Silver bullion is almost invariably 99.9% pure, but because the resultant material is far too soft for everyday use, sterling silver — the silver you see most often in jewelry — is composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. The copper adds the hardness and durability required for jewelry that can withstand daily wear.
The Story Behind "Sterling"
The term "sterling" traces its roots to the 12th century when five towns in eastern Germany banded together to form the Hanseatic League in order to engage in more substantial commerce with England. The league paid for English cattle and grain with its own silver coins called Easterlings. Historians believe that under the reign of King Henry II, Britain used the highly dependable Easterling as the basis for standardizing the isle's coinage. Over time, the name was simply shortened to "sterling" — and it still refers both to the English monetary system and to silver that is by law 92.5% pure.
Hallmarks & Standards
Sterling silver is marked with a ".925" hallmark, indicating its 92.5% silver content. This is an internationally recognized standard. Fine silver (.999) is sometimes used in specialty pieces and bullion but is too soft for most jewelry applications. Silver-filled and silver-plated items have a thin layer of silver over a base metal and are not considered sterling.
Caring for Silver Jewelry
Silver naturally tarnishes over time when exposed to air and moisture — a chemical reaction between the silver and sulfur compounds in the environment. Regular wearing actually helps prevent tarnish, as skin oils keep the surface polished. When not wearing silver jewelry, store it in a sealed bag or airtight container. To clean tarnished silver, use a soft silver polishing cloth or bring it in to Grissom's for professional cleaning.
Silver at Grissom's
Though Grissom's specializes in gold and platinum jewelry, our expert casters can also serve all of your silver needs. Sterling silver is a beautiful and affordable option for earrings, pendants, bracelets, and fashion jewelry. We also offer custom silver work for customers who have a specific design in mind. Stop by our Fort Worth showroom to browse our silver selection.