Silver jewelry is a timeless choice for shoppers worldwide, celebrated for its beauty and elegance. However, as a jewelry business, knowing the different types of silver used in jewelry-making will help you offer the right pieces to your customers. With various types of silver available, each brings unique qualities, value, and appearance. This knowledge will help you provide high-quality, trusted products, building your reputation as a reliable jewelry source. Plus, when sourcing 925 sterling silver wholesale in Thailand, knowing the specifics of each type ensures you get the right materials for your designs. This blog will discuss the most common types of silver jewelry and give tips for identifying them.

Types of Silver

925 Sterling Silver

925 sterling silver is a popular type of silver used in jewelry. It is made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The addition of copper makes the silver stronger and more durable, which is important for everyday wear. Sterling silver can easily be identified by looking for a stamp or marking that says "925." This mark shows that the piece contains the right amount of silver to be considered high-quality.

Pure Silver

Pure silver, also known as fine silver, is 99.9% silver, with only a tiny amount of other metals mixed in. Because of its high silver content, pure silver has a bright, shiny appearance and is very soft and malleable.

While beautiful, pure silver can be easily scratched or bent, making it less suitable for everyday jewelry like rings or bracelets. Instead, it is often used for items like earrings and pendants. You can identify pure silver by looking for a mark that says ".999" or ".999 FS."

Argentium Silver

Argentium silver is a newer type of silver alloy that includes a bit of germanium, which helps it resist tarnishing better than regular sterling silver. This alloy typically contains either 93.5% or 96% silver, mixed with 3-5.5% copper and about 1% germanium. It is usually identified by markings like "925," "935," or "960." Due to the higher cost of raw materials, Argentium silver generally costs more than traditional sterling silver.

Coin Silver

Coin silver is another type of silver that was commonly used in the past, especially in the United States. It is made up of 90% silver and 10% other metals, often copper. The name coin silver comes from the fact that it was originally made from melted-down coins.

Jewelry made from silver coins can have a unique, old-fashioned look. If you come across jewelry labeled as "coin silver, it usually has a marking that says "900" or simply “coin” to show its silver content.

Silver-Plated Jewelry

Silver-plated jewelry is made by covering a base metal, like brass or copper, with a thin layer of silver. This process gives the jewelry the shiny look of silver while keeping it affordable. However, because the silver layer is very thin, silver-plated pieces can wear down over time, revealing the base metal underneath.

Unlike solid silver, which has a specific silver content, silver-plated jewelry does not have a silver content stamp. Instead, it may just say "silver-plated" or "silver-tone."

Tibetan Silver

Tibetan silver is a type of metal used in jewelry, especially in pieces with a unique, handcrafted look. Despite its name, Tibetan silver contains no actual silver. It’s often made from inexpensive, silver-colored metals like tin or nickel and features spiritual designs.

Nickel Silver

Nickel silver, also known as German silver, contains no silver, despite its name. It’s an alloy of nickel, copper, and zinc, with a similar look to silver but lacking the value or purity. Nickel silver is affordable and durable, often used for costume jewelry and other decorative items. It’s generally stamped with “NS” or “nickel silver” instead of a silver purity mark.

Tips for Identifying Different Silver Types

Stamp Markings and Hallmarks

Most genuine silver pieces have stamp markings that indicate purity, such as “925” for sterling or “999” for fine silver. These markings are typically found in discrete areas, like the inside of a ring or the back of a pendant. However, silver-plated or low-silver-content pieces like Tibetan silver may lack stamps.

Magnet Test

Silver is not magnetic, so a magnet test can help identify real silver. Hold a strong magnet near the jewelry. If it sticks, the piece will likely contain other metals. However, since some non-magnetic metals are used in silver alloys, this test alone cannot confirm purity but can give you a clue.

Professional Testing

Consider professional testing methods, such as an acid test or X-ray fluorescence, for a guaranteed answer. Jewelers often use these techniques to determine a piece's exact composition, which can be helpful if you’re unsure about a specific item’s silver content.

What Type of Silver Is the Best?

When choosing the best type of silver for jewelry, 925 sterling silver is often considered the top choice. One reason for this is its quality, which makes it strong and durable enough to withstand everyday wear. This durability gives it an edge over other types of silver.

Another advantage is its flexibility, which can be used for various jewelry pieces, including rings, necklaces, and bracelets.

Partner with Topaz Silver Jewelry for Wholesale 925 Sterling Silver

Understanding the different types of silver is essential for businesses that want to provide quality, authenticity, and longevity in their products. By learning the characteristics of each type, you can confidently source materials and answer customer questions, offering an experience that establishes trust. Customers are likelier to buy from brands that guarantee their jewelry’s authenticity and quality.

Topaz Silver Jewelry offers exceptional 925 sterling silver wholesale pieces in Thailand for jewelry businesses interested in working with high-quality suppliers. Partner with us to source premium silver pieces that meet your standards and delight your customers.