The Silver Difference

I use 3 different types of silver, depending on customer requirements and what I am making, but here's a quick run down on the variances.

Silver Plated
This is usually a "layer" of silver over a base metal, which can be zinc, copper, nickel, lead, steel or any combination of those.  Usually this is done by "electro-plating" technique.  I try to buy nickel and lead free findings wherever possible due to allergies in the case of the nickel, and the health concerns of lead exposure.

Sterling Silver
Is 92.5% silver, with the rest being made up of other materials, usually copper.  This is why really old and un cared for pieces sometimes have a green tinge.  Usually marked with the word Sterling, or 925, or may have a lion mark.  Because a lot of my sterling silver jewellery is fine I may not have the ability to put this mark on.

Fine Silver
Is 99.9% silver, and because of this is a lot softer than Sterling.  Ok for Jewellery and delicate pieces, but not for your cutlery :)  I usually stamp my "Pure" range of Fine silver jewellery with 999, however occasionally I forget! 

All silver products will tarnish when exposed to air and water,  So keep in a sealed bag or box when not being worn, and clean often.