What is silver in jewellery?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
Silver is a precious metal prized for its bright, cool-white lustre and the highest reflectivity of any metal, which makes it ideal for jewellery. In its pure form silver is too soft to hold a shape, so almost all silver jewellery is made from sterling silver, an alloy of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper that is strong enough for everyday wear. Silver is more affordable than gold or platinum, widely used for rings, chains, earrings and pendants, and it has been worked by jewellers for thousands of years.
Frequently asked questions
- Does silver jewellery tarnish?
- Yes, silver reacts with sulphur compounds in the air and on skin, which gradually darkens the surface. It is easy to clean with a soft cloth or silver polish, and storing pieces in an airtight bag when not worn slows tarnishing significantly.
- What is the difference between silver and sterling silver?
- Pure silver is 99.9% silver but too soft for most jewellery. Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver alloyed with copper, which makes it durable enough to wear daily. Almost all silver jewellery sold as fine jewellery is sterling silver, stamped 925.
- Is silver a precious metal?
- Yes, silver is classified as a precious metal alongside gold and platinum. It is rarer than base metals and has real intrinsic value, though it is considerably more affordable than gold, which makes it very popular for fine jewellery.
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Tell us what you have in mind, even if it is only a budget and a piece of jewellery type, and we will help you weigh up the options. We reply to every enquiry, usually within one business day.
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