metal beads

Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% by weight of silver and 7.5% by weight of other metals, usually copper and sometimes nickel. The sterling silver standard has a minimum millesimal fineness of 925.

Fine silver, for example 99.9% pure silver, is relatively soft, so silver is usually alloyed with copper to increase its hardness and strength. Sterling silver is prone to tarnishing but elements other than copper can be used in alloys to reduce tarnishing. Such an element is germanium with an example of an alloy using this element being argentium.

Gold Filled pieces of high quality have the same appearance as high carat gold, and gold-filled items, with daily wear can last 10 to 30 years, though the layer of gold will eventually wear off exposing the metal underneath. The layer of gold on gold-filled items is 5 to 10 times thicker than that produced by regular gold plating, and 15 to 25 times thicker than that produced by gold electroplate.

Silver Filled is a layer of .925 or better silver which is mechanically bonded to a brass core. It is hundreds of times thicker than silver plating and has the same properties as Sterling Silver.

Silver plated items are made of another kind of material like copper, nickel, brass, or pewter that is coated with a very thin layer of silver.

Vermeil, also known as “silver gilt”, refers to high quality (pure or sterling) silver that is plated with a thin layer of gold. Most vermeil available today is created by electroplating the silver with gold, a process that binds the two metals together. It has to meet specific standards to be considered true vermeil.