What is sterling silver vs silver plated jewellery?

Sterling silver contains 92.5% pure silver plus 7.5% other metals for strength, making it durable and long-lasting. Silver plated jewellery uses a base metal coated with a thin layer of silver, giving the look without the longevity.

How can you tell the difference between silver plated and sterling silver?

Check for hallmarks like '925' or 'sterling' for real sterling silver. Plated jewellery may show marks like 'EP' or 'EPNS'. Sterling silver feels heavier, tarnishes into a patina, and can be polished, while plated jewellery can chip or reveal base metal underneath.

Is sterling silver better than silver plated?

Yes. Sterling silver is stronger, hypoallergenic, longer-lasting, and can be refinished repeatedly. Silver plated jewellery is more affordable but wears down quickly and often exposes base metal over time.

The Glossary

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

22 September 2025

If you're choosing silver jewellery—whether trend-led pieces or lasting heirlooms—it helps to know the real difference between silver plated and sterling silver. Here’s the simple breakdown: what they are, how they behave, and how to choose the be...

What’s the Difference?

Sterling silver is made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper) to give strength and durability to naturally soft silver. It’s the ideal foundation for fine jewellery—including high-quality moissanite necklaces, rings, and earrings—because it holds up beautifully to everyday wear.

Silver plated jewellery uses a base metal—typically copper, brass, or nickel—coated with a thin layer of silver through electroplating. It mimics the look of silver at a lower price, but the coating is delicate and can fade with frequent use, revealing the metal beneath.

How to Tell Them Apart

Look for hallmarks: Sterling silver is usually stamped “925”, “.925”, or “Sterling”. Plated jewellery may say “silver plated”, “EP”, “EPNS”, or have no marking at all.
Magnet test: Silver isn’t magnetic. If a magnet sticks, it’s not sterling—though a lack of magnetism doesn’t confirm purity either.
Weight & feel: Sterling silver feels more substantial. Plated pieces often feel lighter due to their base metals.
Tarnish & colour wear: Sterling silver tarnishes into a soft patina that polishes back to a bright shine. Plated items may chip, flake, or expose a different colour underneath.
Expert testing: Acid tests or XRF scanning (done by jewellers) give a precise reading.

Pros & Cons

Sterling Silver

Pros:

Durable and long-lasting—perfect for daily wear pieces like moissanite pendants and studs.
Higher intrinsic value; resists wear better over time.
Usually hypoallergenic when nickel-free.
Easy to polish back to a mirror-bright finish.
Holds strong resale and sentimental value.

Cons:

More expensive than silver plated jewellery.
Tarnishes naturally—but restores easily with simple care.
Softer than some metals, meaning it can scratch if handled roughly.

Silver Plated

Pros:

Budget-friendly—enjoy the silver look at a lower cost.
Lightweight, making it great for bold or oversized trend pieces.
Perfect for experimenting with new styles.

Cons:

Plating wears off quickly with regular wear.
Base metal exposure can irritate skin or discolour.
Hard to restore; often requires re-plating.
Low long-term value.

Conclusion: Sterling Silver Wins

Silver plated jewellery is great for experimenting with trends, but sterling silver is the clear winner for pieces you’ll love long-term. Its durability, hypoallergenic nature, and ability to be polished and refinished make it the ideal choice—especially for premium moissanite pieces where you want both brilliance and a sturdy, lasting base.

Sterling Silver Jewellery at Matayi

At Matayi, all our silver jewellery is crafted from genuine 925 sterling silver and finished with thick, premium plating such as 18k white gold, platinum, or rhodium for extra durability. Every piece—whether it’s a moissanite pendant, dainty bracelet, or classic pair of hoops—is designed for everyday luxury with long-lasting shine.

Discover minimalist, elegant staples made to elevate your daily looks. Explore Matayi’s sterling silver collection, filled with timeless silver and moissanite favourites you’ll wear again and again.