Real vs Fake Sterling Silver

Sterling silver has quietly become the backbone of the UK jewellery trade. It looks like a luxury metal, wears like a workhorse, and costs a fraction of gold, which is exactly why independent shops, market traders, and online sellers keep coming back to it. 

If you have ever wondered why some silver pieces last decades while others turn green within a month, or where UK retailers actually source their stock, this guide answers it all in plain, simple language.

What Is Sterling Silver Jewellery?

Sterling silver is silver mixed with a small amount of another metal, usually copper. The mix works out to 92.5% pure silver, which is where the name "925 silver" comes from. On its own, pure silver is actually quite soft. It would bend and scratch far too easily to make a decent ring or chain, so that little bit of copper is added to toughen it up without dulling the shine.

That's really the whole appeal of sterling silver. It's tough enough to wear every day, but it still has that bright, warm