for properly.

Whether you're searching for a thoughtful gift, or adding something special to your own collection, sterling silver offers beauty, durability, and enduring style.

Browse my current selection of antique, vintage and later pre-loved SILVER JEWELLERY here ✨

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