How to Buy Sterling Silver Jewelry

Co-authored by Nicole Wegman

Last Updated: December 2, 2021 References

Sterling silver is one of the most popular materials used to make jewelry due to its affordability, durability, and appearance. It is an alloy (a mixture of metals) containing 92.5% silver by weight. The remaining 7.5% is made up of other metals, usually copper, to give it added strength.^{[1]
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Research source} However, not all sterling silver jewelry is created equal. Buyers should know what to look for, both in-store and online, to find quality items that will last for years.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Part 1: Determining Authenticity and Quality

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Look for the hallmark. Sterling silver in the U.S. is almost always marked with a small engraving of 925, .925, or 92.5. This is one of the ways to know if it is real sterling silver. Other countries have different standards, so pay attention to the hallmark on any piece of jewelry you buy.^{[2]
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- Since silver is too soft to be used for durable jewelry, pure silver is mixed with other metals. Sterling silver contains 7.5% other metals, making it 92.5% pure—hence the .925 mark.^{[3]
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  Expert Source
  
  Nicole Wegman
  Jewelry Professional & Founder of Ring Concierge
  Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.}
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Watch for the word "plated." If an item is described as “silver-plated,” then it is not sterling silver. That means it is coated in silver for appearance, but the piece itself is often made of nickel, copper, or another metal. This silver coating will eventually wear away.^{[4]
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Inspect pieces for quality construction. Test all clasps to be sure that they're secure, but not difficult to open. Lay chains flat to check for any kinks or bends in the metal. And make sure earring posts are straight and not easily bent.^{[5]
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- New sterling silver jewelry should be shiny and show no signs of tarnish. If you're buying used jewelry, tarnish does not necessarily mean it's poor quality. You will simply need to clean it.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Part 2: Purchasing Sterling Silver in a Store

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Research local stores that sell sterling silver jewelry. Decide if you want to visit a department store, a dedicated jewelry store, or a resale store. Department stores may offer frequent sales and promotions, but they also regularly mark up their prices higher than independent jewelers.^{[6]
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Research source} The staff at a jewelry store is also likely to be more knowledgeable about the products. Antique stores, thrift stores, and flea markets are also an option if you’re open to second-hand jewelry.
- Seek recommendations from friends or family about where they have purchased sterling silver jewelry in the past. Localized recommendation websites like Yelp can give you good insight into the quality of products and customer service at nearby stores.
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Visit the store and inspect several pieces of jewelry. Choose from earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, pendants, and more. Search for the hallmark and test all clasps and backings. Use a magnifying glass or jeweler's loop if you want to inspect pieces more carefully.
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Ask a store associate for details about the piece. The associate should be able to tell you who the designer is, what metals the piece is composed of, and where the hallmark is located. Walk away if the associate refuses to answer a question or seems reluctant to find someone else there who can answer your questions.^{[7]
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- Don’t be afraid to ask about the store’s return policy. Any reputable jeweler or department store should have one in writing.
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Make your purchase. Once you have determined that you are comfortable with the quality and price of a piece, purchase it. Keep any documentation that the associate gives you – receipts, proof of authenticity, or care instructions.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Part 3: Buying Sterling Silver Jewelry Online

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Research websites that sell sterling silver jewelry. Online retailers like Amazon and Overstock.com offer a wide selection of jewelry and make it easy to search for what you want. Many brick-and-mortar jewelry or department stores offer all their products for sale online as well. Etsy is another option if you’re looking for something handmade or vintage.
- If you’re shopping for a ring, you’ll want to find out your ring size since you won’t be able to try on different sizes before buying.
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Select an item and read all the provided information. There should be a thorough description with measurements of the item and details about the metal composition. There should also be several photos to show you the piece from multiple angles. If you have any questions, contact the seller for more information.^{[8]
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Read the return policy. The site will either list their return policy within the product details, or there will be a separate page with a more broad return policy for all items on the site. Be sure the site allows you to return the piece if you don’t like it, not just if it’s damaged during shipping.
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Purchase and track the item. If it is an expensive piece, schedule the shipment so that it will arrive while you’re at home to avoid theft. Or have it shipped to your office if your employer allows it. Many sites offer shipment tracking, so watch for tracking updates to see where your item is.

Expert Q&A

Question

What's the difference between sterling silver and silver jewelry?

Nicole Wegman
Jewelry Professional & Founder of Ring Concierge
Nicole Wegman is the Founder and CEO of Ring Concierge, a New York City-based fine jewelry brand. Specializing in engagement ring and wedding band trends, Ring Concierge creates a luxury experience catered towards millennials. Ring Concierge offers engagement rings along with earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and anklets. Nicole's work and Ring Concierge have been featured in Vogue, Glamour, Who What Wear, Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, and Cosmopolitan. Nicole is a GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Accredited Jewelry Professional and holds a BS in Fiber Science and Apparel Design from Cornell University.

Nicole Wegman

Jewelry Professional & Founder of Ring Concierge

Expert Answer

Pure silver is very soft, and it's actually not really safe to wear. Sterling silver is silver that's been mixed with 7.5% of other metals to provide strength, which makes it much more suitable to be used for jewelry.