Sterling Silver vs Silver-Plated: What is the Difference?

What Is Sterling Silver (925)?

Sterling silver is the highest quality standard for silver jewellery. It is made of:

• 92.5% pure silver
• 7.5% alloy metals (usually copper, for strength)

This is why you will see the mark “925” on authentic sterling silver pieces as it confirms the purity.

Why pure silver (100%) isn’t used for jewellery:

Pure silver is too soft to hold shape. Adding copper gives the metal strength while keeping the shine.

Result: Jewellery that lasts for years, holds its shape, and shines beautifully.

What Is Silver-Plated Jewellery?

Silver-plated jewellery is made with a base metal (like brass, copper, or stainless steel) and coated with a very thin layer of silver.

Key characteristics:

• The silver layer is extremely thin often thinner than a human hair
• It can wear off over time, revealing the base metal
• Shine fades faster
• Much cheaper to produce

Think of it like a metal dipped in silver not real silver all the way through.

Sterling Silver vs Silver-Plated: Quick Comparison Table

How to Identify Real Sterling Silver (925)

Here are simple ways to check if your jewellery is real 925 silver:

• Look for hallmarks: “925”, “S925”, “Sterling”, “Ster”.
• Real silver darkens slightly with air exposure (natural tarnish)
• Use a jewellery polishing cloth, real silver will brighten quickly
• Sterling silver feels slightly heavier than silver-plated
• No peeling or flaking because the metal is silver throughout

If you’re unsure, read our full guide: How to Tell If Your Silver Ring Is Genuine

How Long Do These Metals Last?

Sterling Silver

If cared for properly, sterling silver can last decades and even generations. It is strong enough to be worn daily and can be polished to restore shine endlessly.

Silver-Plated Jewellery

Because the silver layer is thin, it fades over time and the base metal becomes visible. Once the coating wears off, the jewellery cannot be restored to “like new”.

Which Is Better for Daily Wear?

✔ Sterling Silver - Best for Daily Wear

It is durable, hypoallergenic, comfortable, and resistant to everyday wear and tear.

✘ Silver-Plated - Not Ideal for Daily Wear

Friction, sweat, and soaps will cause the plating to fade faster.

For daily-wear designs, check our guide: Best Silver Rings for Daily Wear

Cost Difference: Why Sterling Silver Costs More

Sterling silver is more expensive because:

• It contains real silver throughout the metal
• Higher purity = higher value
• Longer lifespan = better investment
• Hypoallergenic metal = safer to wear
• Can be reused, resold, and recycled

Silver-plated jewellery is cheaper because the silver content is negligible only the coating is silver.

Which One Should You Choose?

Here is a simple breakdown:

Choose Sterling Silver if you want:

• Daily-wear jewellery
• Long-lasting shine
• Hypoallergenic, safe metal
• Stone-studded designs that won’t fall out
• Jewellery with real value
• Engravings and customizations

Choose Silver-Plated if you want:

• Very budget-friendly options
• Occasional wear pieces
• Trendy jewellery that you don’t plan to keep for years

For premium, long-lasting pieces sterling silver is always the better choice.

U ARE Picks: Sterling Silver Rings (925)

Here are some popular 925 sterling silver styles from our collection (replace placeholder links with your actual URLs):

• Sparkling Hearts Embrace Ring – soft, romantic, and available in 18 stone & metal combinations.
• Rectangular Radiance Ring – sleek and modern for everyday wear.
• Bold Aura Statement Ring – perfect for expressive looks.
• Minimalist Everyday Band – simple, elegant, and timeless.

Related Blogs You Should Read Next

• Pillar Blog: Silver Rings – Styles, Meaning & Shopping Tips
• Silver vs Gold Rings: Which One Should You Choose?
• Why Silver Rings Turn Black (And How to Fix It)
• How to Clean & Store Silver Rings