Silver-Plated vs. Sterling Silver Jewelry: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to silver jewelry, there are a lot of factors to consider beyond just the cost. For instance, which pieces are more durable and of higher quality? Are you looking for pieces with classic appeal or a contemporary flair? Or, to put it simply, which is a better choice in silver-plated vs. sterling silver jewelry?

The answer depends on your personal style, budget, and preferences. For instance, silver-plated jewelry might be better suited for occasional wear or statement pieces like the Trinity of Love Name Necklace. It has a lower upfront cost, and is more versatile. On the other hand, sterling silver jewelry is the ideal choice if you are looking for pieces that stand the test of time. Mighty Dainty explores the nuances that differentiate silver-plated vs. sterling silver below, to help you make informed decisions when you buy your next silver piece of jewelry. 

What Is Silver-Plated Jewelry?

Silver-plated jewelry, like the Skinny Long Bar Bangle, looks and feels luxurious, but without the hefty price tag. However, it might still need to be re-plated eventually to regain its brilliance. Here are some of its characteristics:  

• Silver-plated jewelry contains real silver, but only in its coating instead of its core.
• The process of silver plating involves coating a base metal (typically brass or copper) with a thin layer of silver, which can range from a few microns to a fraction of a millimeter. 
• Since it lacks significant silver content, it is more affordable than sterling silver. 
• It is more likely to chip, scratch, or dull over time as the silver coating wears away, exposing the base metal underneath. It can even turn green in some cases due to external elements.
• The key to longevity is proper cleaning and gentle care, such as avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. It is also crucial to store it in a dry, cool place. 
  
  

What Is Sterling Silver Jewelry? 

The term ’sterling’ originated in medieval England, where it was used to define the standard for silver purity. It is an excellent choice for everyday jewelry pieces, which can even become cherished heirlooms over time. The following are some of its characteristics: 

• Sterling silver is an alloy that contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (like copper, zinc, or nickel) to give it strength and durability, as pure silver is relatively soft and can be easily damaged. 
• Sterling silver is more resistant to dents or scratches compared to silver-plated options. While it is not as hard as other metals like stainless steel, it can withstand regular use without compromising on its unique luster. 
• It can still tarnish over time, but this can be easily removed with a silver polishing cloth or solution to restore its shine. There are also other methods to store and clean sterling silver jewelry to keep it looking its best. 
• Since sterling silver contains a higher composition of pure silver, it has a substantial weight and feel. 
• It typically has a high resale value, which makes it a good potential investment. 
• Its malleable nature allows jewelers to mold it into intricate and beautiful designs.
  
  

Silver-Plated vs. Sterling Silver: Spotting the Differences

There are a few simple ways to distinguish between silver-plated vs. sterling silver jewelry. The easiest method is to check the piece for an authenticity stamp, like on the back of a pendant necklace. Real sterling silver usually has a marking or hallmark that indicates the purity of the silver, such as ’925’, ‘.925’, or ’Sterling’. On the other hand, silver-plated jewelry is often marked with ‘EP’, ‘EPNS’, or ‘A1’.

Another effective way to tell apart silver-plated vs. sterling silver jewelry is the magnet test. Hold up a magnet to the piece and check if it sticks. If it does, it is not made of pure silver or contains a significant amount of other metals. Hence, it is not sterling silver. 

Although this is only a subtle difference, silver-plated jewelry tends to be lighter in color with more shine than sterling silver jewelry. Alternatively, the latter has a heavier feel to it than the former. Silver-plated jewelry is also more likely to cause skin irritation, while sterling silver is hypoallergenic.

Read More: Gold Filled Jewelry – A Guide for Beginners