Tips & Advice
Everything you need to know about sterling silver
Le métal précieux le plus polyvalent en bijouterie — composition, entretien et conseils de joaillier.
Sterling silver 925 is the most widely used alloy in jewellery worldwide. Behind the number "925" lies a simple recipe: 92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% copper (and sometimes zinc) — an alloy that gives the metal its strength while preserving silver's natural brilliance.
Whether you want to understand what distinguishes a real silver piece from an imitation, care for your jewellery or choose the right metal for a gift, this guide gives you the essentials — simply.
What is 925 silver?
Pure silver (999) contains 99.9% silver — a beautiful metal, but too soft for jewellery: it bends, scratches and loses its shape under minimal effort. This is why it is reserved for bullion and collectible coins.
Sterling silver (925) solves this problem. By adding 7.5% copper or zinc to pure silver, you get a significantly stronger alloy that retains its brilliance, colour and beauty. It is this small percentage that makes all the difference between a collectible metal and a piece of jewellery that lasts for decades.
The term "sterling" probably comes from the Middle English "Easterling," the name of Germanic merchants whose silver coins were recognised for their purity in England from the 12th century onwards. The term has stuck.
Quality 925 silver contains no nickel — it is naturally hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin. At Diplomate, all our 925 silver jewellery is guaranteed nickel-free. And since silver is fully recyclable — it can be melted down and reused indefinitely — it is also one of the most environmentally durable precious metals.
How to recognise genuine 925 silver
The "925" hallmark engraved inside a ring or on a necklace clasp is the international guarantee of sterling purity. In Canada, since 1908, any piece sold as "sterling" must contain at least 92.5% pure silver. Common markings: 925, STERLING, STG, SS.
Unlike France (Minerva hallmark) or England (passant lion), Canada uses a simple system: the purity number engraved, sometimes accompanied by the maker's mark. No official symbol — just the number, readable with a loupe.
What to avoid: the terms "silver plated", "silver tone", "argent plaqué" designate a base metal (brass, copper) coated with a thin layer of silver that wears away over time and reveals the metal underneath. That is not sterling silver. Real 925 is a solid alloy from centre to surface.
If you have any doubt about a piece of jewellery, bring it to Diplomate — Ralph can identify the metal in a few seconds.
| Name | Composition | Durability |
|---|---|---|
| 925 silver (sterling) | 92.5% pure silver + 7.5% copper/zinc | Very durable (fine jewellery) |
| Silver plated | Base metal + silver layer (≥ 10 microns) | Layer wears over time |
| Stainless steel | Iron/chrome alloy (no precious metal) | Very hard, non-precious, non-resizable |
Keeping your silver jewellery brilliant
Silver tarnishes — that is proof it is real. Tarnishing is a thin layer of silver sulphide that forms when silver reacts with sulphur in the air, humidity or perspiration. It is not a defect. It is a normal chemical reaction, and it is entirely reversible.
Five simple habits
Wear them often. The natural oils in your skin create a protective barrier that slows oxidation. A silver piece left in a drawer tarnishes faster than one worn regularly.
Remove before the shower, pool and gym. Chlorine, salt water and sweat accelerate tarnishing and can attack the alloy over time.
Apply perfume and cream before your jewellery. The chemicals in cosmetics react with silver. Allow to dry completely before putting your pieces on.
Wipe with a soft cloth after each wear. A few seconds is enough to remove oils and slow oxidation. It is the simplest and most effective gesture.
Store in an anti-tarnish pouch. Or in an individual zip-lock bag with a silica gel sachet. Avoid rubber (it contains sulphur) and airtight plastic for pearls. Keep your pieces in a cool, dry place away from light.
"The worst enemy of silver is the drawer. A piece worn regularly stays more beautiful than one forgotten in a box. And if your pieces have darkened, don't panic — a good polish brings back the brilliance of day one."
Three ways to clean silver at home
Polishing cloth
The simplest and safest method. Use a soft microfibre cloth or a silver-specific cloth. Buff gently in one direction — never in circles — to avoid micro-scratches. Ideal for regular care after each wear.
Lukewarm water + mild soap
Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and a few drops of mild dish soap (unscented, undyed). Soak your jewellery for 5 to 10 minutes, scrub gently with a soft toothbrush, rinse with clean water and dry completely with a clean cloth. Never leave to air dry — water marks leave spots on silver.
Baking soda + aluminium foil (heavy tarnish)
Line a bowl with aluminium foil, shiny side up. Add a tablespoon of baking soda, then pour in boiling water. Place your silver jewellery in the bath for 2 to 3 minutes. The chemical reaction (electrolysis) transfers the tarnish from the silver to the foil. Rinse and dry.
Avoid this method on jewellery with glued stones, pearls or intentional oxidised finishes — the heat and chemical reaction could damage them. If in doubt, bring your jewellery to Diplomate for a professional clean.
For an impeccable result, our professional polishing and cleaning service is available without appointment in store.
925 silver vs. gold vs. steel: which metal to choose?
The right metal depends on your lifestyle, your budget and the occasion. Here is an honest summary.
| Criterion | 925 Silver | Gold (10K–18K) | Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Status | Precious metal | Precious metal | Industrial alloy |
| Price | $ | $$$–$$$$ | $ |
| Tarnishing | Yes (reversible) | No (yellow gold) | No |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes (nickel-free) | Depends on alloy | Variable |
| Repairable | Yes (easy soldering) | Yes | Difficult |
| Resizable | Yes | Yes | No |
| Ideal for | Everyday jewellery, gifts, collections | Engagements, wedding bands, heirlooms | Watches, fashion jewellery |
925 silver occupies a unique place: it is a true precious metal, affordable, easy to care for and to repair. That is why it remains the number-one choice for everyday jewellery — and the metal we work with most at Diplomate.
Frequently asked questions
L'argent 925, aussi appelé argent sterling, est un alliage composé de 92,5 % d'argent pur et de 7,5 % de cuivre (parfois de zinc). Ce mélange rend le métal assez solide pour la bijouterie tout en conservant l'éclat naturel de l'argent. L'argent pur à 100 % serait trop mou pour être porté au quotidien.
C'est le ternissement — une réaction chimique naturelle entre l'argent et le soufre présent dans l'air, l'humidité ou la transpiration. Ce n'est pas un défaut, c'est la preuve que votre bijou est en vrai argent. Le ternissement est entièrement réversible avec un simple nettoyage au chiffon ou à l'eau savonneuse.
Oui. L'argent sterling de qualité ne contient pas de nickel, ce qui le rend sûr pour les peaux sensibles. Chez Diplomate, tous nos bijoux en argent 925 sont garantis sans nickel. Si vous avez réagi à d'autres bijoux en argent dans le passé, il s'agissait probablement de plaqué argent sur laiton nickelé — pas de l'argent sterling véritable.
Cherchez le poinçon « 925 », « STERLING » ou « STG » gravé à l'intérieur de la bague ou sur le fermoir du collier ou bracelet. Si vous avez un doute, passez nous voir au 1144, avenue du Mont-Royal Est — Ralph peut identifier le métal en quelques secondes.
Un essuyage rapide au chiffon doux après chaque port suffit pour l'entretien courant. Pour un nettoyage en profondeur, une fois par mois est une bonne fréquence — ou dès que vous remarquez du ternissement. La méthode bicarbonate + aluminium peut être utilisée ponctuellement pour un ternissement marqué.
Oui. Notre service de polissage et nettoyage professionnel est disponible sans rendez-vous au 1144, avenue du Mont-Royal Est. Le résultat est impeccable et prend quelques minutes seulement. Appelez-nous au 514 524-2233 pour nous prévenir de votre visite.
L'argent 925 est un alliage massif composé de 92,5 % d'argent pur — le métal est le même de la surface au cœur. Le plaqué argent est un métal de base (laiton, cuivre) recouvert d'une fine couche d'argent qui finit par s'user avec le temps, révélant le métal en dessous. L'argent 925 est infiniment plus durable et conserve sa valeur.
Oui, facilement. L'argent sterling se soude et se travaille bien, ce qui permet d'agrandir ou de rétrécir la plupart des bagues. C'est un des avantages de l'argent par rapport à l'acier inoxydable, qui ne peut généralement pas être redimensionné. Passez en boutique pour un devis gratuit.
Do your silver jewels need a shine?
Passez nous voir au 1144, avenue du Mont-Royal Est. Nettoyage et polissage professionnel sur place, sans rendez-vous.
In store
1144 Avenue du Mont-Royal Est
Montréal, QC H2J 1X8
(514) 524-2233
Tue–Fri: 10:30am–6pm
Sat: 10:30am–5pm
Sun–Mon: Closed