I love sterling silver. This alloy of fine silver is beautiful, durable, holds it value, is recyclable and great to work with.

An alloy is the mixture of 2 or more metals from the periodic table. When the alloy known as sterling silver is made, 92.5% fine silver is mixed with 7.5% copper. The quality mark, 925, is often stamped on jewelry to indicate that it’s genuine sterling silver. 925 is the most commonly accepted international quality stamp used however the word “sterling” is used too. If you don’t see that stamp likely it’s not sterling silver.

The 925 hallmark stamp signifies the ratio of pure silver to copper in that piece of jewelry. Fine silver (99% pure silver) is too soft for for most jewelry. Mixing a small amount of copper to fine silver make it more durable. The trade off of adding copper to fine silver is tarnish. Copper interacts readily with air and creates discoloration or tarnish.

Most of the handmade jewelry I create is made from sterling silver. I use the 925 stamp and a makers mark, my initials, JF. A makers mark lets you know who fabricated a handmade piece.