What Is The Difference Between Sterling Silver And Silver Plated Jewelry?

Sterling silver jewelry and plated silver jewelry are the two most common forms of silver jewelry on the market. Both styles of jewelry are different in many ways, but they both offer special qualities and advantages of their own. To help you make an informed choice when buying silver jewelry, we will examine the differences between sterling silver jewelry and silver jewelry that has been plated.

What is Sterling Silver Jewelry?

Sterling silver is a precious metal that contains 7.5% additional metals, usually copper, and 92.5% pure silver. This metal alloy, known as sterling silver, is frequently used to make jewelry, dinnerware, and other decorative products.

Sterling silver has the benefit of being strong and long-lasting, which makes it a popular material for jewelry. The number "925" is frequently used to label sterling silver jewelry to show that it contains 92.5% silver.

What is Plated Silver Jewelry?

Plated silver jewelry, on the other hand, is made by coating a base metal (such as brass or copper) with a thin layer of silver. The process of plating involves electroplating or dipping the base metal into a solution containing dissolved silver ions. The silver adheres to the surface of the metal through an electrochemical process, forming a thin layer of silver that is typically less than 0.5 microns thick.

Plated silver jewelry is often more affordable than sterling silver jewelry, making it a popular choice for those on a budget. However, the thin layer of silver on plated jewelry can wear off over time, revealing the base metal underneath.

Durability

One of the main differences between sterling silver jewelry and plated silver jewelry is their durability. Sterling silver is a durable material that can withstand everyday wear and tear, making it a good choice for jewelry that will be worn frequently. It is also less likely to tarnish than plated silver jewelry.

Plated silver jewelry, on the other hand, is less durable and is more prone to wear and tear. The thin layer of silver on plated jewelry can wear off over time, exposing the base metal underneath. Plated silver jewelry is also more likely to tarnish than sterling silver jewelry, as the base metal can react with the wearer's skin or with other substances in the environment.

Price

Another major difference between sterling silver jewelry and plated silver jewelry is their price. Sterling silver jewelry is generally more expensive than plated silver jewelry, due to the higher cost of the raw materials used to make it. The 92.5% silver content of sterling silver makes it a more valuable material than plated silver, which only has a thin layer of silver coating.

Plated silver jewelry, on the other hand, is more affordable than sterling silver jewelry, making it a popular choice for those on a budget. The lower price point of plated silver jewelry also makes it a good option for trendy or seasonal jewelry that may only be worn for a short period of time.

Appearance

The appearance of sterling silver jewelry and plated silver jewelry can also differ significantly. Sterling silver has a natural, silver-white color that is bright and lustrous. It has a timeless, classic look that is often associated with fine jewelry.

Plated silver jewelry, on the other hand, can have a slightly different appearance depending on the base metal that is used. Plated jewelry made with brass or copper can have a yellowish or reddish tint to it, which can be noticeable as the thin layer of silver wears off over time. Plated silver jewelry can also have a different texture or finish than sterling silver jewelry, depending on how it is made.

Tarnishing

Tarnishing is a common issue that can affect both sterling silver jewelry and plated silver jewelry. Tarnishing occurs when the silver in the jewelry reacts with sulfur compounds in the air, causing the surface of the metal to become discolored and dull.

Sterling silver jewelry is less prone to tarnishing than plated silver jewelry, as the alloy composition of sterling silver contains copper, which can help to prevent tarnishing. However, over time, even sterling silver jewelry can tarnish, especially if it is exposed to sulfur compounds for extended periods of time.

Plated silver jewelry is more likely to tarnish than sterling silver jewelry, as the thin layer of silver coating can wear off over time, exposing the base metal underneath. Once the base metal is exposed, it can react with sulfur compounds in the air, causing the surface of the metal to tarnish.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Both sterling silver jewelry and plated silver jewelry require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them looking their best. Sterling silver jewelry can be cleaned using a silver polishing cloth or a gentle silver cleaner. It is important to avoid using abrasive cleaners or polishing pads, as these can scratch the surface of the metal.

Plated silver jewelry should be cleaned using a soft, non-abrasive cloth and a mild soap solution. It is important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on plated silver jewelry, as these can damage the thin layer of silver coating.

When storing both sterling silver jewelry and plated silver jewelry, it is important to keep them in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and other sources of heat. Jewelry should be stored in a jewelry box or pouch to prevent scratching and tarnishing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several key differences between sterling silver jewelry and plated silver jewelry. Sterling silver jewelry is made from a durable alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, and is less likely to tarnish than plated silver jewelry. It is also more expensive than plated silver jewelry, due to the higher cost of the raw materials used to make it.

Plated silver jewelry, on the other hand, is made by coating a base metal with a thin layer of silver, making it more affordable than sterling silver jewelry. However, plated silver jewelry is less durable than sterling silver jewelry and is more prone to wear and tear. It is also more likely to tarnish over time.

When choosing between sterling silver jewelry and plated silver jewelry, it is important to consider factors such as durability, price, appearance, and maintenance requirements. Ultimately, the choice between these two types of silver jewelry will depend on your personal preferences and budget. Whether you choose sterling silver jewelry or plated silver jewelry, proper cleaning and maintenance can help to ensure that your jewelry looks its best for years to come.