Is Sterling Silver Good for Earrings?

Choosing the right metal for your jewelry can be difficult when you’re unfamiliar with your options. That’s why today, we’re talking about sterling silver – a preferred metal among jewelry lovers. But is sterling silver good for earrings specifically, and why?

Sterling silver is a precious metal known for its malleability, affordability, and freedom in versatility. Its composition is near pure level, which grants it all the benefits of pure silver and eliminates some drawbacks like extra softness and lack of longevity.

Curious to learn more about this precious metal and its characteristics? Below, we’ll explain how sterling silver can add a certain pizzazz to your earring collection and provide some pieces to check out.

Properties and Characteristics of Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is an alloy made up of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper, nickel, or zinc. You can easily tell a jewelry piece is sterling silver by the 925 stamp. 

This precious metal can be used to create anything from rings and bracelets to necklaces. When it comes to earrings specifically, you can get daintier ones or large statement pieces with the added luster of sterling silver.

So, is sterling silver good for earrings? Yes, it is. There are many reasons sterling silver is a favorite alloy for creating jewelry. It is durable, malleable, and hypoallergenic, resulting in unique, long-lasting pieces for everyone’s taste.

Durability and Strength of Sterling Silver Earrings

Pure silver, with 99.9% silver content, is highly malleable and easily susceptible to scratches and dents. As such, it’s not the go-to choice for jewelry because it makes the molding process difficult and results in delicate, high-maintenance pieces.

On the other hand, the added durability of the other metals in sterling silver’s composition makes it a suitable choice for intricate designs made to last. Sterling silver jewelry can withstand a good amount of pressure and retain its form without breaking. This is also why it’s preferred by those who wear jewelry on the daily. It’s an accessible and reliable jewelry option.

Finally, sterling silver is generally safe to wear in water and won’t get damaged when going to the pool or beach. And while it may tarnish slightly over time, it’s nothing you can’t take care of by implementing a simple care routine.

Aesthetic Appeal of Sterling Silver Earrings

Sterling silver shines just like pure silver and will surely attract attention to your ears, hands, and neck. A simple sterling silver necklace with a dainty pendant can make for an excellent everyday jewelry item.

But are sterling silver earrings good for a night out? Sterling silver jewelry can elevate your outfit and bring drama to your look. You can combine multiple sterling silver pieces, such as our Akar Ring and a Thin Textured Minimal Bracelet and show off your glamor. 

Regardless of what your style is, sterling silver will complement it. Due to its ability to be molded in any shape, it can depict all kinds of motifs, from flowers to skulls. You can also get it engraved and add to its originality.

Hypoallergenic Properties of Sterling Silver

Unlike plated silver, sterling silver is hypoallergenic because it’s mostly made of pure silver. On the other hand, plated jewelry contains only a layer of precious metal. The rest are base metals, many of which are not hypoallergenic.

Will sterling silver earrings irritate my ears?

The choice of base metals matters more than you might think when buying sterling silver jewelry. For example, copper is hypoallergenic, but nickel is known for causing allergic reactions. 

And even if the jewelry itself doesn’t contain nickel, some of the base metals might have been mixed with it, causing an allergy. This is especially the case if you have a sensitive ear.

Nickel allergies may manifest as red and itching skin and rashes. This is why some jewelry manufacturers give a nickel-free guarantee, which means the jewelry contains zero nickel and is thus hypoallergenic.

Considerations and Limitations of Sterling Silver Earrings

So, why do sterling silver earrings tarnish over time? It’s usually because of the copper content, which is prone to color changes. Pure silver also naturally oxidizes fast from getting into contact with sulfur-containing gases in the air – the higher the purity level, the faster it will tarnish. 

Luckily, sterling silver jewelry can be returned to its original condition by wiping it with a specialized silver cloth back and forth. You can also use a Q-tip for the nooks and crannies and cover the entire surface.

Note that some sterling silver earrings are oxidized on purpose to give off a rough, edgy appearance. This style option adds a touch of unconventionality that won’t go unnoticed. 

Price and Value of Sterling Silver Earrings

Sterling silver earrings have a wide price range depending on their quality. You may come across super affordable pieces of around $20 and some expensive pieces over $500. Hand-finished sterling silver earrings like our Chain Link always come with a higher price tag due to the intricate process involved in their creation. 

Overall, sterling silver is a great option if you want to purchase jewelry made of real, quality metal at a reasonable rate. It’s a cheaper option than gold but just as shiny and versatile.

Conclusion

Is sterling silver good for earrings? Yes, it’s an excellent option if you’re looking to purchase a pair of earrings that will not only look good but feel good. Because of its high silver content, it can be molded any way you like and handcrafted to your precise measurements.

Sterling silver is also known for its high aesthetic appeal and versatile nature. You can dress it up and down and wear it day-to-day – it’ll always remain timeless.