Should I buy sterling or fine silver for jewelry?
Sterling for rings and wear-heavy pieces; fine silver for fused chain and bezels. Practise in copper first.
Buy sterling for pieces that take wear, like rings and clasps. Choose fine silver for fused chain, bezels and pieces that need to stay bright with little care.
Sterling silver
Sterling is 92.5% silver, with the rest usually copper. The copper makes it harder and stronger. It tarnishes faster than fine silver and can form firescale, a dull stain just under the surface, if heated carelessly.
Fine silver
Fine silver is nearly pure. It’s soft, bends easily and fuses to itself without solder, which makes it a favourite for hand-made chain. It scratches and dents more readily in daily wear.
A quick guide
- Rings, bangles, clasps: sterling
- Bezel wire around stones: fine silver
- Fused links and granulation: fine silver
- Practice pieces: copper first, then sterling
Cost tip
Practise new techniques in copper or brass. They behave much like silver at the bench but cost far less to scrap.
Compare all jewelry metals in choosing metals.