Sterling Silver vs Silver-Plated Jewellery: What’s the Difference?

This is one of the most common points of confusion I see — and it’s completely understandable. Sterling silver and silver-plated jewellery look very similar, especially online. But they are fundamentally different materials, with very different values and lifespans.

Understanding the difference makes it much easier to judge quality, pricing, and long-term value — particularly now that silver itself has become significantly more expensive.

What Is Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver is a precious metal alloy made of at least 92.5% pure silver, combined with a small amount of copper for strength. That’s what the “925” refers to 925 parts silver per 1000 of finished metal.

A piece made from sterling silver is silver all the way through. If it’s properly made and cared for, it can last decades — often a lifetime.

In the UK, all sterling silver jewellery over a certain weight must also be independently tested and hallmarked to ensure it is indeed 92.5% of higher silver AND does not include certain metals like Nickel which can cause adverse skin reactions.

Hallmarking & Assay Marks Explained

What Is Silver-Plated Jewellery?

Silver-plated jewellery is made from a base metal (usually brass or sometimes copper) with a very thin layer of silver applied to the surface.

That silver layer is delicate, and will wear away over time — sometimes surprisingly quickly — revealing the base metal underneath.

Plated jewellery can look lovely when new, but it is not designed for long-term wear in the same way solid silver is. It is costume jewellery, and most cheaper and more disposable than sterling silver.

Why Do They Cost Such Different Amounts?

The main reason is simple: sterling silver contains a substantial amount (92.5%) of precious metal. Silver-plated jewellery contains very little (usually less than 1% but occasionally up to 5% in high quality plating).

As the price of silver has risen, the cost difference between the two has become more pronounced. Some brands respond by switching to plating or reducing plate thickness rather than using solid silver, because it allows them to keep prices low. So always check that you know which you are buying.

That doesn’t make plated jewellery “wrong” — but it does make it something very different.

Which One Is Right for You?

If you’re buying jewellery as a short-term accessory, silver-plated pieces may by just what you need.

If you want jewellery that feels substantial, wears well over time, and retains intrinsic value, sterling silver is the better choice.

Understanding this distinction also helps explain why well-made silver jewellery costs what it does. 

If you want something chunky but cheaper, hollow us a better choice than plated. Read more about solid v hollow silver jewellery in our journal.