925 sterling silver is an alloy made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. This balance gives silver the strength needed for everyday jewellery while preserving its natural brilliance and beauty.

Yes. 925 sterling silver is genuine silver and is recognised worldwide as the standard for fine silver jewellery. The added metals improve durability without taking away the character or value of the silver itself.

Pure silver is 99.9% silver and naturally quite soft. Sterling silver contains 92.5% silver with a small amount of strengthening metals, making it far better suited to jewellery that's designed to be worn and enjoyed every day.

A 925 stamp indicates that the jewellery is made from sterling silver containing 92.5% pure silver. It's an internationally recognised purity mark that helps identify genuine sterling silver jewellery.

Sterling silver offers the ideal balance of beauty, durability and wearability. It has the natural lustre of silver while being strong enough for everyday use, making it one of the world's most trusted jewellery materials.

If you're looking for jewellery that's genuine, long-lasting and suitable for everyday wear, sterling silver is an excellent choice. With proper care, it retains its beauty for years and offers lasting value beyond seasonal fashion trends.

Look for a 925 hallmark, buy from reputable jewellers, and check that the product clearly states its silver purity. Genuine sterling silver should always come with transparent information about its material and craftsmanship.

Check the silver purity, hallmark details where applicable, product specifications, return policy and the reputation of the brand. Clear product information and transparent customer policies are good indicators of a trustworthy jewellery purchase.

The price of silver jewellery depends on more than the silver itself. Craftsmanship, design complexity, finishing, gemstones, manufacturing quality and brand standards all contribute to the final value of a piece.

Yes, provided you buy from a trusted brand. Look for clear information about silver purity, detailed product descriptions, transparent policies and responsive customer support before making your purchase.

Yes. Sterling silver is specifically valued for its durability and versatility, making it an excellent choice for jewellery you'll wear regularly. With basic care, it remains beautiful through everyday use.

It's best to remove sterling silver jewellery before showering. While occasional contact with water isn't usually harmful, soaps, shampoos and mineral deposits can contribute to tarnishing over time.

Sterling silver isn't damaged by water itself, but frequent exposure to moisture, chlorine, saltwater and everyday chemicals can encourage tarnishing. Removing jewellery before swimming or prolonged water exposure helps preserve its finish.

Sterling silver is generally well tolerated and is often chosen by people with sensitive skin. If you have a known allergy to specific metals, it's always worth checking the product details before purchasing.

Yes. Tarnishing is a natural reaction between silver and elements in the environment such as air, moisture and sulphur. It's normal, doesn't indicate poor quality, and can usually be removed with proper cleaning.

Sterling silver naturally reacts with sulphur compounds in the air, as well as moisture, cosmetics and certain chemicals. This forms a dark surface layer known as tarnish, which can be cleaned without affecting the silver beneath.

A soft silver polishing cloth is usually all that's needed for routine care. For a deeper clean, use a cleaner specifically made for sterling silver and always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Store your jewellery in a cool, dry place, keep it away from perfumes and harsh chemicals, and wear it regularly. Proper storage and occasional cleaning can significantly slow the natural tarnishing process.

Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or airtight jewellery box to reduce exposure to air and prevent scratches. Keeping jewellery clean and dry before storing also helps maintain its shine.

With proper care, sterling silver jewellery can last for decades. Its longevity depends on how it's worn, stored and maintained, making it a material that's well suited to everyday and lifelong wear.

They serve different purposes. Sterling silver is a precious metal designed to last and can be cleaned and maintained over time, while fashion jewellery often prioritises trend-led designs and lower-cost materials.

Both have their strengths. Stainless steel is valued for its toughness, while sterling silver is prized for its precious-metal composition, timeless appearance and ability to be restored and polished over time.

The right choice depends on your personal style, lifestyle and budget. Gold offers enduring luxury, while sterling silver provides timeless elegance and everyday versatility. Many jewellery collections include both.

Absolutely. Mixing metals has become a timeless styling approach rather than a fashion rule to avoid. Keeping the designs balanced and the overall look intentional helps create an effortless combination.

Many sterling silver rings and some bracelets can be resized, although this depends on the design. Intricate settings or certain styles may have limitations, so it's best to consult the jeweller before making alterations.

In many cases, yes. Sterling silver can often be polished, repaired or professionally restored depending on the nature of the damage. The available repair options will vary with the design and construction of the piece.

It's generally better to remove jewellery before exercising. Sweat, repeated impact and contact with gym equipment can increase wear and may affect the finish of your jewellery over time.

No. While the silver purity may be the same, quality also depends on craftsmanship, finishing, design, manufacturing standards and attention to detail. These factors often make the biggest difference in how a piece looks and lasts.

Sterling silver may gradually develop tarnish through everyday exposure, but this is a natural characteristic rather than permanent damage. With occasional cleaning and proper care, its original shine can be restored.