Sterling Silver, Fine Silver, and Argentium® Silver: What’s the Difference in Jewelry?

Silver jewelry has been cherished for centuries, but not all silver is the same. If you've ever shopped for handcrafted silver jewelry, you’ve likely seen terms like sterling silver, fine silver, and Argentium® silver—but what do they mean, and how do they affect the final piece?

Whether you’re investing in a new piece of artisan jewelry or simply curious about the materials used in your favorite designs, understanding these differences can help you make an informed choice. Let’s explore the unique characteristics of sterling silver, fine silver, and Argentium® silver, and how each metal influences the look, feel, and longevity of jewelry.

Sterling Silver: The Classic Choice

Composition: 92.5% silver, 7.5% other metals (typically copper)

Look & Feel: Bright silver with a slight tendency to tarnish over time

Best For: Everyday wear, durable jewelry, and intricate designs

Sterling silver is one of the most popular metals in jewelry because it offers the perfect balance of strength and beauty. Pure silver is too soft for most jewelry applications, so sterling silver is mixed with copper to increase its durability. This makes it a great option for rings, bracelets, and detailed earrings that need to hold their shape over time.

However, sterling silver is prone to oxidation, meaning it may tarnish when exposed to air, moisture, or chemicals. Thankfully, regular polishing and proper storage can keep it looking brilliant and bright.

Fine Silver: The Purist’s Silver

Composition: 99.9% silver

Look & Feel: Softer, slightly whiter than sterling silver, with a luxurious luster

Best For: Elegant, delicate jewelry or pieces that don’t experience frequent wear

Fine silver is almost pure silver, making it a great choice for jewelry lovers who want a rich, luminous finish. Because it contains no copper, it is naturally more resistant to tarnish than sterling silver. However, its softness means it is more prone to scratches and bending, so it’s not always ideal for rings or bracelets that take a lot of impact.

Many artisans love using fine silver for pendants, earrings, and bezel settings where its purity and bright sheen can truly shine without the risk of warping.

Argentium® Silver: The Modern Upgrade

Composition: 94% silver, with germanium instead of copper

Look & Feel: Bright white, highly tarnish-resistant, and more durable than sterling silver

Best For: Low-maintenance, high-quality jewelry with a long-lasting shine

Argentium® silver is a modern innovation in silver jewelry, offering the best of both worlds—it’s more tarnish-resistant than sterling silver while being stronger than fine silver. The secret? Instead of copper, Argentium contains germanium, which creates a surface that resists oxidation, meaning less polishing for you!

Argentium® silver also has a higher melting point, making it more durable and less prone to scratching or bending. It's an excellent choice for handcrafted jewelry that retains its brilliance with minimal upkeep. Plus, it's hypoallergenic, making it great for sensitive skin.

Which Silver Is Right for Your Jewelry?

• If you want durability and affordability, sterling silver is your best choice.

• If you prefer purity and a soft, luminous glow, fine silver is ideal for delicate designs.

• If you’re looking for a modern, low-maintenance option, Argentium® silver is worth the investment.

At our studio, we carefully select the right silver for each design to ensure beauty, durability, and wearability. Whether it’s the timeless appeal of sterling silver, the purity of fine silver, or the modern brilliance of Argentium, each piece is crafted to reflect the natural beauty that inspires us.

Which silver do you prefer in your jewelry collection? Let us know in the comments!