What types of silver exist?

Silver: A Versatile and Elegant Treasure

In the world of jewelry, silver is one of the most appreciated materials thanks to its elegant shine, its attractive color and its long tradition as a symbol of wealth. However, not all silver is the same. Its purity and the alloys that complement it determine its value, resistance and use. At Zánfora , we want to help you learn about the different types of silver, their characteristics and how to differentiate them.

Classification of Silver according to its Purity

Silver is primarily classified by the percentage of purity of the metal present in a piece of jewelry or decorative item. The higher the purity, the higher its value. However, this purity also influences its durability, which makes it important to know the varieties available before buying or selling jewelry. Here we present the most common types of silver and their uses.

1. Pure Silver (999)

It is the highest grade of silver, composed almost entirely (99.9%) of the precious metal. This material, extracted directly from nature, is used in its original form to create objects such as ancient coins, classic cutlery and pocket watches.

Advantages :

• Its attractive shine and resistance to corrosion (although it can darken with chemicals or sweat, this is easily corrected by cleaning it).

Disadvantages :

• Low resistance and poor structural durability, which limits its use for everyday jewelry.

2. 950 Sterling Silver

Composed of 95% pure silver and 5% other metals, usually copper, this alloy is stronger than pure silver.

Characteristics :

• It is a high quality standard in jewelry and luxury items.
• Although rare in fine jewelry, its high degree of purity makes it ideal for special pieces.

3. 925 Sterling Silver (Sterling Silver)

The favourite in the jewellery world, 925 silver combines 92.5% silver with 7.5% copper. This gives it exceptional resistance without losing its characteristic shine and white colour.

Common uses :

• Necklaces, bracelets, earrings and wedding rings.
• Jewelry for daily use thanks to its balance between purity and durability.

Key advantage :

• It is the most popular and versatile option in the fine jewelry market.

4. 900 Sterling Silver (Second Law)

With 90% silver and 10% other metals, this alloy is less pure than 925 but more resistant.

Applications :

• Ideal for pieces that require greater strength, such as chains or souvenir bracelets.
• It is also used on ancient and modern coins.

5. Argentium Silver

An innovation in the world of silver, this alloy replaces copper with germanium, which reduces oxidation and adds a characteristic reddish or violet hue.

Distinctive features :

• Composition that varies between 93.5% and 96% pure silver.
• Patented by Argentium International Ltd , it is a luxurious and modern option for exclusive jewelry.

6. Britannia Silver

With a purity of 95.8%, Britannia silver is a preferred choice for kitchenware and decorative objects. Its resistance to tarnishing and beautiful luster make it a classic choice for coins and tableware.

What Type of Silver is Best for You?

The ideal type of silver depends on the use you want to give it:

• For elegant jewelry for everyday use , 925 silver is the best option for its durability and aesthetics.
• For high fashion pieces or casual wear , pure silver brings incomparable shine.
• For accessories that require greater strength , such as thick chains or coins, sterling silver is more suitable.

Exploring the characteristics of each type of silver will allow you to make more informed decisions when purchasing your favorite pieces. At Zánfora , we invite you to continue discovering the fascinating world of precious metals on our blog. Let yourself be dazzled by the beauty and versatility of silver!