SILVER ALLOYS

Due to its luster, malleability and affordability, silver is the most common jewellery metal. Like gold and platinum, silver must be alloyed with other metals to reinforce its strength and durability. In its pure form, silver is too malleable and easily damaged to be used in jewellery. Sterling silver is the highest quality and most popular silver alloy, typically composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper, and can also be referred to as .925 fine silver. Sometimes the copper is mixed with a small amount of zinc or nickel as well. Frequently, sterling silver is coated with a thin finish of either silver or rhodium to help improve durability.