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Sterling Jewelry

Sterling jewelry is created from a silver alloy. An alloy is a metal which is composed of more than one material. Sterling options specifically contain 92.5% silver by weight and 7.5% other materials. In general, copper with make up the "other" percentage.

Sterling jewelry was conceptualized for a very practical reason. Pure silver or "fine silver" is very soft. In fact, it is too soft to create large objects that remain functional. Alloying the material with something else will overcome this issue.

Copper is a preferred alloy for sterling jewelry for its own reasons. Obviously, it is important that it increases strength, which it does magnificently. At the same time, it works to preserve the ductility and natural beauty of fine silver. Alternatives to copper or possible combinations with copper as an alloy include zinc and platinum.

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