Sterling or Silver-Plated, which is right for you?

When you're shopping for silver jewelry, you'll often come across two terms: sterling silver and silver-plated. While they may look similar at first glance, they’re very different when it comes to quality, longevity, and value.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is a solid metal made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper). This mix gives it strength while maintaining its beautiful shine. Because it’s solid, sterling silver won’t flake or wear away, and it can be polished back to its original luster again and again. It’s a great choice for everyday wear and long-term use.

Silver-Plated

Silver-plated jewelry is made by coating a base metal—often brass or copper—with a thin layer of silver. This gives it the appearance of silver, but the layer is usually very thin and can wear off over time, especially with frequent wear or exposure to moisture.

Why Choose Recycled Sterling Silver?

Opting for jewelry made with recycled sterling silver is a more sustainable choice. Rather than using newly mined silver—which requires significant energy and environmental disruption—recycled silver is reclaimed from old jewelry, electronics, and other silver items. It has the same quality and purity as newly mined silver but with a much lower environmental footprint.

By supporting brands that use recycled silver, you’re helping reduce waste, cut down on mining, and make the jewelry industry a little more earth-friendly.

Which Should You Choose?

If you're looking for heirloom-quality pieces or jewelry you’ll wear often, sterling silver—especially recycled—is a smart and sustainable investment. If you're more interested in a trend piece or something budget-friendly, silver-plated can be a fun, temporary option—just know it may not hold up for the long haul.