What is Sterling Silver?

What is 0.925 Sterling Silver?  Is it a good choice to use for a wedding ring?

In order for silver to be classified as sterling silver, it must meet at a 92.5 purity, AKA 925. So, as you can see:925 silver is sterling silver.

Conversely, metals that contain less than 92.5 percent of silver are not sterling silver, which is important to keep in mind when buying sterling silver.  Silver should always be clearly identified with a hallmark representing its standard grade and quality.

Sterling Silver, 925 is hypoallergenic.  It is a good choice if you have a tendency to allergic reactions.

Pure Silver is soft.  Adding other metals to the silver increases the hardness, making it more suitable and durable for use in jewelry and housewares and silverware.  

The disadvantage of using Sterling Silver in Jewelry is that the metal is soft.  It scratches and bends under repetitive daily wear, pressure, and sudden knocks. Thin silver rings will not wear well if worn constantly.  Eventually Sterling silver can tarnish.

In conclusion, should you make a wedding ring out of Sterling Silver?

If you plan, as most people do, to wear your ring all the time, silver may not be a good metal to use unless you don’t mind it showing scratches and such.  Other metals such as 14K yellow or white gold, or platinum may be the best choice.

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