what is the difference between real/regular silver and sterling silver? Which one is better?
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Sterling silver is a specific alloy that contains 92.5% silver, with the rest being made up of other metals – copper is the most common. This alloy is better for resisting wear, especially when used as jewellery and cutlery – pure/fine silver easily scratches and would quickly have a ruined surface finish.
However, sterling silver can tarnish more easily as it has metals within that can easily oxidise. These metals also impact the visual properties; fine silver is noticeably brighter than sterling, especially when you consider silver plated items. Kind of like comparing different ‘grades’ of gold.
Fun fact, in the UK it was historically used to make coins, hence the official term ‘pound sterling’, so that coins (previously made of fine silver) didn’t have to be replaced as frequently.
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