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Sterling is 92.5% silver. The other 7.5% is usually copper, but can include other metals. Copper is added to silver to reduce the material cost, and to increase the hardness. Sterling is by no means the "highest" quality of silver. It is slightly harder than .999 "pure" silver, but it also corrodes much more easily because of the copper content. The black oxidation on sterling silver is a result of copper catalyzing the reaction with air. Salt will also cause sterling to corrode more quickly, but will not affect .999 silver the same way. Salt is found in sweat, seawater, at the table, etc., and all of those sources can cause sterling silver items to turn black. Sterling silver is often coated in a fine layer of .999 silver to hold off corrosion and for the brighter reflectivity of pure silver.

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What does stg mean on silver jewelry?

It is an abbreviation of the word "sterling," meaning that the piece of jewelery is made from sterling silver.


What does 966 sterling mean?

"966 sterling" does not have a standard meaning in relation to silver or sterling silver. Typically, sterling silver is marked with "925" to indicate its purity level of 92.5% silver. If you have a piece marked as "966 sterling," it may be a manufacturer's unique stamp or a mis-marking.


What does ssD 925 mean on jewelry?

"SSD" likely stands for "Sterling Silver Diamond," indicating the piece contains sterling silver and diamonds. "925" refers to the purity of the silver, meaning it is 92.5% pure silver, which is the standard for sterling silver.


What is the difference between sterling silver and 925?

Sterling silver is a type of silver alloy that contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper, for added strength. The term "925" is a hallmark that indicates the purity of the silver in the alloy, meaning it contains 92.5% pure silver. In essence, sterling silver and "925" are essentially the same thing, with the latter being a numerical representation of the silver content in the alloy.


How do you distiquise silver and sterling silver?

Sterling silver is a specific type of silver alloy that contains at least 92.5% pure silver, with the remaining 7.5% typically being copper. "Silver" is a more general term that can refer to any item made of silver, including sterling silver. To distinguish between the two, you would need to test the silver content or look for markings like "925" or "Sterling" on the item, which indicate it is sterling silver.


What does Sterling SB mean?

"Sterling SB" may refer to Sterling Silver, which is a type of silver alloy consisting of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. The term is commonly used in the jewelry industry to indicate the purity of the silver.


What dose STG mean on jewelry?

It is an abbreviation of the word "sterling," meaning that the piece of jewelery is made from sterling silver.


What does is mean on rogers silver and value?

international silver co. but not meaning its a sterling still might be plate


Is it silverplated or sterling silver?

Sterling silver is different than silver plated because it is solid silver, meaning that the silver is in every part of the object, although it can have different elements mixed in. Silver plated is just a coat of silver on the outside of varying thicknesses.


What is H.F.B. STERLING?

H.F.B. STERLING likely refers to sterling silver made by the manufacturer H.F.B. The term "sterling" indicates that the silver alloy contains at least 92.5% silver, with the remaining percentage typically being copper to increase durability. You may find this hallmark on silver items such as jewelry, flatware, or decorative pieces.


What is chapel sterling meaning?

"Chapel Sterling" refers to a type of silverware that is made from sterling silver, often associated with high-quality craftsmanship and design. The term may also relate to specific brands or manufacturers that produce sterling silver items. In a broader context, "chapel" can evoke a sense of elegance or tradition, often linked to religious or ceremonial settings. Overall, it signifies a premium quality of silver products with a refined aesthetic.


Is English silver worth more then sterling silver?

The term "sterling silver" actually comes from the "pound sterling," the unit of British currency. British silver coinage was for hundreds of years (excepting various bouts of debasing over the years) 92.5% pure. Thus, "sterling silver," which is 92.5% pure, merely refers to silver which is as pure as the pound sterling. As a historical note, the purity of silver in British coinage was reduced in 1920 to 50% silver, and in 1947, silver was replaced with a cupro-nickel alloy in British "silver" coinage.