What is nickel silver?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
Nickel silver, also called German silver, is a silver-coloured alloy made from copper, nickel and zinc that contains absolutely no silver. Despite its name and appearance it is a base metal alloy, and the silver-like colour comes from the nickel content. It is used in costume jewellery, cutlery, musical instrument fittings and decorative hardware because it is inexpensive and takes a good shine. For people with nickel sensitivities it is a material to avoid, as the high nickel content is a common cause of contact dermatitis.
Frequently asked questions
- Does nickel silver contain any real silver?
- No, despite the name it contains none. Nickel silver is copper, nickel and zinc, chosen and named for its visual resemblance to silver. This makes it important to distinguish from sterling silver, which is 92.5% real silver.
- Is nickel silver safe to wear?
- For people without nickel sensitivities it is generally wearable, though it may tarnish and discolour more readily than precious metals. For anyone who has had reactions to metal, nickel silver is best avoided as it is one of the more common trigger materials.
- Why is it sometimes called German silver?
- The name German silver came from the European manufacturers, particularly in Germany, who refined and popularised the alloy during the 19th century for cutlery and decorative goods. Both names, nickel silver and German silver, refer to the same material.
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