The "best" silver to buy largely depends on its intended use, but for jewelry, Sterling silver is widely considered the top choice due to its ideal balance of beauty, durability, and workability. For investment, pure silver in bullion form is preferred.
Understanding Different Types of Silver
Silver comes in various forms, each with unique characteristics that make it suitable for different applications. Knowing these differences helps in making an informed purchase.
Sterling Silver: The Popular Choice for Jewelry
Sterling silver is the most popular type of silver sold for jewelry purposes worldwide, renowned for its excellent balance of beauty and resilience. It is an alloy composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. This alloying process is crucial because pure silver is naturally very soft and prone to damage.
- Strength and Durability: The addition of 7.5% copper gives sterling silver significantly enhanced strength and durability, making it robust enough for everyday wear in rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
- Aesthetic Appeal: It retains the brilliant luster and white-silver color we are all most familiar with, making it highly desirable for intricate designs.
- Workability: Its unique composition gives it superior working qualities, allowing jewelers to create complex and beautiful pieces.
- Hallmark: Look for a "925" hallmark, which indicates genuine sterling silver.
Other Notable Types of Silver
While sterling silver dominates the jewelry market, other types of silver serve different purposes or offer alternative benefits:
- Fine Silver (.999 Pure):
- Purity: Also known as pure silver or .999 silver, it is 99.9% pure.
- Properties: Extremely soft and malleable, making it susceptible to scratches and deformation.
- Best For: Investment (bullion, coins), items that do not require durability (e.g., some delicate art pieces, special occasion jewelry).
- Argentium Silver (.935 or .960 Pure):
- Purity: A modern alloy, typically 93.5% or 96% pure silver, with germanium replacing some of the copper.
- Properties: Highly tarnish-resistant, brighter than traditional sterling silver, and hypoallergenic. It offers superior strength and durability.
- Best For: Premium jewelry, individuals sensitive to copper, those seeking low-maintenance silver.
- Coin Silver (.900 Pure):
- Purity: Historically used for coinage, containing 90% silver and 10% copper.
- Properties: Stronger than fine silver but less pure than sterling.
- Best For: Collectibles, some vintage jewelry, and specialized applications. Less common in new jewelry production today.
- Silver Plated:
- Composition: Not solid silver. It involves a thin layer of pure silver or sterling silver applied over a base metal (like copper, nickel, or brass).
- Properties: Much less expensive, but the silver layer can wear off over time, exposing the base metal.
- Best For: Fashion jewelry, decorative items where cost is a primary concern, and longevity is not critical.
Factors to Consider When Buying Silver
When deciding which silver is best for you, consider these key aspects:
- Purpose:
- Jewelry: Sterling silver or Argentium silver offer the best balance of beauty and durability.
- Investment: Fine silver (bullion, bars, coins) is ideal for its high purity.
- Decorative Items: Sterling silver or fine silver, depending on the item's delicacy and expected handling.
- Durability: For items that will be worn frequently or handled often, prioritize alloys like sterling or Argentium silver, which are designed for strength.
- Tarnish Resistance: Silver naturally tarnishes when exposed to air and moisture. Argentium silver offers superior tarnish resistance, while sterling silver will require occasional polishing. Fine silver tarnishes more slowly but is very soft.
- Purity: Higher purity means softer metal. If purity is paramount (e.g., for investment), opt for .999 fine silver.
- Cost: Generally, the higher the silver content and the more specialized the alloy (like Argentium), the higher the price. Silver-plated items are the least expensive.
Comparative Table of Silver Types
| Feature | Fine Silver (.999) | Sterling Silver (.925) | Argentium Silver (.935/.960) | Silver Plated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purity | 99.9% pure silver | 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper | 93.5% or 96% silver, germanium | Thin layer of silver over base metal |
| Durability | Very soft, easily scratched | Good, strong, and durable | Excellent, strong, and hard | Low (silver layer can wear off) |
| Tarnish Resist. | Low, but slower than sterling | Moderate, tarnishes over time | High, highly tarnish-resistant | Varies, depends on plating thickness and care |
| Common Use | Investment, delicate art | Jewelry, flatware, decor | High-end jewelry | Costume jewelry, home goods, novelty items |
| Hallmark | .999, FS | .925, Sterling | Argentium Silver, 935, 960 | None for solid silver, sometimes EPNS or SP |
Practical Tips for Buying Silver
- Check for Hallmarks: Always look for proper hallmarks (e.g., 925 for sterling, .999 for fine silver) stamped on the item, especially for jewelry and investment pieces.
- Buy from Reputable Sources: Purchase silver from trusted jewelers, coin dealers, or online retailers known for their authenticity and quality. This helps ensure you are getting genuine silver. For example, consider established jewelers or recognized bullion dealers like APMEX.
- Consider Care and Maintenance: Understand that all silver, except highly tarnish-resistant alloys like Argentium, will require cleaning and care to maintain its luster. Store silver in airtight bags or with anti-tarnish strips.
In conclusion, for stunning and durable jewelry that stands the test of time, sterling silver remains the gold standard. For maximum purity and investment potential, fine silver is the appropriate choice.
