When you decide to purchase a piece of jewelry for yourself, or to give as a gift, it helps to understand what the product description is telling you. The metals that make up the body or clasp of your piece can tell you a lot about the piece itself. Pieces with a higher quality of metal are generally more expensive, but will last longer, and often contain higher quality stones and workmanship. Knowing a bit about the different types of metal will help you make an informed decision the next time you purchase a piece of jewelry, and help you get the most for your money.

What is sterling silver?

Sterling Silver is made up mostly of pure silver (minimum 92.5%) with a small amount of added metal like copper. Real sterling is usually marked with the symbol 925 somewhere on the piece (check on the backs of pendants, bracelets, and earrings, inside ring bands, and on clasps for the mark). If you purchase a piece of jewelry made with real sterling, it is likely that the maker has paid special attention to the design and workmanship of the piece