Sterling Silver vs Silver-Plated Jewelry: What’s the Difference?
Sterling silver vs silver-plated jewelry: What’s the difference?
Sterling silver contains 92.5% silver. Silver-plated jewelry has a layer of silver over another base material. They can look similar, so the most useful thing to check is the material description rather than the colour.
What does 925 sterling silver mean?
The number 925 describes the silver content: 925 out of every 1,000 parts of the alloy are silver. The remaining parts are other metals that add stability.
For an example, see our Rosalie Rose Ring in 925 sterling silver. You can also explore our Silver Jewelry collection.
What does silver-plated mean?
A silver-plated piece has a base made from another metal, with silver applied to its surface. How the finish wears depends on the plating, how often the piece rubs against other surfaces, and how it is cared for. If the coating wears at a frequently touched spot, the base material may become visible.
“Silver-tone” is a colour description. On its own, it does not tell you whether the piece is sterling silver or silver-plated.
What should you check before buying?
Look for three details on the product page:
- Base material: Is the piece made from 925 silver or another metal?
- Plating: Does the description say it is silver-plated?
- Individual components: Does “925 silver” describe the whole piece or just a part, such as an earring post?
A sterling silver post does not necessarily mean the entire earring is sterling silver. Our Jewelry Materials guide explains why checking each component matters.
Which should you choose?
If you specifically want jewelry made from silver, look for a clear 925 silver material description for the relevant components. If your priority is a silver-coloured style, a plated piece may also suit you. Check the base material and finish so you know what you are buying.
Frequently asked: Can real sterling silver tarnish? Yes. Darkening does not, by itself, mean a piece is merely silver-plated. For more detail on silver purity, read our guide to 925, 990 and 999 silver.