When people hear the terms sterling silver and pure silver, they tend to assume that these terms refer to the same thing. However, sterling silver and pure silver are not the same for each other. The difference comes down to the exact amount of pure silver present in the metal. If you are looking to buy wholesale sterling silver rings, then you must know the difference between pure silver and sterling silver.

Let’s start by discussing what is sterling silver and pure silver

Pure silver consists of 99.9% silver and the remaining .1% is the trace elements. Silver is a very soft metal which tends to easily lose its shape. It is for this reason why pure silver is not recommended metal for jewelry. However, to overcome this problem, silver is mixed with other metals simply to create stronger alloys such as sterling silver.

Sterling silver comprises of 92.5% pure silver and the remaining 7.5% other metals. These other metals may include zinc, nickel or even copper. Sterling silver happens to be much more durable as compared to pure silver and it is fit for making jewelry.

Sterling silver is more durable than pure silver and it can even last a lifetime. You can easily get your sterling silver jewelry polished to restore it to its original luster. Resizing your sterling silver rings is also relatively cheaper and easy. However, you must keep in mind that sterling silver tarnishes if exposed to air and moisture. This tarnishing is caused due to the copper content in it. With frequent polishing, you can keep your sterling silver jewelry good as new. You must contact a wholesale silver ring manufacturer for the best services for your sterling silver jewelry.

Pure silver is not a durable metal for jewelry, although you can get pure silver earrings and pendant, basically which is not exposed to rough wear. Moreover, pure silver doesn’t tarnish when it comes into contact with air and moisture.

Pure silver will not irritate your skin as it is hypoallergenic. However, many times sterling silver may contain nickel, which is a common allergen, which may cause irritation. If you have sensitive skin, then it is recommended that you enquire about the various metals in the alloy. Pure silver is also more expensive than sterling silver due to the higher amount of silver in it. The various metals in sterling silver are not of any value and don’t add to the worth of the metal. However, the price difference is not a lot.

However, if you are having any doubt regarding the purity of your silver jewelry, you must take it to a professional and have it tested. The most common way to test and determine the purity of silver is an acid test. If your silver jewelry reacts with the acid and changes color, this means that the purity percentage of your silver is less than 92.5%.