John had asked out of curiosity what is sterling silver?

Sterling silver is silver that by composition is 92.5% silver and the rest are other metals alloys. Commonly copper is used as the alloy. Pure or fine silver 99.9% is much to soft to be  used practically for jewelry purposes. Alloys are added to increase hardness and still allow malleability.

Other alloys used is the metal geranium, platinum and zinc which are primarily used to reduce tarnishing but also to improve silver’s workability.

Sterling silver can be identified by 925 stamped on the jewelry piece or the words Sterling Silver.

Russell Oshita, the diamonddude
The Diamond Specialists Inc.
Diamonds Hawaii