Silver is a highly versatile metal. It is used not only for jewelry-making but also for other stuff like utensils, coins, etc. It is one such metal that has been in use for centuries.
In the past decade, many new silver factory jewelry manufacturers entered the market. These factories are involved in the production of silver jewelry.
There are different types or grades of silver and each of them varies in color, composition, durability, and price. In this post, we will discuss some of the most common silver grades.
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Sterling silver
This is probably the most popular type of silver available in the market. It is used for making a variety of things such as jewelry, coins, and other ornamental items.
Sterling silver is composed of 7.5% copper and 92.5% silver. It is harder and more affordable than other grades of silver. It also looks more beautiful and lustrous. If you want to start a jewelry business, you should contact sterling silver wholesale jewelry supplies. Look for the top suppliers online.
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Britannia silver
Britannia silver is composed of 95.83% silver and the remaining part is made of copper. During the 17th century, it was used for making coins. In comparison to sterling silver, Britannia silver is less sturdy. This is why it is not popular in many regions.
Some jewelers in the UK still craft jewellery out of Britannia silver. But you won’t find this type of silver in the United States.
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European silver
It is also known as continental silver. The color, durability, and purity of European silver can vary widely. For example, some European silver alloy contains more silver and others don’t.
This grade of silver is not very popular in today’s times. It was mainly used for making traditional jewelry.
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Fine silver
It is the purest grade of silver out there. It contains 99.9% silver and is hypoallergenic. Due to its high purity, it is tarnish-resistant. However, this type of silver is not as common as sterling silver.
Fine silver is soft and therefore prone to dents and scratches. It is mainly used for making jewelry such as bracelets, chains, and rings.
Final Words
Silver is a beautiful metal. It has always been a popular metal and it will remain so in the future. Silver jewelry not only looks stunning, but they are also much cheaper than gold.