Have you ever wondered what sterling silver means or how it differs from fine silver?
There are a couple of theories as to where “Sterling” got its name and they go back hundreds of years. The first theory is that when coiners from east German states, also know as Easterlings, brought their efforts to improve the quality of coinage to England during Henry II’s reign (1154-1189) their shortened name, sterling, came along with them. The second theory is likely more plausible, that it comes from the Old English word stoerling, meaning “coin with a star” for small stars on old Norman pennies. Regardless its origin, “sterling” is a word associated with jewelry, silverware and .925.
Why the .925 stamp on sterling? Sterling silver is 92.5% silver, hence the stamp found on sterling silver items. The other 7.5% of consists of other elements and metals, namely copper. Pure silver is somewhat soft so those “other metals” lend durability and affordability to the silver.
Fine silver is defined as having purity of 99.9%. There is also 98.5% pure silver that is called fine silver in certain circles and Brittania silver in others. Because of its softness, fine silver is usually used in greater thickness in jewelry to prevent bending.
Silver is naturally hypoallergenic and even helps prevent decay. You might have seen in recent years plastics with added silver to help preserve perishable food for longer periods of time. While every person is different, most of the population wears sterling silver with ease and without fear of skin sensitivity.
Because sterling silver usually contains up to 7% copper, it will tarnish. Oils from our skin actually help the silver to remain shiny. While showering in and of itself will not harm silver jewelry, chemicals in shampoos, soaps, perfumes, chlorine, etc, can accelerate tarnishing or even pit the metal so use some caution if wearing silver jewelry constantly. Storing your silver jewelry in zip-close plastic baggies with anti-tarnish paper greatly helps prevent discoloration. Should your silver become tarnished, polishing cloths work well to remove oxidation and can be maneuvered around delicate stones and pearls.