But how can one be sure about sterling silver? Mind you, I’m not an expert in metals, but I hope the following information will be of some help.

If in doubt, ALWAYS, ALWAYS, contact the seller and ask. Is it solid sterling silver or silver plate? I’ve contacted several seller with this question and have found out that the item is in fact, silver plated. There is a huge difference between sterling silver and silver plate.

True sterling silver will be stamped with mark .925, or will have stamped words such as, “Sterling, Sterling Silver, Silver” or a combination of both.

The mark of .925 is the standard, worldwide mark of sterling silver. This is indicative of the amount of pure silver in parts per thousand. Basically this means that 92.5% is silver and the other percent is 7.5% copper.

METALS CONSIDERED STERLING SILVER:

1. STERLING SILVER .925: The standard worldwide mark of sterling silver. 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper.

2. FINE SILVER: Silver that is considered 99% pure. This silver is very soft and is difficult to make jewelry or other items as it is too malleable and scratches easily.

3. BALI – THAI – HILL TRIBE – SILVER: Most of the jewelry or beads that fall under this category are made by the ethnic peoples of Bali, Thailand etc. and describes a “style” of jewelry design. People of these regions typically use either .925 silver or fine silver. Still, look for the silver mark or word.

4. ARGENTIUM STERLING SILVER: This metal is considered the “new” sterling silver. It is still 92.5% sterling silver, but some of the copper has been replaced with the metal alloy of germanium. Germanium has a high resistance to tarnishing and eliminates firescale when soldering.

WHAT IS NOT CONSIDERED STERLING SILVER:

1. GERMAN SILVER/NICKEL SILVER: This type of metal is not sterling silver at all. It is a metal made up of different alloys usually, nickel, copper, zinc and sometimes lead and tin. It has the appearance of silver.

2. TIBETAN SILVER: Many consumers are confused about this metal. Genuine Tibetan silver is just sterling silver that is handcrafted by an ethnic group; the Nepalese/Tibetans. Tibetan silver is an alloy of some silver, with lots of copper or other base metal.

3. PALLADIUM: A form of platinum with much of the same properties and characteristics of platinum but cheaper to use.

4. RHODIUM: Another form of platinum that can be applied to base metals(brass, copper), sterling silver, gold or other metals. Rhodium plating is very, very expensive.

5. PLATINUM: Used in almost pure form for jewelry making. It is a very expensive metal -20% more than gold itself. It is a very strong and durable metal. (My favorite metal, just can’t afford it!!!! LOL!)

6. TITANIUM: The hardest natural metal in the world. Cannot be soldered. Often used in men’s jewelry.

7. TUNSTEN CARBIDE: Another silver looking metal: it is scratch resistant and durable. Does not require polishing to maintain its shine.

8. STAINLESS STEEL: Gaining in popularity for use in jewelry. Stainless steel is not that expensive compared to sterling silver, platinum, rhodium, argentium sterling silver or fine silver. Stainless steel is defined by 4 groups and over 150 grades. Most stainless steel used for jewelry is 308, 308l, 308lvm, 304, 304l, 304lvm. Surgical stainless steel is 316lvm.

9. WHITE GOLD: A metal that combines gold with a white meal to form the alloy of white gold. The white metal can be silver, pallikium, nickel and/or rhodium plating.

10. SILVER PLATE: A thin layer of silver applied (electroplated) over a base metal. The amount of silver used is negiliable.

11. STERLING SILVER OR SILVER PLATE: same as above.

12. STERLING SILVER OVERLAY: A thicker layer of silver applied over a base metal. The thick layer of silver allows a piece to be engraved.

13. SILVERTONE: Base metal colored to look silver.

This is by no means an extensive list of metals, nor is the mark .925 the only stamp for silver. Some countries and makers have their own mark. HOWEVER, .925 IS THE STANDARD, WORLDWIDE ACCEPTED RECOGNITION OF STERLING SILVER.

Again, if in doubt, contact the seller. If it is not marked .925, stamped with the words, “sterling silver, silver”, not stated as “solid sterling silver”, it probably isn’t sterling silver.