Sterling silver

Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The millesimal fineness is 925. Sterling silver objects are usually stamped with either the word "Sterling" or ".925", or the Lion Passant mark as part of the Hallmark.

Related Topics:
Alloy - Silver - Copper - Millesimal fineness - Hallmark

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Fine silver (99.9% pure) is generally too soft for producing large functional objects, and in Sterling the silver is usually alloyed with copper to give strength whilst preserving the ductility of the silver and a high precious metal content. Other metals can replace the copper, a recent development being the use of germanium to reduce firescale in manufacturing and to give a high resistance to tarnish.

Related Topics:
Precious metal - Germanium

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