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Sterling silver IS real silver, but it's alloyed with 7.5% copper or other metals to make it less soft.

Old US dimes, quarters, halves, and dollars were made of an alloy called coin silver that had 10% copper in it so that the coins wouldn't wear out too quickly.

Sterling silver means at least 92.5 percent silver. Pure silver is too soft to be any use for jewelery as it's almost like lead so copper is added to give some strength to it by jewelers.

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Is silver plating over sterling silver jewelry real sterling silver?

Hi,silver plating over sterling silver is not real sterling silver.Sterling silver is a unique blend of silver and usually copper. It contains 92.5% silver, that is why the number on sterling silver jewelleries and other stuff is 925.


What type of gold is 9ct gold plated sterling silver Is it real gold or real silver?

9ct gold plated sterling silver means that the item is primarily sterling silver with a thin layer of 9ct gold applied over it. The base metal is the sterling silver which is real silver, while the gold layer is real gold but in a lower concentration (9ct) compared to pure gold.


How does one determine if a piece is sterling silver?

To tell if something is real sterling silver there can be a sterling stamp placed on the actual item, since it is illegal to place that stamp if it is not real. There is also an old trick, which may or may not be real, that claims if you rub it against hair, and it smells like metal it is not real.


How do i know the difference between silver and silverplate?

One way to tell the difference between silver and silverplate is to look for a hallmark or stamp that indicates the metal content. Silver will typically be marked with a number such as "925" or "Sterling," indicating that it is real silver, while silverplate will often be marked with terms like "EPNS" (Electro Plated Nickel Silver) or "A1." Additionally, silverplate will generally have a layer of another metal, such as nickel or copper, underneath the thin silver coating.


How can one tell if a sterling silver chain is real?

Sterling silver can easily be differentiated from plated silver if the silver was made in the United States. It will either say 'sterling' on the metal or have an engraving of its purity. Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver. If it was made outside the United States, there will be a different stamp applied to it.

Related Questions

How can you tell if a ring online is real sterling silver?

'Sterling' silver is real silver. Any item that is described as 'Sterling' silver will always be real silver as 'Sterling' is actually the name gives to the 925 purity of silver. Sterling is 92.5% purity. This is the standard of real silver as we know it.It will also be hallmarked with the number of fineness at 925, as classified internationally as Sterling Silver.


Is international silver real silver?

International Silver is, as far as I can tell, a brand owned by the Lifetime Sterling company, and is sterling silver, which is real silver but not pure silver.


Is silver plating over sterling silver jewelry real sterling silver?

Hi,silver plating over sterling silver is not real sterling silver.Sterling silver is a unique blend of silver and usually copper. It contains 92.5% silver, that is why the number on sterling silver jewelleries and other stuff is 925.


I have a sterling silver ring with an emblem of Roman numerals could it have a real ruby and diamond?

Can a ruby be real in a sterling silver ring


What type of gold is 9ct gold plated sterling silver Is it real gold or real silver?

9ct gold plated sterling silver means that the item is primarily sterling silver with a thin layer of 9ct gold applied over it. The base metal is the sterling silver which is real silver, while the gold layer is real gold but in a lower concentration (9ct) compared to pure gold.


What is the difference between sterling silver and alpaca silver?

Alpaca silver is a cheaper alternative to sterling silver. Those allergic to nickel should avoid wearing jewelry made from alpaca. Sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% some other metal. That's why it's ofter marked "925," because it is 925 parts silver per 1000 parts. Pure silver is a precious metal and is an element on the periodic table of elements. This means that a piece of sterling silver contains high percentage of real silver atoms. Alpaca silver actually contains no real silver at all. It being called "silver" is due to its intended lookalike quality. Alpaca, also known as "nickel silver," is a mixture of copper and nickel, and sometimes zinc.


How do you know if my sliver is real?

it will have a mark stamped or it or it will say silver/ sterling silver.


Is stamped sheridan taunton silversmith ltd real silver?

It is real silver-plated. Full silver is described as 999 or sterling silver.


How does one determine if a piece is sterling silver?

To tell if something is real sterling silver there can be a sterling stamp placed on the actual item, since it is illegal to place that stamp if it is not real. There is also an old trick, which may or may not be real, that claims if you rub it against hair, and it smells like metal it is not real.


How do i know the difference between silver and silverplate?

One way to tell the difference between silver and silverplate is to look for a hallmark or stamp that indicates the metal content. Silver will typically be marked with a number such as "925" or "Sterling," indicating that it is real silver, while silverplate will often be marked with terms like "EPNS" (Electro Plated Nickel Silver) or "A1." Additionally, silverplate will generally have a layer of another metal, such as nickel or copper, underneath the thin silver coating.


How can one tell if a sterling silver chain is real?

Sterling silver can easily be differentiated from plated silver if the silver was made in the United States. It will either say 'sterling' on the metal or have an engraving of its purity. Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver. If it was made outside the United States, there will be a different stamp applied to it.


Is oneida sterling silver?

Is oneida ltd real silver