Argentium Silver vs. Sterling Silver: Which Is Better?

Argentium Silver vs. Sterling Silver: Which Is Better?

In the Argentium silver vs sterling silver comparison, Argentium offers greater tarnish resistance and higher silver purity, while traditional sterling is more widely available and recognized by its familiar 925 standard. Current Argentium alloys come in 940 and 960 grades, containing 94% and 96% silver respectively, while sterling contains at least 92.5% silver.  Argentium is especially … Read more

German Silver: What It Is (And Why It Contains No Silver)

German Silver: What It Is (And Why It Contains No Silver)

German silver contains no silver as part of its alloy. Also called nickel silver, it is made from copper, nickel, and zinc, while sterling silver contains 92.5% actual silver. That makes the German silver vs silver distinction important if you are identifying jewelry, flatware, decorative objects, or antiques. German silver can look convincingly silver-colored, but it does not have … Read more

Stainless Steel vs. Sterling Silver: Which Should You Buy?

Platinum vs. Silver: Which Makes a Better Jewelry Metal?

In the stainless steel vs sterling silver comparison, stainless steel is usually better for durability and low maintenance, while sterling silver is better if you want a precious metal with intrinsic silver value. Sterling contains 92.5% silver, while stainless steel is an iron-based alloy containing at least 10.5% chromium.  The two metals can look similar with … Read more

Platinum vs. Silver: Which Makes a Better Jewelry Metal?

Platinum vs. Silver: Which Makes a Better Jewelry Metal?

In the platinum vs silver comparison, platinum is generally better suited to high-value rings and long-term daily wear, while sterling silver is the more affordable option. Sterling contains 92.5% silver, while platinum jewelry is usually alloyed and can contain different percentages of platinum depending on how it is marked. FTC guidance says jewelry described simply as … Read more

Sterling Silver vs. Regular Silver: What’s the Difference?

Silver vs. Regular Silver: What's the Difference? de tamaƱo grande

The main difference between sterling silver vs silver is purity and hardness. Sterling silver contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, commonly copper, while fine silver contains about 99.9% silver.  That difference makes sterling harder and generally more practical for rings, chains, bracelets, and other jewelry exposed to regular wear. Fine silver contains more silver by … Read more

White Gold vs. Silver: What’s the Difference?

White Gold vs. Silver: What's the Difference?

The main difference between white gold vs silver is the precious metal in the alloy: white gold is made from gold, while sterling silver contains 92.5% silver. White gold generally costs more and is better suited to rings that receive frequent wear, while sterling silver is more affordable and naturally bright white but scratches and tarnishes … Read more