A Guide to Different Types of Silver by Grade

Silver is a staple material used in jewelry. However, not all silver is created equal, and understanding the different grades of silver can be a great help when buying jewelry. Whether you're choosing a simple chain or a designer silver bracelet, knowing the type of silver used can help you make the right decision.

 

Introducing Silver Alloys

Pure silver is too soft and malleable for practical use in jewelry, so it’s often alloyed with harder metals to enhance its durability. The type and amount of metal mixed with silver define the alloy's characteristics, which affect its aesthetics, strength, and tarnish resistance. The quickest way to determine the grade of silver is by looking at the quality stamp somewhere in the piece. However, some pieces may not have enough surface to fit the stamp, so knowing each type of silver and its characteristics is useful.

 

Types of Silver Used in Jewelry

Let’s explore the common types of silver used in jewelry, focusing on their composition and uses:

Sterling .925 Silver

Sterling silver is an alloy containing 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. It is considered the standard for jewelry as it has the optimal balance of durability and shine, making it ideal for daily wear pieces. Sterling silver's hallmark is its ‘925’ stamp, which indicates its purity. Due to its copper content, sterling silver might tarnish slightly over time, but it can be polished to regain its shine.

Fine .999 Silver

Fine .999 silver contains 99.9% silver, the purest form of silver used in jewelry, and is marked by a ‘999’ stamp. Fine silver has a softer, more malleable feel and a brighter luster than sterling silver. It’s less ideal for pieces made for daily wear as it’s prone to scratches and dents, but is more suited for high-end decorative pieces or ceremonial items. Due to its purity, fine silver also rarely tarnishes and is hypoallergenic, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

Non-Tarnish Alloys (Argentium Silver)

A lesser-known alloy, argentium silver is enhanced with either germanium or boron to improve tarnish resistance. To identify argentium silver, look for marks such as ‘935’ or ‘960’. This type of silver has a brighter and longer-lasting shine than sterling silver and requires less maintenance.

Coin Silver

Traditionally made from melted-down coins, this type contains about 90% silver and 10% copper. Coin silver is less common in modern jewelry and more often found in vintage or antique pieces. It can be identified by a ‘900’ stamp and has a slightly duller finish compared to sterling silver due to the lower silver content.

 

Dautzen’s Premium Silver Jewelry

Dautzen crafts jewelry primarily from sterling silver and rhodium-plated sterling silver to ensure aesthetic design and durability. The high-quality silver used in Dautzen’s fine jewelry allows for precision and care in craftsmanship. Each piece reflects the brand’s commitment to excellence, showcasing the beauty and characteristics of silver.

Sterling silver’s hardness makes it ideal for the intricate and detailed designs Dautzen is known for. It can withstand the rigors of daily wear, acquiring a natural luster and unique patina, so you can enjoy your bracelet for years to come. Meanwhile, our rhodium-plated sterling silver bracelets have a bright, reflective finish and provide additional protection against scratches and tarnishing to keep their modern appearance. Its coating also makes the piece easier to maintain.

 

What Makes Dautzen Special?

Dautzen offers a wide range of bracelets, from classic and elegant to symbolic patterns. We also have chain link designs and sapphire-embedded capsule bracelets that make unique fashion statements. Each handcrafted piece is a sophisticated, stylish accessory bearing silver’s spiritual and health benefits, such as promoting positive energy, calmness, clarity, and balance.

Our premium silver bracelet collections are designed to be timeless and versatile, suited to any style, wardrobe, or occasion. Our finely crafted silver jewelry adds subtle elegance to casual and formal wear. Wear our pieces on their own or mix and match them with others; our jewelry is meant to be a part of your everyday look. As such, it’s crafted using high-quality materials and the skilled workmanship of our silver craftsmen.

Dautzen's jewelry-making approach pays homage to traditional craftsmanship while embracing modern technology and design. Our Thailand-based jewelry shop takes pride in the skill of our artisans and our meticulous creative process to produce impeccable fine jewelry for you to enjoy.

Our bracelets have passed durability tests to ensure long-lasting wear and strength. They also feature an innovative no-lock, expandable mechanism, making them easy to slip on and off conveniently. We also offer various sizes, from S to XL.

Explore Dautzen’s collection and experience the beauty and craftsmanship of our silver bracelets. Browse our collection today.