If you've ever turned over a piece of jewelry and noticed a tiny stamp reading 925, you may have wondered what it means. Is it real silver? Is it valuable? And what's the difference between sterling, coin silver, and pure silver?
You're not alone. These are some of the most common questions we hear from visitors to Seaside Art Gallery.
The answer is simpler than you might think.
Although pure silver is 99.9% silver, it's actually too soft for most jewelry. Instead, skilled silversmiths have long blended silver with small amounts of other metals to create pieces that are both beautiful and durable. That's why sterling silver, made of 92.5% silver, has become the worldwide standard for fine jewelry. Its strength allows artisans to create everything from delicate rings to heirloom bracelets that can be enjoyed for generations.
You may also come across Britannia Silver, which contains an even higher percentage of silver, or Coin Silver, once commonly made from melted silver coins and containing about 90% silver. Older American pieces marked "Coin" or "Dollar" are especially interesting to collectors because they reflect an earlier chapter in silversmithing history.
One name that often causes confusion is German Silver. Despite its name, it contains little or no silver at all. Instead, it's primarily an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc that was developed to resemble silver while being more economical.
At Seaside Art Gallery, we've enjoyed helping collectors discover estate and antique jewelry for decades. One of our favorite moments is seeing someone realize there's more to a piece than its sparkle. Every hallmark tells part of its story, connecting you to the craftsman who created it and the people who treasured it before you.
The more you understand silver, the more confidently you can choose jewelry you'll love wearing today and perhaps one day pass along to someone else.
Whether you're beginning your collection or searching for a one-of-a-kind heirloom, we invite you to explore our collection of estate and antique silver jewelry. You may just discover a piece whose story becomes part of your own.
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