Fine Silver vs. Sterling Silver—Which One To Pick?

As exquisite as it is timeless, silver jewelry dates back centuries! In Ancient Egypt, kings, queens, pharaohs, and a selected elite class wore silver jewelry to stand away from common crowds, which continued until the Victorian Era. Post the Industrial Era, silver began to reach the working class, which marked a significant shift in how the concept of jewelry was perceived across the globe. In ancient times, amulets were used to keep bad luck and illness at a distance; a few decades later, they were used to denote human connection & communication, and in recent times jewelry is seen mainly as an artistic expression.

Pure silver metal is very soft, which is why sterling silver and oxidized jewelry have gained a prominent space in fine jewelry design. 

What separates silver from sterling silver?

Pure silver has higher silver content than sterling silver; that is, it has 99.9% silver and 1% trace elements. This factor makes silver costlier than sterling silver due to its higher silver content. However, it is not suitable for making jewelry as it is very soft.

Sterling silver, on the other hand, is alloyed with copper and zinc to add to its strength. This form is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. And, therefore, can be made into fine jewelry and other decor items.

Our minimal yet chic silver mini hoop earring is an embodiment of sophistication that can be worn daily, owing to its low weight and neat design. It is essentially made from wax wire that is treated with melted wax and cast in recycled sterling silver, delivering an organic structure. The design further features a fish hook back made from French wire and features a small ball to complete the look. This item can be your go-to accessory if you are looking for a daily-wear jewelry piece.

Reasons to choose sterling silver instead of pure silver?

There are several advantages of choosing sterling silver over fine silver; the main reason is cost. Fine silver has more prices than sterling silver due to its higher silver content. Sterling silver has a similar physical appearance as silver which means the buyer can get timeless jewelry at an affordable price.

Another perk is the durability factor; sterling silver is more durable than fine silver as it has added alloys. This means sterling silver jewelry can last you longer.

Further, sterling silver is easier to shape than fine silver, making it suitable to make it easier to make fine jewelry.

Care tips for silver and sterling items

There are some simple but effective steps to make pure and sterling silver items last longer. Just ensure you follow these care tips consistently without any failure.

Fine silver items require extra care as it is far too malleable. Remember not to overuse or rough-use the jewelry.

Both fine and sterling silver should be stored in the dark and free from air and water exposure. To clean them, use an anti-tarnish solution and wipe it off using a soft cloth. 

Buy Pam Older Designs sterling silver jewelry

Both fine silver and sterling silver have certain pros and cons. Choosing the suitable type depends on your personal preference, budget, and caring attitude toward the jewelry. If you want to add some timeless items to your jewelry collection, explore our product section to find sterling silver mini hoop earrings and other unique items.