Sterling Silver 101: Everything You Need to Know About this Popular Metal

Aarefa | Earth Angel HQ
May 2
3 min read

At Bloomtine, we believe jewellery isn’t just an accessory — it’s an energy. A feeling. A story that lives on your skin. And when it comes to timeless, versatile, and meaningful jewellery, sterling silver holds a special place in our hearts — and in many of our bestselling designs.

If you’ve been curious about what sterling silver is, why it's become such a staple in modern jewellery collections, and whether it’s right for you — here’s your complete guide.

✨ What Is Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver is a precious metal made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper). Why not 100% silver? Because pure silver is too soft to be shaped into long-lasting jewellery. Adding strength-enhancing metals gives it durability — without compromising its radiant glow. In fact, that’s where the term “925” comes from — a hallmark you’ll often find stamped on your jewellery, signifying its sterling purity.

💫 Why Sterling Silver Is More Popular Than Ever

While gold tends to steal the spotlight, sterling silver is quietly becoming a cult favourite — especially among those who love intentional, meaningful, and everyday jewellery.

Here’s why sterling silver is having a moment (and why it’ll never go out of style):

Modern yet timeless – It looks sleek, feels elegant, and works with literally everything. From office wear to date night to daily rituals, sterling silver blends seamlessly.
Accessible luxury – It’s precious, but not unattainable. You can build a beautiful, meaningful jewellery wardrobe — without the heavy price tag of solid gold.
A mood for every moment – Sterling silver is incredibly layerable and stackable. It pairs well with other metals, gemstones, and textures — whether you’re a dainty minimalist or a bold maximalist.

🔍 Sterling Silver vs Stainless Steel vs Silver-Plated

Not all silver-coloured jewellery is created equal. Here’s how to tell what’s truly worth investing in:

Metal	What It Is	Tarnish?	Daily Wear	Long-Term Investment?
Sterling Silver	92.5% pure silver + alloy	Yes (natural process)	Yes, with care	✅ Timeless & precious
Stainless Steel	Alloy of iron, carbon, chromium	No	Durable, but lacks shine	❌ Not a precious metal
Silver-Plated	Thin coating of silver over base metal	Yes, flakes off	No — wears down fast	❌ Not valuable

Why choose sterling silver? Because it’s the real deal. Not a quick trend or a short-lived sparkle — but a forever metal that holds both value and sentiment.

🌙 Is Sterling Silver Good for Daily Wear?

Absolutely — in fact, we encourage it.

Sterling silver is one of the few precious metals that is:

Durable enough for daily wear
Easy to clean and care for
Kind to sensitive skin (nickel-free in all Bloomtine pieces)

Over time, it may naturally oxidise and tarnish — but don’t worry, that’s totally normal. And it’s easily reversible. Which brings us to this......

💎 We Offer Complimentary Polishing & Cleaning (Because We Get It)

Sterling silver isn’t anti-tarnish — but it is eternally beautiful.

At Bloomtine, we offer complimentary cleaning and polishing (*within 12 months of purchase) for all your sterling silver pieces — so they can glow with you, no matter how often you wear them. We also provide polishing cloths along with the piece, because jewellery is meant to be lived in — not locked away.

🎁 Who & What It’s For

Sterling silver is the perfect choice for:

Gifting someone special (or yourself!)
Wearing daily — to work, brunch, errands, everything
Occasions that call for meaning, not just sparkle — think birthdays, milestones, self-love rituals, and “just because” moments
First-time fine jewellery buyers — it’s approachable, sentimental, and ultra-wearable