They might look almost identical at first glance. Both have that beautiful silver shine, both can complement just about anything in your wardrobe, and both can be found in jewelry collections everywhere.

But when it comes to what you're actually buying, there's a pretty big difference.

If you've ever wondered why one silver ring costs $30 and another costs $250, the materials are a good place to start.

 

WHAT IS STERLING SILVER?

 

Sterling silver, also known as 925 silver, is an alloy made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper.

Why not use 100% pure silver? Because pure silver is relatively soft. Adding a small percentage of other metals makes it stronger and better suited for jewelry you can wear regularly.

The result is a precious metal that's durable, versatile, and designed to last.

Unlike plated jewelry, sterling silver isn't simply coated in silver. The material itself is silver alloy, all the way through.

 

WHAT IS SILVER PLATED JEWELRY?

 

Silver plated jewelry is made from a base metal, such as brass or copper, covered with a thin layer of silver.

This gives it the appearance of sterling silver, usually at a much lower price.

The catch? That silver layer can gradually wear away, particularly on pieces exposed to frequent friction, like rings.

Once the plating starts to disappear, the base metal underneath becomes visible.

And unlike solid sterling silver, restoring the original appearance generally requires replating.

 

STERLING SILVER VS. SILVER PLATED: THE MAIN DIFFERENCES

 

	Sterling silver	Silver plated
Composition	92.5% silver alloy throughout	Base metal with a silver coating
Durability	Can last for decades with proper care	Plating can wear away over time
Tarnishing	Yes, but can be cleaned and polished	Depends on the coating and base metal
Maintenance	Can be polished repeatedly	May eventually need replating
Price	Generally higher	Generally more affordable
Long-term value	Precious metal with recoverable silver content	Value depends mainly on the base metal and construction

 

 

DOES STERLING SILVER TARNISH?

 

Yes, and that's completely normal.

Sterling silver reacts with sulfur-containing compounds in the environment, which can cause its surface to darken over time.

But here's the important part: tarnishing isn't the same as the metal wearing away.

In most cases, a silver polishing cloth is enough to bring back its shine.

Sterling silver can also be professionally polished and refinished, making it a particularly good choice for jewelry you intend to keep.

Silver plated jewelry can tarnish too, but cleaning requires more caution. Aggressive polishing can gradually remove its thin silver coating.

 

IS STERLING SILVER WORTH THE HIGHER PRICE?

 

That depends on what you're looking for.

Silver plated jewelry can be a perfectly reasonable choice if you enjoy experimenting with trends, want something affordable, or don't expect to wear a piece very often.

But if you're looking for jewelry you'll reach for again and again, sterling silver has some significant advantages.

It can be polished, repaired, and worn for years without worrying about a surface coating gradually disappearing.

Of course, the material isn't the only thing that determines a piece's price. Design, craftsmanship, production methods, and the amount of silver used all play a role.

A substantial sculptural ring, for example, requires considerably more metal than a delicate band.

 

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF JEWELRY IS STERLING SILVER?

 

You might see descriptions such as:

• Sterling silver

• 925 silver

• Solid sterling silver

• Argent 925

• A 925 stamp

Keep in mind that a stamp alone isn't an absolute guarantee of authenticity. Buying from a transparent, reputable seller is just as important.

And be careful with terms like silver tone, silver finish, or silver coloured. They describe an appearance, not necessarily a material.

 

 

There's something satisfying about owning objects you don't have to constantly replace.

A favorite ring that becomes part of your everyday uniform. A pair of earrings you wear so often you almost forget they're there.

Not everything needs to be an investment piece, and there's nothing wrong with buying something simply because you like it.

But when it comes to the things you wear every day, choosing materials that can stand the test of time makes a lot of sense.

At Dova Pryce, we work with solid 925 sterling silver for exactly that reason. We like jewelry with presence, but we also like the idea of keeping it around for a long time.

Because good things are worth keeping. 

Explore our collection of sculptural sterling silver jewelry, designed to be worn and loved for years to come.