Sterling Silver vs Silver Plated: Don't Get Fooled Into Buying the Wrong Thing

Silver jewellery is having a moment. From chunky chain necklaces to sleek stacking rings, silver is everywhere — and that means the market is flooded with pieces that look silver but couldn't be further from it.

Here's what you need to know before you buy.

What Is Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver is a specific alloy: 92.5% pure silver, mixed with 7.5% other metals (usually copper) to add durability. Pure silver (99.9%) is far too soft for everyday jewellery — it bends, scratches, and deforms easily. The small addition of copper makes it strong enough to wear daily while retaining silver's beautiful lustre and hypoallergenic properties.

The hallmark to look for: 925

Any legitimate sterling silver piece should be stamped with "925" — this is its purity mark. In Australia and most countries, this hallmarking is a legal requirement for pieces sold as silver. No 925 mark? It's not sterling silver.

What Is Silver Plated Jewellery?

Silver plated jewellery follows the same logic as gold plated: a base metal (brass, copper, or even plastic) coated with a thin electroplated layer of silver. That silver layer is typically less than 1 micron thick.

It looks identical to sterling silver in a product photo. On your wrist, they're very different things.

What happens to silver plated jewellery over time:

·       The silver layer wears away through friction, sweat, and washing

·       The base metal becomes exposed

·       Green, grey, or black discolouration appears on skin

·       The piece may trigger allergic reactions (especially with nickel-based base metals)

·       The jewellery looks cheap — fast

Does Sterling Silver Tarnish?

Yes — and this surprises a lot of people. Sterling silver does tarnish. It's a natural chemical reaction between the silver alloy and sulphur compounds in the air, certain foods, and even your own body chemistry.

Tarnish on sterling silver is a surface phenomenon that polishes off completely. The silver underneath is unchanged.

With silver plated jewellery, polishing the tarnish accelerates the removal of the already paper-thin silver layer, exposing the base metal faster.

To keep sterling silver looking its best:

·       Store it in an airtight pouch or box when not wearing

·       Clean with a soft silver polishing cloth

·       Remove before swimming, showering, or applying lotions and perfumes

·       Wear it regularly — skin oils actually help maintain sterling silver's shine

What About "Silver Tone" or "Fashion Silver"?

These terms mean the item contains no silver whatsoever. It's a silver-coloured piece — usually rhodium-plated brass or chrome-finished base metal. Not silver. Don't pay silver prices for it.

The Allergy Problem With Cheap Silver Jewellery

One of the most overlooked issues with silver plated and fashion silver jewellery is skin reactions. Base metals — particularly nickel — are among the most common causes of contact dermatitis. If you've ever found that cheap jewellery makes your skin itch, red, or rashy, the metal is almost certainly the culprit.

Sterling silver (925) is hypoallergenic for the vast majority of people. If you have sensitive skin, it's not just a quality issue — it's a health issue.

Comparing Silver Options Side by Side

How to Buy Silver Jewellery You Won't Regret

Do:

·       Look for the 925 hallmark — stamped, not printed on a tag

·       Buy from established jewellers with a physical presence or strong verified track record

·       Ask specifically "Is this sterling silver?" and expect a clear answer

·       Request a certificate for higher-value pieces

Don't:

·       Assume "silver" in a product description means sterling silver

·       Buy silver jewellery from fast-fashion retailers without checking hallmarks

·       Ignore a suspiciously low price — real silver has a real metal value

The Long View

Sterling silver jewellery, properly cared for, can last generations. Silver plated jewellery, in most cases, lasts months. The upfront cost difference is real — but so is the difference in what you're actually buying.

Cheap jewellery isn't an investment in how you look. It's a subscription fee you pay forever for something that never lasts.

Buy the real thing once.

Our sterling silver collection at caratdirect.com.au is fully hallmarked 925, ethically sourced, and built to last.