Sterling Silver 101: Everything You Need to Know About This Popular Metal
Sterling silver is one of the most popular metals in jewellery - but what actually makes it "sterling," and how does it compare to stainless steel or silver plate? Here's everything worth knowing before you buy.
What Is Sterling Silver?
Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% other metals, usually copper - the "925" stamp you'll sometimes see inside a ring or on a clasp refers to this exact purity standard. Pure silver alone is too soft to hold its shape in daily-wear jewellery, so the alloy gives it the strength to last.
Why Sterling Silver Is So Popular
Three reasons it keeps showing up in jewellery boxes: it has a modern yet timeless look that works with almost any style, it sits at a genuinely accessible price point compared to solid gold, and it's endlessly versatile for layering and stacking with other pieces.
Sterling Silver vs. Stainless Steel vs. Silver-Plated
Sterling silver will tarnish naturally over time with air exposure, but it remains a precious metal suited to daily wear and easily restored with a polish. Stainless steel resists tarnish but lacks the same shine and isn't considered a precious metal. Silver-plated pieces are the least durable of the three - the thin coating flakes off with wear, and the piece loses its shine (and its value) quickly.
Caring for Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is nickel-free in every Bloomtine piece, durable enough for daily wear, and easy to clean - a soft polishing cloth is usually all it needs. Bloomtine also offers complimentary cleaning and polishing within 12 months of purchase, with a polishing cloth included with every order.
Our Bestselling Sterling Silver Pieces
Illuminess™ Moissanite Sterling Silver Shooting Star Studs
Lightweight studs set with a brilliant moissanite - a cool-toned everyday sparkle that never needs to come off.
Shop NowIlluminess™ Sterling Silver Sparkle Diamond Hand Chain
A statement hand chain in rhodium-plated sterling silver - striking on its own, and a favourite for anyone who wants their sterling silver to make an entrance.
Shop NowIlluminess™ Mini Sterling Silver Shooting Star Huggies
One of Bloomtine's most-gifted pairs of huggies - four dainty stars representing luck, abundance, and dreams coming true.
Shop NowAngel Wing Sterling Silver Bangle
A flexible open-wing cuff set with 98 hand-set moissanites in sterling silver - protection and love, worn daily without a second thought.
Shop NowWhere to Shop Bloomtine's Sterling Silver Jewellery
In person: Wolf & Badger, Soho, London. Online: explore the full jewellery collection anytime, with worldwide shipping.
Why Choose Bloomtine?
Premium materials. Nickel-free sterling silver, paired with conflict-free lab-grown moissanites.
Conscious craftsmanship. Designed and assembled in our London studio.
Aftercare included. Complimentary cleaning and polishing within 12 months of purchase.
Exclusivity. You won't find our copyrighted designs anywhere else.
Perfect for gifting. Wrapped beautifully and made to be cherished.
Whether you're stacking, layering, or wearing a single statement piece, sterling silver is an easy, affordable way to build a jewellery collection that lasts.
