Difference in Quality Sterling Silver

Hardness and Durability

• One aspect of quality sterling is its hardness and durability. Sterling is used in place of fine silver in the production of pieces that see more functional wear, so the metal must be able to perform. Finished sterling pieces must resist scratches and damages caused by denting and deformation. Ideally, sterling that is easy to form during the shaping process will harden effectively, so that even the most irregular-shaped pieces are worth their weight in sterling.

Antitarnishing Abilities

• Sterling silver alloys can be tested for tarnish resistance from environmental pollutants, sulfurous gases and adverse conditions through a process called CIELAB standard color measurement system. A device assesses the level of tarnish on each sample alloy, concluding that some alloys are more resistant than others. A new breed of sterling such as Argentium combines 1.2 percent germanium, 6.3 percent copper and 92.5 percent silver, rendering the metal tarnish-resistant.

Limited Firescale

• Sterling silver is known for its tendency to form firescale when it is polished abrasively or heated during production. Firescale appears as a dark red/purple stain or blotchy patches on the surface of the metal, destroying the reflective finish. The effect occurs when oxygen combines with copper in the silver-copper alloy. The stain penetrates deep into the silver's surface and requires acid or other abrasive processes to exact its removal. Sterling silver that is alloyed with other metals can limit this effect.

Use of Master Alloys

• Sterling silver has a standardized fineness rating of 925, with copper traditionally added to increase its durability and hardness. Quality sterling silver makers are switching to master alloys to reduce tarnishing and firescale issues and to increase overall performance. A master alloy combines a base metal, such as nickel or copper, with a high percent of other elements to change the composition and properties of the base metal. Master alloys increase strength, electrical conductivity and surface finish, resulting in a superior sterling.