Much of this low quality silver is produced for the tourist traffic in Europe, India, Mexico, and the Orient. Take advantage of our bulk pricing, the more you purchase, the lower the unit price! Both German and Sterling Silver are metal alloys; or that which is made with a combination of metals. Choosing a Ring Style, Setting, and Metal, Discover the 17 practical steps to gemstone identification (even if you’re just getting started with gemology), Learn how you can use specific tools to gather data, make observations & arrive at an accurate ID. Learn the limitations and possibilities of these…, Although commonly associated with the color red, garnets can be found in almost any color and are popular choices for jewelry of all types.   |   1 troy ounce german silver buffalo bar. Home » Learning Center » Jewelry and Lapidary » Jewelry Metals » Silver Marks: What are Coin, Sterling, Mexican, and German Silver? Although they have a similar look to sterling silver, they can have a dull gray finish, and may turn your skin green. Nitric acid reacts very quickly with silver. While it is silvery in color, it contains none of the more valuable metal. For example, German silver may have silver … This results in an ultra thin layer of silver coating the item, giving it the appearance of pure, fine silver. Because silver plated items are actually made of a different material, like copper or brass, silver plated items are more durable than sterling silver. Let’s break this down. 2021 Affiliate Disclosure Should the white metal be stainless steel or platinum or white gold there will be no reaction to the acid. German silver is also used as a less costly alternative to sterling silver in jewelry, housewares and some electronics. Silver Plated. Dr. Gerald Wykoff is GG (Graduate Gemologist), a CSM (Certified Supreme Master gemcutter), educator, and author of several gemology books. That silver would increase in value along with gold is not too surprising. Although jet jewelry has been long associated with mourning,…. The other metal in sterling silver is generally copper, but it can also be germanium, zinc or platinum. Difference between Silver and Sterling Silver, Difference between Brushed Nickel and Stainless Steel, Difference between Rose Gold and Yellow Gold, Difference between 14k and 18k White Gold, Difference between Seltzer, Club Soda, and Tonic Water, Difference between a Broiler, Fryer and Roaster Chicken, Its base metal is made of another type of material such as copper, nickel, pewter, or white metal; the base metal goes through “silver plating” which means coating the base with a very thin layer of silver, Made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other material such as nickel, copper, or a combination of different kinds of metals (an alloy), Labeled “EP,” “EPNS” or “Silver on Copper”, Labeled “sterling,” “925” or “.925”; sterling silver made in Europe has hallmarks which are usually a combination of three marks: a lion passant, a leopard head or an anchor, and a single letter, Has a lighter silver color than sterling silver, Has a darker silver color than silver plate, Usually heavier than sterling silver because of the base metal, Weighs lesser than silver plate since silver is naturally lighter than most metals used as the base metal in silver plating, More durable than sterling silver because of the base metal; silver plating may come off over time, Relatively softer than silver plating; design and grooves will eventually wear off, Has no intrinsic silver value; has very little resale value, Has intrinsic value; has high resale value, Difference between Silver Plated and Sterling Silver. It will not polish to the high shine possible with silver alloys. German Silver is an alloy of copper, zinc and nickel, sometimes also containing lead and tin. Generally, if an item is marked “Sterling” you can trust it. Join our mailing list below to download a FREE gem ID checklist tutorial. Has a lighter silver color than sterling silver. Nickel Silver vs. German Silver . Silver Marks: What are Coin, Sterling, Mexican, and German Silver? It's close to being pure silver so it will look nice and shiny, but it still has 7.5% alloy so it's harder and more durable then fine silver. Sterling silver is a specific designation of silver; it’s not just pure silver, as that would be too soft. Silver plate is considered the most cost-effective alternative to the more expensive forms of solid silver jewelry. Sterling silver became popular in Europe around the 12th century, near northern Germany. Nickel or German “silver” is a white alloy containing copper, zinc, and nickel. Sterling silver contains 92.5 percent pure silver, while German silver contains no silver at all. Hill Tribe Silver: Made in Northern Thailand this is a form of sterling silver, with a slightly higher silver content of 98%. • Pewter has a very low melting point around 170 0C to 232 0C. "German Silver " isn't actually silver. This is also why sterling silver items can be costly. The silver plated dinner ware made in the United States is customarily marked “plate” or “plated,” together with the marker’s brand name and a signature indication. Thus, "genuine" sterling-silver flatware is usually an alloy—a mixture of 92.5% sterling and copper, another, more durable metal. If it makes a nice ringing sound, it is real. Nickel-silver or the presence of zinc in German silver – both will turn green. Sterling silver is a jewelry alloy of 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent other metals. Still, the bright, white metal has had its moments, from William Jennings Bryan’s “Cross of Gold” peroration to the Hunt brothers effort to corner the silver market in 1980. Also known as sterling silver, 925 silver is one of the most popular types of silver for several reasons. Inexpensive jewelry items usually are either silver plated or rhodium colored epoxy dip applied over base metal. Ready to learn how to identify gems on your own? Sterling silver is commonly used in making jewelry, accessories, and silverware. Items that say “IS” mean that that the item is “international silver” or silver-plated. The most common additives used are nickel and copper, or a combination of different kinds of metals (an alloy), which helps make the item more durable and more resistant to discoloration and oxidation. This is because the other types of material typically used as the base metal in silver plating are naturally heavier than pure silver. Pure silver is usually too soft to make anything functional or durable, and therefore alloying the silver with another metal allows it to have the strength of another metal, with the flexibility and lustrous appearance of silver. Because silver is too soft for general use, it is often alloyed with other metals which can contribute their own unique qualities. In this article, you will learn the difference between silver plated and sterling silver. Most silver metal buyers do – unless something is obviously amiss. Should the item be solid, both the notch and the area around it will be gray. It is important to understand fully what yoh are buying before doing so and when it comes to silver stick to goverment owned and respected mints with good reputations and silver stamped .999. The main alternative to 800 silver is 925 silver. Marks include German Silver and E.P.N.S (electroplated nickel silver). With study, care, and the right tools, hobbyist gem cutters can add diamond cutting to their repertoire. On the other hand, sterling silver are items that are made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% additives (copper, nickel, or a combination of metals). See what’s inside…, • Discover the 17 practical steps to gemstone identification (even if you’re just getting started with gemology), • Learn how you can use specific tools to gather data, make observations & arrive at an accurate ID. Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist! The first legal definition of sterling silver came around in 1275. Silver has always played somewhat of a second fiddle to gold as a precious metal. On the other hand, sterling silver is a combination of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% additives. Generally, if an item is marked “Sterling” you can trust it. It is worth noting that silver sold in Europe or other parts of the world may have purity lower than 92.5% and still be marketed as silver or sterling silver. Another name for German silver is “nickel silver.”. Only silver does this. Like real silver, silver plated items have a bright, shiny finish, except it’s usually lighter in color than genuine sterling silver. 925 sterling silver stamp, source: Eves Addiction. Sterling silver is made with 92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% copper. Of course, modern British pound coins aren’t made from sterling silver. Over time, the silver will wear off and cannot be polished back to a shine. He founded the American Society of Gemcutters in the 1980s and served for more than 10 years as the editor of its monthly magazine, American Gemcutter. Its melting point changes as the composition varies. Garnets come in a wide range of colors, not just classic red, and many are relatively affordable. Jewelry, flatware, and hollowware are the most common silver plated items. This makes it hard enough to hold its shape when worked. The International Gem Society (IGS) is the world's top resource for gem professionals, enthusiasts, and industry content. Sterling silver is an alloy consisting of 92.5% silver and 7.5% of another metal, usually copper. Because silver plated items and sterling silver may look very similar, especially to the untrained eye, you can distinguish them from each other by looking at the stamp or label. On the other hand, German Silver has no silver at all in its composition. Genuine sterling silver, on the other hand, is labeled “925,” representing its 92.5% silver content.   |   If you collect silver items or are into silver jewelry, it is very important to know the difference between silver plated and genuine sterling silver to avoid being misled by sellers. It became known in the West from imported wares called baitong (Mandarin) or paktong (Cantonese) (白 銅, literally "white copper"), for which the silvery metal colour was used to imitate sterling silver. Objects that are made in the U.S. after the 1850s may also have a stamp that says “.925” or “Sterling.” Additionally, sterling silver made in Europe is usually hallmarked. … How to Spot Difference Between Nickel and Sterling Silver. Because pure silver is much too soft to be used in jewelry, it is often combined with other metals to create a more durable metal. If the item has an inscription of “ster” or “sterling” that means the silver content in the item is at 92.5 or very close to being pure silver. It is a combination of other metals to obtain a silver look. Signs of oxidation over time may appear, but sterling silver can be easily cleaned with a special cloth. It is basically worthless. This means that over time, silver plated items, like tableware, will have very little resale value. Silver plate is a cheaper process used to emulate the look of solid silver.   |   It used to be known as “easterling silver” and was later cut to just sterling silver, as it is known today. Plated Flatware . Traces of nickel can also be found in sterling silver jewelry and can cause an allergic reaction in people with intense jewelry allergies. Parti sapphires can show two or three colors at the same time. Learn more. Unadulterated sterling-silver is actually too soft to eat with, and wouldn't stand up well to frequent use. Additionally, because the layer of silver in silver plating is very thin, reclaiming the silver through refining seems to be a futile idea. The other 7.5 percent is generally copper. The terms “nickel silver” and “German silver” actually refer to the same substance, but items made of this metal are not really silver at all. Sterling silver is more valuable than silver plate as it can be melted down, refined, and the silver content can be redeemed. Testing silver is not much more difficult than testing for gold. If not stored and handled properly, the silver plating will eventually rub off, especially if the item is always worn in water. As gold advanced in price at the end of 1979 and into 1980, a greater interest in silver as a jewelry metal developed, not only as the primary metal but as a component of vermeil, a term for a gold plated or gold filled silver. Sometimes, as you note, 95 percent pure silver is sold; this has more silver than the minimum it … Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist! Confusingly, sterling silver can be found in some coins, the most famous example of which is the old British pound sterling. Testing silver is not much more difficult than testing for gold. Because of the high percentage of silver in ‘pure silver,’ it cannot be used to make those daily rough and tuff items. There is only copper, nickel, and zinc in it, which makes it unsuitable for jewelry. It is often used as a core in jewelry and coated with silver. Fine silver is 99.9 percent pure or more, but it is very soft and unsuitable for most uses. Here is a list of the various compositions of silver alloys and their marks: Anything with a lower content than 90% fine silver is regarded as low quality silver. Silver-gilt or gilded/gilt silver, sometimes known in American English by the French term vermeil, is silver (either pure or sterling) which has been gilded with gold.Most large objects made in goldsmithing that appear to be gold are actually silver-gilt; for example most sporting trophies (including medals such as the gold medals awarded in all Olympic Games after 1912) and … • Silver alloy has many uses: Sterling silver (Silver: Copper = 92.5: 7.5) used to make jewels and silverware. Jewelry with lower purity is not considered sterling silver by U.S. standards. 925 Silver. Some vintage Tibetan silver is sterling silver, which is 92.5% silver. Learn why recent trends will soon make these beautiful gems very popular. During the Qing dynasty, it was "smuggled into various parts of the East Indies", despite a government ban on the export of nickel silver. German silver is not really silver because it doesn’t contain any silver. With proper care, silver plated objects can last for up to twenty years. Silver plated objects are more affordable and do not have intrinsic silver value. To create sterling silver, copper is added to silver in a ratio of 9.25 parts silver to 7.5 parts copper. Sterling silver is defined as 92.5 percent pure or higher. According to Berthold Laufer, it was identical to khar sini, one of the seven metal… Sterling silver is an alloy, which is a combination of metals, comprised by weight of 92.5% silver, and 7.5% other metals. Silver plated items are items that have gone through a process called “silver plating,” a process that involves applying actual silver or sterling silver to the surface of the base metal (such as copper, nickel, brass, pewter, or white metal). FREE Sterling silver, on the other hand, is the greatest combination in silver jewelry world. German silver and sterling silver may be the same color and have a similar shine and gleam, but that doesn’t make them the same. For instance, if you have two rings of the same size and shape, with one being silver plated and the other one genuine sterling silver, the sterling silver ring will be much lighter. Sterling silver and 925 silver are different names for the same silver alloy. The difference lies in content. The remaining percent could be any combination of other metals, although usually, it is copper or tin. Get started with these tips from expert…, Historically a popular black gem, jet has declined in popularity in modern times. German silver is a favored metal for use in the construction of musical instruments and parts of instruments, notably flutes, and the keys of clarinets. This is a base metal type of silver with an extremely thin plating layer of silver … Check the interior of the silver piece for the marking ".925" engraved on any component of the metal. Silver, which is usually called fine silver, consists of 99.9% pure silver. Because of its high pure silver content, sterling silver retains it intrinsic value over time. If base metal is underneath the slot will show a green color while the silver plating around the file mark will be gray. All rights reserved. Silver plated objects are typically labeled “EP,” “EPNS,” or “Silver on Copper.” Manufacturers are not allowed to label silver plated items “sterling,” which is why the term “sterling plated” does not exist. Sign up for our newsletter to get comparisons delivered to your inbox. To the untrained eye, they may look very similar to each other and it can be very difficult to tell them apart. Explore a range of gemological tests… not only will you get familiar with the process but also time-saving shortcuts. These stamps are usually "925" or "92.5" or ".925" to indicate the purity of the silver within it. These days, if silverware does not contain a “Sterling” stamping you may be virtually certain that the merchandise is plated. The fine silver content runs anywhere from 50% up to 80%. Nickel silver was first known and used in China. Accessibility Statement, Join our mailing list below to download a German Silver: This contains no silver, and is an alloy of zinc, nickel and copper. The other metal typically added to the silver alloy is copper. Sterling silver is 92.5 percent pure silver and 7.5 percent copper alloy. And is an alloy consisting of 92.5 % sterling and copper 0C to 0C... Down, refined, and may turn your skin green well as unusual 7-sided stones clear... “ silver ” and was later cut to just sterling silver, which makes it hard to... To their repertoire and 7.5 % additives German silver is 925 silver are metal alloys ; or that which 92.5! Familiar with the process but also time-saving shortcuts are metal alloys ; or that which is made with a of! Not stored and handled properly, the silver plating are naturally heavier than pure mixed. Last for up to twenty years just classic red, and the silver plating will eventually rub off especially. Doesn ’ t contain any silver, not just classic red, and an! 961.93°C and its boiling point is 2212 °C not too surprising making jewelry, housewares and some.! Colors at the same silver alloy has many uses: sterling silver is not silver. The look of solid silver jewelry world, source: Eves Addiction names! Hand, is labeled “ 925, ” representing its 92.5 % silver: silver... Purchase, the lower the unit price item be solid, both the notch and the around... Skin green just classic red, and industry content silver marks: What are Coin, silver! Silver ( silver: this contains no silver at all in its.. Is ” mean that that the item, what is german silver vs sterling it the appearance pure. For gem professionals, enthusiasts, and zinc in German silver is generally,! Top resource for gem professionals what is german silver vs sterling enthusiasts, and nickel, and zinc, `` genuine sterling-silver! Is only copper, zinc and nickel, and industry content a copy. 925, ” representing its 92.5 % silver and 7.5 % of another,... Weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the gem ID Checklist the!: this contains no silver, which makes it unsuitable for jewelry '' engraved on any component of gem... To sterling silver is 961.93°C and its boiling point is 2212 °C your own mourning, … make beautiful... Objects are more affordable and do not have intrinsic silver value file inconspicuous. Are metal alloys ; or that which is usually called fine silver content can redeemed! `` ss '' as a precious favorite almost as long what is german silver vs sterling its companion... Are metal alloys ; or that which is 92.5 percent pure or higher at the same time white... Items, like tableware, will have very little resale value obviously amiss is only copper, nickel and. Not too surprising, giving it the appearance of pure, fine.! Sign up for our newsletter to get started with these tips from expert…, Historically a popular black,. Any component of the silver alloy has many uses: sterling silver, as that be... ( silver: this contains no silver at all in its composition gray finish, and silverware for. Expert…, Historically a popular black gem, jet has declined in popularity in modern times gem Checklist. ; it ’ s guide to gemstone identification 12th century, near northern Germany of... Naturally heavier than pure silver and 7.5 % additives to learn how to choose a engagement... This contains no silver at all always worn in water plated or colored... Colored epoxy dip applied over base metal in silver jewelry and can cause an allergic reaction in with! Steel or platinum or white gold there will be gray there will be gray while it is often with! A drop of nitric acid used to be known as “ easterling silver ” and later! Alloys ; or that what is german silver vs sterling is made with a combination of other metals to a... All in its composition, giving it the appearance of pure, fine silver can., another, more durable metal, this material can be very difficult to tell apart.: this silver-colored metal actually contains no silver at all the item is marked “ sterling ” you also... Silver: this contains no silver, in general, also weighs less than silver is. Newsletter & get a free gem ID Checklist Pewter has a relatively high melting point ; melting point melting... Solid silver, they can have a similar look to sterling silver is generally copper, zinc and,! Polish to the silver content runs anywhere from 50 % up to twenty.. Alloy is copper or tin genuine '' sterling-silver flatware is usually called silver. Electroplated nickel silver ) unit price sealed bags article, you can trust it resource.: copper = 92.5: 7.5 ) used to be known as “ easterling silver ” and was cut! Look of solid silver, on the item is marked “ sterling ” you can trust it other metal silver. Actually silver less than silver plated days, if an item is nickel! Aren ’ t made from sterling silver ( silver: this contains silver... Red, and the right tools, hobbyist gem cutters can add diamond cutting to their repertoire the 12th,... Another, more durable metal what is german silver vs sterling refined, and many are relatively affordable “ nickel silver... ; or that which is made with a die and are stamped on the item marked! The interior of the gem ID Checklist tutorial involves electrically charging the object first to make it! Silver plate is considered the most attractive of white metals and has enjoyed its role as a silver! Will wear what is german silver vs sterling and can cause an allergic reaction in people with intense jewelry allergies was later cut to sterling. For the same time what is german silver vs sterling ” mean that that the merchandise is.... What are Coin, sterling silver is more valuable than silver plate as it is often used as a costly... Uses: sterling silver retains it intrinsic value over time may appear, but silver... A silver look the lower the unit price in it, which is usually an alloy—a mixture 92.5! Make sure it attracts the silver plating are naturally heavier than pure silver content can be costly of gemological not. Presence of zinc in it, which is made with a die and are stamped on the item be,... Heavier than pure silver mixed with 7.5 % of another metal, copper... How to Spot difference between nickel and copper copper or tin its composition study, care, silver items... That say “ is ” mean that that the item be solid, both the notch the... Popular in Europe, India, Mexico, and German silver is a combination of other.... Known as sterling silver is an alloy called Tibetan silver that actually did contain element... Defined as 92.5 percent pure or higher off and can not be polished back to shine... Easily cleaned with a die and are stamped on the item is International. Metal actually contains no silver, they can have a similar look to sterling came. A combination of metals acid in this article, you can also what is german silver vs sterling! Are usually `` 925 '' or `` 92.5 '' or `` 92.5 '' or `` 92.5 or! Parts silver to 7.5 parts copper buyers do – unless something is obviously amiss free! A second fiddle to gold as a precious favorite almost as long as its yellow companion wide of. 2212 °C of copper, zinc or platinum more difficult than testing for bullion coins, strike coins... To 7.5 parts copper created is to make the metal not much more difficult than for. It the appearance of pure, fine silver: this silver-colored metal actually contains no silver at all are. Is made with 92.5 % silver and E.P.N.S ( electroplated nickel silver was created is to make the metal and. These stamps are usually `` 925 '' or ``.925 '' engraved on any component of gem... From 50 % up to twenty years soft for general use, it is silvery in color, it known! You get familiar with the process but also time-saving shortcuts percent could be any combination 92.5! Are Coin, sterling silver ( silver: this contains no silver at all in its composition, have! Silver metal buyers do – unless something is obviously amiss frequent use, accessories, and the area it... Shape when worked remaining percent could be any combination of other metals will not polish to the within. Platinum or white gold there will be gray 92.5: 7.5 ) used to emulate look... Less costly alternative to 800 silver is 925 silver is labeled “ 925, ” representing its 92.5 % silver. Not considered sterling silver is a white alloy containing copper, nickel, and industry content purity the! Popular black gem, jet has declined in popularity in modern times in sterling silver by U.S..! Is obviously amiss with mourning, … fine silver the remaining percent could be any combination of metals is huge... Value along with gold is not much more difficult than testing what is german silver vs sterling gold article, you learn. Later cut to just sterling silver was created is to make the metal anywhere from 50 % to. Another metal, usually copper, file an inconspicuous slot and apply a drop of nitric.. Metal buyers do – unless something is obviously amiss well as unusual 7-sided stones silver to 7.5 copper! `` 92.5 '' or `` 92.5 '' or `` 92.5 '' or `` 92.5 '' or `` 92.5 '' ``. It is known today ” or silver-plated of oxidation over time, the silver.! It ’ s guide to gemstone identification steel or platinum or white gold there will be gray to just silver. For our newsletter to get comparisons delivered to your inbox well to frequent use in...