Have you ever considered whether sterling silver and regular silver are the same? While they might look alike, they’re actually made of different materials. We have created this blog to help you spot the difference between the two materials. We’ll also guide you on where to find high-quality, long-lasting silver jewelry, especially if you are looking for wholesale plain stud earrings.

What Is Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver is made of 92.5% silver, with the remaining 7.5% being other metals. Jewelry alloys often include metals like copper, zinc, nickel, and, of course, silver. To check if a piece is genuine sterling silver, look for the stamp "925 sterling silver" on it. The name 925 comes from the fact that out of every 1,000 grams, 925 grams are pure silver, with the remaining 75 grams usually copper, making sterling silver stronger and more durable than other types of silver.

What Is Pure Silver?

Pure silver, often called fine silver or just silver, is a precious metal symbolized by Ag on the periodic table. Humans have used it for centuries, and it is considered one of the most valuable metals in history, just behind gold. 

While you might see pure silver jewelry in some specialty stores, it's actually quite rare. Even though 100% silver sounds more valuable, it's too soft to create durable, high-quality jewelry. That is why you won’t find everyday jewelry made from pure silver. If you’re looking for pure silver, antique items like flatware, plates, and cutlery are your best bet. 

Telling the Difference Between Sterling Silver and Silver

Look for the Stamp

One of the simplest ways to tell if silver is real is by checking for markings or stamps on the item. These marks could be a number, symbol, or word. Most silver items sold commercially will have these marks, which show the purity of the silver, the manufacturer's or silversmith’s mark, and sometimes the date of manufacture or other details. Common stamps you might see include 925, 900, or 800. These numbers indicate the purity of silver, with sterling silver being 92.5% pure or higher.

Test with a Magnet

Real silver isn’t magnetic, so if you have a magnet, you can use it to check if your item is genuine. Hold the magnet near the earrings or other silver jewelry and see if it sticks. If it does, this means there are metals like iron, steel, or nickel in the item, meaning it’s not pure silver or contains a lot of non-silver metals. Sterling silver, which is 92.5% pure, doesn’t contain enough magnetic metals to react to a magnet. 

Smell Test

Sterling silver has no smell, so try sniffing the jewelry you're unsure about. If you pick up a sulfur or strong metallic scent, it’s likely not sterling silver. The item could be silver-plated, but if it has a smell, it’s not pure sterling silver. It is a helpful test, especially if you’ve got a good sense of smell!

Take the jewelry to a Jeweler

Another option is to take the jewelry to an expert so they can test it for you. They will perform some more advanced tests beyond what we have outlined above. This option is good for wholesale sellers who don't have the time to perform an individual test on each piece of jewelry. 

Which Is Better: Silver or Sterling Silver?

When it comes to silver, the more pure it is, the more it usually costs. Real silver, being more pure than sterling silver, is typically more expensive. However, silver 925 is a popular and more affordable choice. While it’s not as pure as real silver, silver 925 still looks great and has a lovely shine. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something budget-friendly. 

The added metal alloys in sterling silver also make it much stronger and more durable than fine silver. 

Where To Find 925 Silver Jewelry and Earrings

If you’re looking for durable, high-quality, and elegant sterling silver earrings, please explore our wholesale plain stud earrings. These earrings appeal to a wide range of people, from young adults buying their first piece of fine jewelry to those who appreciate timeless pieces. 

Buy 925 Sterling Silver Earrings at Wholesale Prices

At Topaz Silver Jewelry, we have over 30 years of experience making high-quality jewelry. Our earrings are carefully crafted from 925 sterling silver, and every piece of jewelry meets strict quality checks. We also offer our earrings in bulk, which makes them very affordable when buying wholesale. With our trusted and reliable logistics partners, you don’t have to worry about late deliveries. We make sure that all our deliveries arrive on time and in good condition. Partner with Topaz Silver Jewelry today and experience our excellent quality, reliable service, and dedication to customer satisfaction.