925 Sterling Silver Jewelry: What is it? Myths and Truths

When it comes to jewelry, 925 Sterling Silver is a name that comes up frequently. It is a term used to describe a type of silver alloy widely used in jewelry making. However, what exactly does “925 Sterling Silver” mean? Why is it so highly valued in the jewelry world? If you love jewelry like we do and are curious to unravel the secrets behind this jewelry giant, you are in the right place.

In this blog post, we will explore the following points in detail :

• What is 925 Sterling Silver?

• Why is 925 sterling silver used for jewelry?

• How good is 925 sterling silver?

• Do these types of jewelry rust?

• Opinions on gold plated jewelry.

• 18K plated sterling silver.

• 14 carat gold plating.

• Vermeil technique.

• Gold plated stainless steel.

• Myths and truths about 925 sterling silver.

Ready? Let's get started!

What is 925 Sterling Silver?

925 Sterling Silver is a silver alloy widely used in the manufacture of high-quality jewelry. The term "925" refers to its composition, indicating that the metal is composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper or other alloy metals. This specific ratio is what gives 925 Sterling Silver its distinctive characteristics.

Why is 925 Sterling Silver used?

The reason this alloy is used instead of pure silver is because silver in its natural state is a very soft and malleable metal, making it prone to scratches and deformations. By adding other metals, such as copper, a more durable and resistant alloy is obtained that retains the aesthetic and shiny properties of silver, but with a greater capacity to withstand daily wear and tear.

Are 925 Sterling Silver Jewelry Good?

Yes, they are of good quality. The number "925" is also an internationally recognized mark of quality. Manufacturers and jewelers use this number to assure consumers that they are purchasing authentic 925 Sterling Silver. The mark is usually engraved on the jewelry pieces, and is a seal of guarantee that the metal used meets established purity standards .

Discover the 925 sterling silver jewelry collection for women

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925 Sterling Silver is valued for its beauty, durability and versatility. It is a popular choice for making rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings and other jewelry, as it combines the timeless elegance of silver with the strength needed to be used in everyday accessories. In addition, it allows for the creation of a wide range of designs and finishes, making it a valued material for both jewelers and lovers of quality jewelry.

Does 925 Sterling Silver rust?

Silver itself is a metal that has a tendency to react with oxygen and other compounds present in the environment, causing an oxide layer to form on the surface of the silver. So, yes. 925 sterling silver can oxidize over time.

This oxidation process can manifest itself as a darkening or blackening of the silver.

It is important to note that oxidation on 925 Sterling Silver does not affect its quality or intrinsic value. Furthermore, the darkening caused by oxidation can be easily cleaned and restored. Many people appreciate the aged or patinated appearance that silver acquires over time, as it gives it a unique and distinctive character.

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To keep 925 Sterling Silver in good condition and reduce oxidation, it is recommended to store the jewelry in a dry place, away from moisture and avoid contact with aggressive chemicals, such as perfumes, creams or detergents.

It is also advisable to clean silver jewelry regularly with products specifically designed for this material, or by using gentle home methods, such as baking soda and warm water or a jewelry polishing cloth.

What to do if jewelry turns green or blackened?

We explain in detail in the article how to clean, restore shine to your jewelry and remove rust .

To learn more about your jewelry, we also recommend reading the article where we tell you all about waterproof jewelry that does not rust , which materials are more and less resistant, and we show you our entire collection of waterproof jewelry.

Opinions on gold plated jewelry

When it comes to gold-plated jewelry, quality and durability can vary depending on the thickness of the gold plating (the micronage), the type of metal base used, and the plating technique. Below we will mention some common types of gold plating and which ones are considered high quality:

18K gold plated silver jewelry:

18K gold is considered high quality due to its higher pure gold content. When plated over a quality metal base, such as 925 sterling silver , it provides a more durable and long-lasting layer of gold.

At By Lia Jewels we use 925 Sterling Silver as a metal base, as it is the best option for gold-plated jewelry in terms of price/quality.

14K Gold Plated Silver Jewelry:

14K gold is also a good choice for plating, although it contains a lower amount of pure gold compared to 18K. However, it is still a durable and quality choice for gold-plated jewelry.

Vermeil

Vermeil is a plating technique that uses a sterling silver base and a thick layer of at least 10 karat gold is applied. This technique offers greater durability and quality compared to thinner gold plating.

Gold plated stainless steel

Gold plated stainless steel is another option for making gold plated jewelry. Stainless steel is an alloy of iron, chromium, and other metals that is known for its durability, resistance to corrosion, rust, and low maintenance. When gold plated, an outer layer of gold is created that provides a shiny, golden appearance similar to that of solid gold jewelry.

In addition to what has already been said, it is important to note that stainless steel is hypoallergenic, which means that it is less likely to cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to other metals. This makes it a great choice for those who have sensitive skin or allergies to common metals in jewelry, such as nickel.

However, it is important to note that gold plating on stainless steel can eventually wear off with time and use. The frequency and degree of wear will depend on factors such as exposure to water, chemicals, and general care of the jewelry. Stainless steel pieces may need to be re-plated with gold in the future to maintain their original golden appearance.

At By Lia we have a special collection of waterproof jewelry , they are stainless steel jewelry plated with 1 micron of gold.

925 Sterling Silver Jewelry: Resolving Myths and Truths

Caring for 925 sterling silver jewelry

In the following article we will tell you everything about how to clean your silver , gold and gold-plated jewelry. But here is a brief summary:

• Store your 925 Sterling Silver jewelry in a dry place away from moisture to prevent oxidation. A jewelry box is the best option to keep your jewelry always protected.

• Avoid direct contact with harsh chemicals such as perfumes, lotions, bleach or cleaning products. If you are going to apply makeup or perfume, try to do so without your jewelry on first and wait a few minutes for the products to dry.
• Remove 925 Sterling Silver jewelry before engaging in strenuous physical activity or tasks that may cause damage, such as sports, cleaning, or gardening.

• Regularly clean your 925 Sterling Silver jewelry with a soft, clean cloth to remove dust and dirt.

• If the jewelry is very dirty, you can soak it in warm water with a little mild soap, scrub gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinse well.

• If you notice that your 925 Sterling Silver jewelry has lost its shine, you can use specific polishing products for silver. In our article on how to clean jewelry we leave a special product to restore shine, which is sold on Amazon and leaves your jewelry new, like the first day.

• If you are not going to wear your 925 Sterling Silver jewelry for a long period of time, store it carefully in a jewelry box where it is not stacked on top of each other, but where each piece of jewelry has its own place and space.

925 Sterling Silver Rings

Discover our entire collection of 925 sterling silver rings, finished in gold or silver.