Definition

• Sterling silver is comprised of approximately 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, such as copper, zinc and platinum. Note: Because this mix is constantly changing and because some people are sensitive to certain metals, it is a good idea to ask the content of any sterling piece before you buy it to avoid any possible allergic reactions. Sterling jewelry with a high copper content, for example, may react on some people, leaving a green residue on their skin.
  
  

Ductility

• How ductile a metal is refers to how easily it can be drawn into a wire. While pure silver is quite ductile, it is also quite soft and easily broken. Sterling is only slightly less ductile than pure, but what it lacks in ductility it more than makes up for in strength, which is why crafters tend to prefer it to pure silver.
  
  

Tarnish

• Depending on the mix of metals in a sterling piece, tarnish may become a problem and the piece will need to be polished from time to time.
  
  

Strength

• Sterling silver's reason for being was and always will be its strength. Pure silver is rather soft and easily bent or broken, making it impractical for producing larger items, such as dining implements. Adding other metals to the silver increases its strength, while maintaining its beauty.
  
  

Cost

• Sterling silver is cheaper than pure silver. This remains true as long as the material being used in the alloy is not more expensive than the silver, such as with platinum or tungsten carbide. It's the cost of sterling silver that makes it popular for mass-produced jewelry, especially rings.