Tarnish
Sterling silver can tarnish. This surface change is not, by itself, a sign that the piece is imitation or poor quality.
Silver
Bright, versatile, and easy to pair with color.
Silver has a long history in jewelry and decorative objects. Sterling silver combines its luminous appearance with an alloy suited to everyday pieces.
- Chemical symbol
- Ag
- Sterling content
- 92.5% silver
- Common mark
- 925
What sterling silver means
Sterling silver contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, commonly copper. Marks such as “Sterling” or “925” describe the silver content. Silver-plated items instead have a surface layer of silver over another material.
Learn more: FTC: silver jewelry markings
Appearance and value
Craftsmanship
Design, construction, finish, and any gemstones matter alongside the amount of silver. Compare the complete piece rather than metal weight alone.
Care and storage
Store clean, dry silver separately in a soft pouch or suitable anti-tarnish storage. Avoid chlorine and bleach. Use a silver-care product appropriate for the piece, and take special care around gemstones, plating, and intentionally darkened finishes. Over-polishing can remove decorative oxidation.
Learn more: Sterling silver care guide
Find the right piece for you.
We can help you compare materials, choose a gemstone, and understand how to care for your jewelry.