Silver is a timeless and versatile metal. This cool-toned metal has been used in jewelry for centuries and remains popular today. But not all silver jewelry is the same.
There are different types of silver, known as finenesses. Each silver fineness varies in price, color, composition, and durability. Learn more about the different types of silver used in jewelry, from pure silver to alloys mixed with other metals.
The composition of silver
Pure silver is a soft and precious metal that has a bright white luster. It is composed of 99.9% silver and 0.1% elements such as oxygen and chlorine. In its natural form, silver does not tarnish, but it is prone to scratches. Silver jewelry is therefore generally made from a silver alloy, which is pure silver mixed with other metals.
When silver is alloyed with other metals such as zinc or copper, it can change the metal's properties, sometimes making it more durable and scratch-resistant. We will introduce you to the different silver finenesses found in jewelry so that you can make an informed decision when buying silver pieces for your jewelry collection.
The 4 types of silver commonly found in jewelry
Here are the main characteristics and differences between sterling silver, fine silver, Britannia silver, and Argentium silver.
Sterling silver
Sterling silver is a popular silver alloy used in jewelry, composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. Sterling silver is the preferred choice of jewelers and designers because it is easy to work with and affordable. To determine if a piece of jewelry is sterling silver, simply look for the "925" hallmark somewhere on the piece.
Sterling silver has a high strength-to-weight ratio, meaning it is lightweight but unlikely to break. This metal easily withstands daily wear without losing its shape or luster. However, sterling silver is more prone to tarnishing than pure silver due to its copper content. But don't worry, it is easy to clean tarnished sterling silver jewelry in just a few simple steps.
Fine silver
Fine silver, or pure silver, is the most precious form of silver. It contains 99.9% silver and is known for its shine and lack of tarnishing. Fine silver jewelry generally bears the "999" or "FS" mark somewhere on the piece.
Because pure silver is more malleable and more expensive than other silver alloys, it is not commonly used in jewelry. Historically, fine silver was minted into coins or even used for silverware.
Britannia silver
Britannia silver is a type of sterling silver made in the United Kingdom. It is also sometimes called British silver. Britannia silver has existed since 1697, when it was introduced in England by an Act of Parliament.
Britannia silver has a high silver content of 95.8% and approximately 4.2% copper. It is most commonly found in items such as coins or tableware, but some antique silver jewelry is made from Britannia silver. To identify this historic alloy, look for a "958" mark on the piece.
Argentium silver
Argentium silver is a modern brand of silver alloys patented in 1998 by a silversmith named Peter Johns. They contain either 93.5% or 96% silver and a combination of 3 to 5.5% copper and 1% germanium, a metalloid. To identify Argentium silver, it is marked with a "925", "935", or "960" and the unique winged unicorn mark.
Thanks to germanium and its low copper content, Argentium silver is incredibly resistant to tarnishing. Although it is more resistant to tarnishing, Argentium silver is more expensive than sterling silver due to the high cost of the raw materials required to make it.
Looking to part with a piece of silver jewelry? Check out our guide to selling your jewelry: where to sell, how to estimate its value, and what to do with pieces that don't sell.
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