While buying gemstone jewellery, most people consider only the gemstone. But apart from the gemstone, there is one more thing which is of utmost importance while getting gemstone jewellery- silver. And when you are considering getting yourself a moonstone pendant, it would be best if you understand the differences between the silver types.

What is 92.5 Silver?

Sterling silver or 92.5 silver is composed of 92.5 per cent pure silver and the rest is some other metals, such as copper. The reason why other metals are added to pure silver is that pure silver is very soft and cannot be worn daily. For this reason, most jewellery makers use sterling silver to make their pieces. Therefore, if you decide to have a moonstone pendant made in 92.5 silver, it will be a wise choice to go for it.

What Is Regular Silver?

When one talks about regular silver, there could be many types of silver jewellery that can be found on the market. The terms could mean that the type of jewellery is of lower purity than others. In some cases, regular silver means silver-plated jewellery, which is covered with silver from only one side. As we see, the term is not very precise, so it will be better to pay attention to the purity of silver in the marking. Variations of silver that are usually distinguished:

•Pure silver (99.9%).

•Sterling silver (92.5%).

•Silver-plated jewellery.

•Silver alloys of lower purity.

Durability: Advantages of 92.5 Silver

All kinds of jewellery require regular wear and being able to resist wear and tear from all sides. Pure silver can be bent or scratched due to its softness. Sterling silver has the following characteristics:

•More durable structurally.

•Resistance to bending and scratches.

•More durable when used every day.

•More reliable setting for gemstones.

Thus, it can be used in jewellery such as a moonstone silver pendant.

Appearance and Shine Quality

Both pure silver and sterling silver look good. Still, sterling silver is capable of retaining its shape and shine better. High-quality sterling silver jewellery typically gives:

•Shiny appearance.

•Perfect finish.

•Stunning appearance.

•Lasting beauty.

It is also important to remember that manufacturing quality greatly affects the appearance of the jewellery item.

Why Is Sterling Silver a Good Choice with Moonstone?

Moonstone is famous for its special shiny effect called adularescence. It also has rather cool shades. They can be successfully combined with sterling silver. Usually, a moonstone silver pendant made of 92.5 sterling silver will emphasise the stone’s unique nature.

Common Purity Marks to Look For When Buying Jewellery

When buying silver jewellery, you should always search for metal purity signs. Most commonly, the following purity signs can be met:

•925.

•Sterling.

•Sterling Silver.

These marks mean that the jewellery is made out of 92.5% silver. Reputable jewellery makers provide this information openly and willingly. JIAARA ARTISAN JEWELLERY specialises in handmade jewellery where the quality of the used materials and workmanship is crucial to creating a unique piece of jewellery.

Differences in Maintenance & Care

All jewellery containing silver needs special care. Nonetheless, in terms of ease of maintenance, sterling silver tends to win hands down over regular silver. It is recommended that you:

•Keep your jewellery in a dry environment.

•Avoid storing it near chemicals.

•Use a soft cloth to clean it.

•Store each item separately to avoid scratching.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between 92.5 silver and regular silver is a matter of several factors apart from the amount of silver contained in the metal itself. Knowing the difference between them is crucial for anyone planning to make a sound judgment on the purchase.