Sterling Silver is a precious metal, used for jewelry because it combines strength, durability and a natural white color. As with gold, U.S. laws and Federal Trade Commission guidelines govern the way silver must be described, according to its "fineness", the amount of pure silver it contains. An item that is "sterling silver" contains at least 92.5% pure silver. At EFG Designs, the majority of silver jewelry we carry is sterling silver.

Since high-purity sterling silver has a tendency to tarnish, various techniques are employed to inhibit tarnishing. Manufacturers often coat the silver with another white metal, such as rhodium (a valuable platinum-family metal), while others apply a thin polymer or other clear finish. Sometimes a tarnish-resistant coated piece of paper may be enclosed within the plastic bag or pouch that holds the silver jewelry. If your silver jewelry was purchased within the last ten years, chances are good that it has been coated with an anti tarnishing agent.

Thin coatings of silver may also be applied over base metals. Known as silver plated or silver coated jewelry, these are better for necklaces or earrings, where durability is not key. There are no regulations governing the amount of silver in such items, however. Costume jewelry or base metal jewelry that is described as "silver," may be silver colored base metal and contains no silver.

For more information see our Metals Info and Care Guide.