Sterling Silver FAQ: Everything a Jewelry Lover Should Know
7 min reading time
Silver has captivated collectors for thousands of years. Known for its cool white glow and ability to reflect light like moonbeams, it remains a symbol of wealth, glamour, and timeless elegance. At Sundara Joon, we love it as a material that compliments the exquisite designs our artist friends deliver.
Silver has captivated collectors for thousands of years. Known for its cool white glow and ability to reflect light like moonbeams, it remains a symbol of wealth, glamour, and timeless elegance.
Whether you’re adding to your jewelry wardrobe or purchasing your first piece, these frequently asked questions will help you understand, choose, and care for your silver—especially the artisan-crafted designs you’ll find at Sundara Joon.
Is Sterling Silver “Real” Silver?
Yes—and that’s exactly what you want. Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver blended with other metals to make it strong enough for everyday wear. This is why you’ll often see the term “925 silver” or a “925” hallmark.
Pure (or “fine”) silver is 99.9% pure and naturally resistant to tarnish, but it’s too soft and malleable to hold its shape as jewelry. Adding a small percentage of other metals gives sterling silver the strength to be worn daily without sacrificing its brilliant color.
What Exactly Makes Up 925 Sterling Silver?
Silver + copper, and copper is the clear partner here. By international convention, the remaining7.5% of sterling silver is primarily copper, which gives the metal strength without altering its white tone.
Some refiners add minute trace metals—fractions of a percent—such as zinc or nickel to slow tarnish or improve workability.
Brass isn’t used. Copper remains the preferred partner because it bonds well with silver and provides durability, and perhaps most importantly it does all that while keeping that unmistakable silver gleam which we love.
Why Has Silver Been Treasured Since Antiquity?
Silver is one of the seven metals of antiquity—along with gold, copper, tin, lead, iron, and mercury.
Early supplies were so rare that silver was once more valuable than gold, until the Egyptians developed improved refining methods around 1500 BCE.
Beyond beauty, silver boasts the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal and a reflective brilliance that has inspired artisans for millennia.
Where Does Sundara Joon’s Silver Come From?
Our sterling silver jewelry is globally sourced and locally crafted:
Thailand – Northern Hill Tribe silversmiths pass techniques from parent to child, creating floral designs such as lotus or flame-like motifs that echo Buddhist ideals of enlightenment.
Mexico – In silver-rich Oaxaca and Taxco, artisans create bold, baroque filigree and floral scrollwork, often worn for festivals and family celebrations.
The Philippines – Spanish colonial influence meets island creativity in delicate filigree and tropical floral patterns, blending European technique with local storytelling.
Wherever it originates, each Sundara Joon piece carries the touch of the maker and the heritage of its region.
How Can I Tell If My Silver Is Genuine?
Magnet Test: Silver isn’t magnetic. If a strong magnet sticks, it’s either not silver or only silver-plated. (Note: some other metals are also non-magnetic, so this is just a first check.)
Bleach Test (with caution): A tiny drop of chlorine bleach will turn genuine silver—sterling or plated—brown or black. Quickly, rinse thoroughly and polish afterwards.
Important: That reaction explains why you should never wear sterling silver in a swimming pool.
Chlorine + silver are a hard no—chlorine can permanently discolor or even pit the metal.
LouAnn's not very scientific test is that silver jewelry is incredibly light, and you can get away with larger earrings than you might otherwise wear.
Yes,silver can tarnish, and that’s normal. Tarnish occurs when the copper in the alloy reacts with sulfur or humidity.
Polish gently with a soft cloth or a cleaner specifically made for silver.
Store it dry, ideally in an anti-tarnish pouch or cloth.
Wear it often. Your skin’s natural oils actually help slow tarnish.
What’s the Difference Between Sterling Silver and “Nickel Silver”?
Despite the name, nickel silver contains no silver at all. - It’s an alloy of roughly 60% copper, 20% nickel, and 20% zinc, first developed in China and later popularized in Europe. - Durable and inexpensive, it has been used for coins and musical instruments—but it’s not a precious metal, and its high copper content sometimes caused skin irritation.
Why Would You Choose Silver-Plated Jewelry?
While solid sterling silver is the hallmark of fine jewelry, silver-plated pieces have their own appeal:
Affordability: Plated jewelry provides the look and luster of sterling silver at a lower price, making it ideal for fashion pieces or gifts.
Lightweight Style: Because the base metal (often brass or copper) can be lighter, larger statement pieces remain comfortable to wear.
Design Freedom: Some intricate or oversized designs are easier to craft in a base metal and then plate, allowing artisans to experiment without the cost of solid silver.
At Sundara Joon, we clearly label silver-plated designs, so you know exactly what you’re buying. For collectors who want the look of silver in a budget-friendly, fashion-forward piece, plated jewelry is a smart choice.
Why Choose Sterling Silver from Sundara Joon?
We partner with independent artisans from Thailand, Mexico, and the Philippines to bring you handmade sterling silver pieces that honor their regional traditions while feeling fresh and modern.
When you buy silver jewelry from Sundara Joon, you’re not just collecting jewelry—you’re supporting small studios and preserving cultural heritage.
Silver has always stood at the intersection of history and glamour. With the right care, both your sterling and silver-plated Sundara Joon pieces will keep their luminous glow for years to come—a modern heirloom and a story you can wear.
Be especially gentle with silver when cleaning it (link to Martha Stewart website for ideas). Never use harsh cleansers as they remove some of the metal over time, and here is another cleaning idea source (Architecture Digest).
