What is sterling silver?
Q: What is sterling silver?
A: Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% by mass of silver and 7.5% by mass of other metals, usually copper.
Q: Is pure silver suitable for making objects?
A: No, pure silver, for example 99.9% pure, is generally too soft for making objects for use so it must be alloyed with copper to give it strength while keeping the ductility and beauty of the precious metal.
Q: What other metals can replace the copper in sterling silver alloys?
A: Other metals that can replace the copper in sterling silver alloys include germanium, zinc and platinum, as well as a variety of other additives such as silicon and boron.
Q: When was the first legal definition of sterling silver introduced?
A: The first legal definition of sterling silver appeared in 1275 when a statute specified that 12 ounces of silver for coinage should contain 11 ounces 2 1/4 pennyweights of silver and 17 3/4 pennyweights of alloy with 20 pennyweights to the Troy ounce.
Q: Are there any modern variations on sterling silver alloys?
A: Yes, alloys such as argentium have appeared in recent decades which has some germanium added and resists tarnishing well.
Q: How are sterling standards protected?
A: Sterling standards are protected by hallmarks stamped on pieces by officials.
