7 Types of Silver: A Quick Guide for the Jewelry Shopper
Silver is silver is silver — right? Well, not really.
Like there are myriad types of gold on the market — from rose to vermeil, white to yellow, plated to pure — there are similarly many types of silver. While they might all look more or less the same to you, there are significant differences — differences that can impact your next jewelry investment.
Keep reading about the seven types of silver for jewelry you need to know about, plus a few silver types that are typically harder to find and not always suitable for jewelry.
What You Will Learn
Types of Silver in Jewelry
1. Fine Silver
1. Fine SilverFine silver jewelry construction is as close to pure silver as you can get. Fine silver is sometimes also called .999 silver, as the metal is 99.9% silver. (Trace elements account for the other 0.1%.)
However, just because this type of silver is extra-pure doesn’t mean it’s desirable for jewelry making. Silver is a soft metal, so pure silver is easily damaged and scratched. Because of this, many jewelry makers prefer to use silver combined with other metals. The silver lends its lustrous appearance, but the other metals provide durability and strength.
2. Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is just one step down from fine silver. Most silver jewelry is sterling silver.
The sterling silver alloy (an alloy is a metal made up of multiple elements) is 92.5% silver, so it is close to pure but with just enough of another metal to give the silver some extra strength. Sterling silver often includes a mixture of copper or nickel.
3. Argentium Silver
Argentium silver is much less common, but it’s not impossible to find jewelry made from Argentium silver.
Aregntium silver is, like sterling silver, 92.5% silver, but the metals added to the alloy always include copper and germanium. Germanium makes the silver less likely to tarnish. Because of this, Argentium silver requires less cleaning and maintenance than sterling silver; however, Argentium silver is also more expensive than sterling silver.
4. Silver Filled Jewelry
Silver filled jewelry isn’t technically one of the different types of silver. Instead, it’s a specific type of silver jewelry.
Silver filled jewelry uses sterling silver. A maker applies this sterling silver to a brass base for a sterling silver exterior appearance, but at a lower cost, as the jewelry is really only about 5–10% sterling silver. The rest of the piece is brass.
5. Silver Plated Jewelry
Very similar, “silver plated jewelry” refers to jewelry pieces with silver plating on the exterior but another metal inside. However, silver plated jewelry features less overall silver than silver filled jewelry and is often lower in quality (and in price).
6. Nickel Silver, German Silver, and Alpaca Silver
All three of these names refer to a type of silver that isn’t really silver at all! Instead, this nickel alloy includes copper as its base metal and nickel and zinc — no silver content. Its appearance makes it suitable for costume jewelry, but we do not recommend selling nickel silver as anything else.
7. Tibetan Silver
Tibetan silver is similarly made from different metals, but contains no actual silver. In fact, it can sometimes, contain dangerous materials, like lead. While costume jewelry sometimes uses Tibetan silver, we recommend avoiding wearing it due to its potentially harmful lead components.
Suggested Read: Best Metal for Jewelry
The Type of Silver You Won’t Find in Jewelry (At Least Not Often)
Britannia Silver
As the name suggests, this silver is from the United Kingdom and consists of 98.5% silver. Softer than sterling silver, it replaced sterling silver in Great Britain for some time and was used for silver coinage. Today, Britannia silver is not a go-to material for jewelry.
Coin Silver
It’s not common to come across coin silver jewelry. If you do, the jewelry is likely antique. Coin silver is an alloy made from 90% silver and 10% copper, so it’s just slightly less pure than sterling silver and argentium silver.
What is the Most Expensive Silver Type?
Pure silver jewelry is the most expensive type of silver you can buy. Looking at the above types of silver used in jewelry, here’s how they rank in price, with the most expensive — pure silver — being at the top and average prices decreasing as the list descends.
- Pure silver
- Argentium silver
- Sterling silver jewelry
- Silver filled
- Silver plated
- Nickel silver
- Tibetan silver
While traditional sterling silver is the most popular of silver alloys, the argentium silver alloy is still more expensive due to the types of metals used in its manufacturing.
Types of Silver Used in Jewelry FAQs
Seeking silver jewelry and have more questions regarding silver types of jewelry? We have answers!
What are Silver Grades?
Silver grades refer to a three-number “grade,” indicating how much of the “silver” is actually pure silver. If the silver has a 999 grade, it’s fine silver, made from 99.9% pure silver. If the silver receives a 925 grade, it’s sterling silver, made from 92.5% silver.
What Type of Silver Metal is Most Durable?
Argentium silver is the most durable type of silver, as it incorporates metals that prevent the silver from tarnishing.
Are There Different Types of Sterling Silver?
Yes, there are different types of sterling silver. Polished sterling silver is finished silver jewelry that is polished and prepped for use. If you prefer a different aesthetic, you can also find matte or satin-finish sterling silver and hammered sterling silver.
Will Certain Types of Silver Rings Turn My Finger Green?
Any silver alloy that contains copper can turn your finger green. Don’t worry, though — this discoloration is harmless. However, you can prevent it by properly caring for and regularly cleaning your silver rings.
Keep Your Favorite Silver Pieces Protected With Specialized Jewelry Insurance
The right jewelry insurance will keep your favorite silver pieces safe — no matter what type of silver. If it’s a piece that you consider valuable (either monetarily or sentimentally), it’s worth protecting.
Personalized and comprehensive jewelry insurance will ensure you can repair or replace your silver jewelry in case of damage, loss, or theft. Learn more and pick the right BriteCo policy for your needs.
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