Sterling Silver vs. Silver Plated: The Key Differences

If you’ve ever shopped for silver jewelry, you’ve probably encountered both “925 sterling silver” and “silver plated” options — often at very different price points. Understanding the difference can save you from disappointment and help you make smarter purchasing decisions.

What is 925 Sterling Silver?

925 sterling silver contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper or zinc). The alloy is necessary because pure silver (99.9%) is too soft for practical jewelry use. The 925 hallmark stamped on genuine sterling silver pieces is your guarantee of quality.

Sterling silver jewelry is solid throughout — the same material all the way through, not just on the surface. This means it can be polished, resized, and repaired indefinitely.

What is Silver Plated Jewelry?

Silver plated jewelry has a thin layer of silver (typically 0.5–10 microns thick) deposited over a base metal such as brass, copper, or zinc alloy. The base metal is much cheaper, making silver plated jewelry significantly more affordable than sterling silver.

The problem? That thin silver layer wears away over time, revealing the base metal underneath. This can cause discoloration, skin reactions, and ultimately makes the piece unwearable.

How Long Does Each Last?

• 925 Sterling Silver — lasts a lifetime with proper care. Can be polished back to its original brilliance.
• Silver Plated — typically 1–3 years before significant wear-through, depending on thickness of plating and how often worn.

How to Tell the Difference

Check for Hallmarks

Genuine sterling silver is stamped with “925,” “S925,” or “Sterling.” If you see “EP” (electroplated), “EPNS” (electroplated nickel silver), or no stamp at all, it’s likely not genuine silver.

Smell Test

Sterling silver has little to no smell. If jewelry smells metallic or like brass, it may be silver plated over a base metal.

Magnet Test

Real silver is not magnetic. If a piece is attracted to a strong magnet, it contains significant amounts of ferrous metals and is not sterling silver.

Price

Sterling silver costs more because it contains real precious metal throughout. If the price seems too good to be true for “silver” jewelry, it’s probably silver plated.

Is Sterling Silver Worth the Investment?

Absolutely. While sterling silver costs more upfront, it’s a one-time investment that lasts a lifetime. Silver plated jewelry needs to be replaced regularly as the plating wears off, ultimately costing more over time.

At KAMBO, every single piece in our collection is guaranteed 925 sterling silver — stamped and certified. We never sell silver plated jewelry because we believe in selling jewelry that lasts.

Related reading: Complete Sterling Silver Jewelry Guide