Sterling Silver vs. Plated silver vs. Argentium Silver

Sterling Silver:

• Sterling silver contains a minimum of 92.5% pure silver.
• It is the remaining 7.5% which causes it to tarnish. 
• Pure silver is too soft for jewelry so it needs to be alloyed
• It will last for a long time if cared for properly.
• Hypoallergenic. It doesn't cause allergies or reactions in most people. Some people are allergic, however

 

Silver Plated:

• Silver plated items are made of a lesser quality metal and then covered with a thin layer of silver, making them less valuable than jewelry made of sterling silver.
• Non-hypoallergenic. It may cause reactions in some people.

Argentium Silver:

• Argentium is a form of sterling silver that is composed of the same amount of silver as sterling silver. However germanium is added to the silver to make up the remaining %.
• Does not tarnish.
• Hypoallergenic