Sterling Silver vs. Pure Silver vs. Silver-Plated Jewelry - Silpada

While it has the highest purity (99.9%) and rarely tarnishes, it is often considered too malleable for complex earring designs.

You may also encounter a lion passant (UK) or a Minerva head (France) on high-quality imported pieces.

These pieces feature a thin silver coating over a base metal like copper or brass. While budget-friendly, the plating eventually wears off, exposing the core and potentially irritating sensitive skin. Identifying Quality: The Hallmark