Silver Plated vs Sterling Silver: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to purchasing silver jewelry, you have two main choices: plated or sterling. But which one is better? Let’s compare silver plated vs sterling silver to help you decide.
What is Silver Plated?
Silver plated jewelry has a thin layer of silver bonded to a base metal, usually brass or copper. The plating process involves coating the base metal with silver through electroplating or chemical coating.
Pros of Silver Plated Jewelry
- More affordable: Silver plating allows manufacturers to reduce silver content while still giving the piece a silver appearance, keeping costs down.
- Durable plating: When done correctly, plating is durable enough to withstand everyday wear for several years.
- Wide variety: The low cost means a larger selection of styles and types of plated jewelry is available.
Cons of Silver Plated Jewelry
- Limited lifespan: The thin plating will eventually wear through with time and use, especially on parts that rub together.
- Tarnishing: The base metal can still cause the plating to tarnish or discolor over time.
What is Sterling Silver?
Sterling silver jewelry contains at least 92.5% pure silver with the remainder made up of other metals like copper for hardness.
Benefits of Sterling Silver
- Longevity: Because it’s made of virtually pure silver, sterling silver jewelry can last decades or even a lifetime with regular care and polishing.
- True silver quality: There are no hidden base metals, just pure silver that will keep its shine and luster for years.
- Hypoallergenic: The higher silver content makes sterling silver less likely to cause skin irritation or allergies.
Drawbacks of Sterling Silver
- Higher price tag: Sterling silver costs more upfront due to the increased silver content.
- Requires maintenance: Sterling silver can tarnish or discolor over time and needs regular cleaning and polishing to keep it looking its best.
Both silver plated and sterling silver jewelry have their pros and cons. It often comes down to your budget and preferences. Sterling silver tends to be the better option if you want true silver quality that will last for years, while silver plating provides a more affordable upfront cost at the expense of durability. Ultimately, understanding the differences can help you make the right choice based on your needs and priorities.
FAQS about Silver Plated vs Sterling Silver
Sterling silver jewelry is much more durable than both pure silver and silver-plated jewelry. Silver-plated jewelry can chip, scratch, and dull quickly because the base metal is not silver.
Not only is silver plated jewellery charming and can be worn by all but it also adds a touch of shimmer and luster to any outfit. However over time it tends to lose its sheen and become slightly tarnished. This happens when the silver reacts with moisture and air leading it to oxidize.
High-quality sterling silver jewelry can last a lifetime if properly cared for. Although it may tarnish over time, regular cleaning and polishing will help keep your jewelry like new. Simple regular cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soap will keep your sterling silver shining.
If it’s a good thick plating over a credible metal such as sterling silver and you’re careful about maintaining the plating, it’s worth buying if you really like the design. As with all fragile jewelry, you just need to remember that plated jewelry requires maintenance and care due to its construction.