Silver Purity Comparison
Understanding the difference between silver purities helps you make an informed investment in quality that lasts generations.
.999 Fine Silver
Pure Silver Content: 99.9% silver, 0.1% trace elements
Advantages
- Highest purity available
- Investment grade quality
- Superior tarnish resistance
- Hypoallergenic properties
- Retains spot price value
- Brilliant luster and shine
Considerations
- Too soft for jewelry
- Limited availability
.925 Sterling Silver
Alloy Content: 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper (typically)
Advantages
- More affordable option
- Greater durability/hardness
- Good for daily wear items
Considerations
- Contains 7.5% other metals
- More prone to tarnishing
- Lower investment value
- May cause skin reactions
- Doesn't retain value as well as .999 pure silver
Silver Plated
Construction: Thin silver layer over base metal
Advantages
- Very affordable
- Silver appearance
- Lightweight options
Considerations
- Minimal silver content
- Plating can wear off
- No investment value
- Base metal may show through
- Not suitable for collectibles
Why Silver Purity Matters
When investing in silver sculptures, purity directly impacts longevity, value retention, and overall quality. Our .999 fine silver ensures your pieces maintain their beauty and investment value for generations.
Technical Specifications
Compare the technical properties of different silver types to understand their characteristics and applications.
| Property | .999 Fine Silver | .925 Sterling Silver | Silver Plated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Content | 99.9% | 92.5% | ~5% (surface only) |
| Melting Point | 1763°F (962°C) | 1640°F (893°C) | Varies by base metal |
| Tarnish Resistance | Excellent | Moderate | Poor |
| Hardness (HV) | 25 HV | 80-90 HV | Varies |
| Investment Grade | Yes | Limited | No |
| Hallmark Stamps | .999, FS, Fine Silver | .925, Sterling | Plated, EP |
.999 Fine Silver
.925 Sterling Silver
Silver Plated
Care & Maintenance by Silver Type
Proper care ensures your silver pieces maintain their beauty and value for generations. Each silver type requires specific maintenance approaches.
.999 Fine Silver Care
- Clean with warm soapy water and soft cloth
- Store in anti-tarnish pouches or cloth
- Minimal polishing needed due to tarnish resistance
- Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasives
- Handle carefully as it's softer than sterling
.925 Sterling Silver Care
- Regular polishing required to prevent tarnish
- Use silver polishing cloths or creams
- Store in dry, cool place with anti-tarnish strips
- Remove quickly after exposure to sulfur
- More durable for handling and display
Silver Plated Care
- Gentle cleaning only - harsh methods remove plating
- Avoid polishing compounds and abrasives
- Expect plating to wear over time
- Professional re-plating may be needed
- Not suitable for frequent handling
Why We Choose .999 Fine Silver
Our commitment to the highest purity silver ensures your sculptures maintain their beauty and value for generations.
