What is Sterling Silver?
Sterling Silver is made of 92.5% parts pure silver and 7.5% parts other metal alloys (usually copper). The alloys are added to increase the hardness and durability of the metal so that it can be worn in every day jewelry. Sterling Silver is often plated with other metals to keep it from tarnishing (a natural reaction of the silver turning black over a period of time after being exposed to oxygen). White plating is usually done with Rhodium, a metal in the Platinum family. Yellow plating is usually done with yellow gold. Rose plating is usually done with rose gold. Sometimes silver can be plated with a clear liquid, called e-coat, that allows the silver metal color to show but seals it off from oxidation. Sterling silver is an alternative for a precious white metal, and allows you to get the same look.