Sterling silver is an alloy (a mixture of different metals) composed of 92.5% silver. The other 7.5% is a mixture of other metals, usually copper and zinc, but sometimes including other metals as well. These metals are introduced into the alloy primarily to increase the hardness. Pure (called “Fine”) silver is quite soft, meaning that it bends and scratches easily. While fine silver is a lovely material with many jewelry applications, sterling silver is far more durable for most mainstream jewelry uses. For instance, earring hooks made from fine silver will bend out of shape much more easily than those made from sterling.
Sterling silver tarnishes rather easily due to the copper content of the alloy, and will require gentle cleaning with a tarnish remover numerous times throughout its life. Tarnish first appears as a yellowish or golden cast to the metal and darkens to gray.
It is hypoallergenic for a large portion of the population, but often people with severe metal allergies will find that their skin becomes irritated by the copper, zinc, or other metals in the alloy. If you like the look of sterling silver but experience an allergic reaction to it, you may wish to try fine (99.9% pure) silver which is not alloyed with other metals.
