A Guide to Silver

A Guide to Silver Jewellery: What You Need to Know

At Belle Jewellery, we take pride in offering high-quality Sterling Silver jewellery that balances beauty, durability, and affordability. However, not all silver jewellery is created equal. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of silver, their pros and cons, and why Sterling Silver remains the best choice for long-lasting elegance.

Fine Silver (99.9% Pure Silver)

Composition:

  • 99.9% pure silver
  • 0.1% trace elements

Pros:
✔ Hypoallergenic, perfect for sensitive skin
✔ Naturally resistant to tarnishing
✔ Has a bright white shine

Cons:
✖ Very soft and prone to scratches or bending
✖ Not ideal for everyday wear
✖ Can lose shape over time

Verdict: Fine silver is beautiful but too delicate for rings, bracelets, and everyday jewellery. It’s best suited for decorative or occasional-use pieces.

Sterling Silver (92.5% Silver, 7.5% Other Metals – usually Copper)

Composition:

  • 92.5% silver
  • 7.5% copper (sometimes zinc or other metals)

Pros:
✔ Strong and durable for daily wear
✔ More affordable than pure silver
✔ Retains the luxurious look of fine silver
✔ Can be easily cleaned and polished

Cons:
✖ Can tarnish over time (but easy to maintain)
✖ Some low-quality sterling silver may contain nickel (Belle Jewellery uses nickel-free sterling silver)

Verdict: The best balance between beauty and durability. Sterling Silver is ideal for rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets—offering long-lasting shine without the high price tag of fine silver.

Silver Alloy (90% Silver – sometimes called ‘Coin Silver’)

Composition:

  • 90% silver
  • 10% other metals (usually nickel, copper, and / or zinc)

Pros:
✔ Still contains a high amount of silver
✔ Stronger than fine silver

Cons:
✖ Less pure than Sterling Silver
✖ More prone to tarnishing
✖ May contain nickel, which can cause allergies

Verdict: This type of silver is not as common in modern jewellery but can be found in vintage or antique pieces. While better than silver-plated jewellery, it lacks the long-term durability of Sterling Silver.

Silver-Plated Jewellery (Electroplated Silver)

Composition:

  • A base metal (brass, copper, or nickel)
  • Thin silver coating (often less than 1%)

Pros:
✔ Inexpensive and widely available
✔ Has the appearance of silver (at first)

Cons:
✖ Silver layer wears off quickly, exposing the base metal
✖ Cannot be polished or cleaned like real silver
✖ May cause skin irritation due to nickel or copper exposure

Verdict: Silver-plated jewellery is a budget-friendly option but not a long-term investment. Over time, the silver coating will fade, revealing the base metal underneath. Unlike Sterling Silver, it cannot be polished or restored once the silver layer wears away.

What is Tarnishing and How to Prevent It?

Tarnishing is a natural process where silver reacts with oxygen and moisture, causing it to darken over time.

Which Silver Tarnishes?

  • Fine Silver tarnishes the least due to its purity.
  • Sterling Silver can tarnish but is easy to clean and maintain.
  • 90% Silver tarnishes faster than Sterling Silver.
  • Silver-Plated Jewellery tarnishes quickly, and once the silver layer wears off, it cannot be restored.

How to Prevent Tarnishing?

✔ Store jewellery in an airtight bag when not in use.
✔ Avoid exposure to perfumes, lotions, and harsh chemicals.
✔ Wear your silver jewellery often—natural skin oils help prevent tarnish!
✔ Use a polishing cloth or silver cleaner to maintain shine.

Why Choose Sterling Silver from Belle Jewellery?

At Belle Jewellery, we specialise in high-quality Sterling Silver jewellery because it offers the perfect mix of luxury, durability, and affordability. Unlike silver-plated or lower-grade silver alloys, our pieces are built to last, ensuring you enjoy timeless elegance for years to come.

Shop our collection today and experience the beauty of Sterling Silver!