Sterling Silver: What’s the Big Deal?

Sudha Pillai
Jan 25
2 min read

Sterling silver. You’ve seen it. You’ve heard about it. You might even own it. But what exactly is it? And why does it sound so fancy? Let’s break it down—minus the jargon, plus a little fun.

Not All Silver is Created Equal

First things first—sterling silver is not pure silver. Shocking, right? Pure silver (aka fine silver) is too soft to survive the rough and tumble of everyday life. Enter sterling silver. It’s 92.5% silver, with a dash (7.5%) of other metals—usually copper—to give it strength and durability. That’s why you’ll often see it stamped with "925", meaning 92.5% silver goodness.

Why the mix? Because without it, your jewellery would bend, dent, and cry under pressure.

Sterling vs. Regular Silver—What’s the Difference?

Regular silver, or fine silver, is beautiful but delicate. Think of it as the diva of metals. It tarnishes faster, scratches easily, and isn’t ideal for jewellery that needs to last. Sterling silver, on the other hand, is the practical, stylish sibling. Strong, elegant, and just as gorgeous—without the drama.

Bottom line: Sterling silver = looks like silver, acts tougher.

Why Do Jewellers Love Sterling Silver?

Because it’s the perfect balance of beauty and strength. It’s lightweight, easy to work with, and lets artisans (like me!) create intricate designs without worrying about breakage. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic—perfect for sensitive skin. And the best part? It ages beautifully. Over time, it develops a lovely patina, giving it that vintage charm everyone loves.

Pro Tip: A quick polish brings it back to its shiny best in no time.

How to Spot Real Sterling Silver

Not sure if what you have is the real deal? Look for these signs:

The 925 Stamp: If it’s legit, it’ll be there. No stamp? Red flag.
Magnet Test: Sterling silver isn’t magnetic. If it sticks, it's not silver, it’s an imposter.
The Tarnish Test: Sterling silver tarnishes over time. If it stays super shiny forever, something’s off.

Why I Use Sterling Silver Wire in My Jewellery

Here’s the thing—when you buy a Thulya piece, you won’t see a "925" stamp. That’s because I use sterling silver wire to create my designs. The stamp is usually found on commercially made jewellery, but trust me, it’s the real deal. Sterling silver wire lets me create intricate, minimalist designs that are strong, durable, and lightweight. It's perfect for the contemporary, edgy aesthetic I love.

Bonus? It’s hypoallergenic and kind to sensitive skin. No green fingers here.

The Sterling Silver Care Manual

Want your sterling silver to stay fabulous? Follow these easy tips:

Keep it dry—no showers, no pools, no sweaty gym sessions.
Store it in an airtight pouch to slow down tarnish.
Wear it often! Your skin’s natural oils help keep it shiny.

Sterling Silver is the unsung hero of the jewellery world. It’s classy, durable, and timeless. Whether it’s a delicate pendant or a statement ring, sterling silver pieces are worth every bit of love and care you give them.