Sterling silver vs silver-plated: What's the difference?
- Sterling silver: An alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper), sterling silver is a solid, high-quality material that's durable and long-lasting.
- Silver-plated: A thin layer of silver is electroplated onto a base metal, usually copper or zinc. This layer is typically 0.05-0.10 microns thick.
Benefits of sterling silver over silver-plated:
- Durability: Sterling silver is a solid material that's less prone to wear and tear, whereas silver-plated can wear off over time, exposing the base metal underneath.
- Less maintenance: Sterling silver requires less maintenance, as it can be polished and cleaned without worrying about damaging the silver layer.
- Hypoallergenic: Sterling silver is generally considered hypoallergenic, making it a great option for people with sensitive skin.
- Tarnish resistance: While sterling silver can tarnish, it's less prone to doing so than silver-plated. You can still get a high-quality, tarnish-resistant finish with sterling silver, though.
- Value: Sterling silver retains its value over time, whereas silver-plated jewellery may not be worth much after the silver layer wears off.
- Luxury feel: Sterling silver has a distinct, luxurious feel that's hard to replicate with silver-plated jewellery.
When to choose silver-plated:
- Budget-friendly: Silver-plated jewellery is often significantly cheaper than sterling silver, making it a great option for those on a budget.
- Fashion-forward: Silver-plated jewellery can be a great way to stay on top of the latest fashion trends without breaking the bank.
- Trendy pieces: If you're looking for a statement piece or a trendy accessory, silver-plated might be a good choice.
Ultimately, the choice between sterling silver and silver-plated comes down to your priorities: durability, luxury, and value, or affordability and fashion.
Explore our sterling silver jewellery here.
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