Sterling Silver

Pure silver, or the 99.9% that passes as pure silver, is too soft to be used in most functions. This pure silver is used in coins and bullion, but is not functional as silver jewelry or silverware. To make silver stronger and less likely to bend or lose its shape, a small amount of other materials, such as copper, was added. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper or other materials.

Fine silver has certain properties such as conductivity that make it desirable for commercial applications. In these situations, sterling silver is often made without copper, but with another product to boost certain attributes or diminish others, such as silver's high propensity to tarnish.

There are new alloys of sterling silver being produced regularly, and no single formula has become the staple or even most popular in the industry. In fact, the manufacturers of sterling silver are in a heated competition to find the ideal alloy for any number of uses. The exact origins of the term "sterling" are hotly debated as well.

Sterling Hallmarks 

Hallmarks are stamps in sterling silver to denote the quality, the date of production and other information such as the manufacturer. In countries such as Great Britain and Ireland, hallmarks are nationally adopted. This is not the case in the United States. In the United States, individual companies actually designed their own hallmarks such as the company initials or numbers, such as "925" to indicate the pureness of the material.

These hallmarks can make it simple to find a production period for the sterling piece or coin, but not necessarily the actual year. As silver's worth is tied to its age and printing, hallmarks have a dramatic impact on the overall value of a piece. Sterling is less valuable than fine silver as it is less pure. Fine silver is no longer used in standard currencies, but sterling coins are still found in many areas of the world.

Flatware 

Sterling silver had its heyday in dining instruments beginning around 1840 and continuing through 1940. Sterling silver flatware includes hundreds of pieces with specific uses including the many forks, spoons and knives necessary to set a complete table.

Serving pieces were intricately carved and often inlaid with other materials, such as ivory. Sterling silver flatware is still common in certain areas of the United States and is a popular wedding purchase.

Jewelry 

Sterling is also used heavily in silver coins and jewelry. Sterling jewelry has many designs and forms including rings, bracelets, necklaces and chains. The jewelry is attractive and sold in many retail establishments and through independent dealers.

Tarnish 

The greatest problem with sterling silver is the increased amount of tarnish associated with the alloy. Tarnish occurs when the alloy reacts with elements in the air. Tarnish is removed with baking soda and water or though buffing, but care should be exercised to prevent harm to the integrity of the piece.