Sterling Silver Jewelry Guide
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Is sterling silver right for you?
Sterling silver can be a lovely fit if you enjoy silver-colored jewelry and are comfortable with occasional polishing and thoughtful care. Choose pieces that reflect your personal style, fit comfortably, and suit your routine, including removing them for certain activities and storing them dry between wears.
- Sterling silver is a metal alloy; a silver-colored finish does not necessarily mean sterling silver.
- Check the materials, finish, dimensions, and fit of each piece.
- Regular care and dry storage help maintain its appearance.
Compare Sterling Silver with other silver-colored jewelry
| Feature |  Sterling silver |  Rhodium over Brass |  14K White Gold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal composition | 925 Sterling Silver; Kendra Scott Sterling Silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Check for additional finishes. | A rhodium surface over a brass base, rather than a sterling silver base. | A 14K gold alloy. Where specified, the construction includes a rhodium surface application. |
| Color and appearance | Cool-toned silver appearance; the listed finish helps define the look. | Silver-colored appearance from the rhodium surface. | White, silver-colored appearance; check whether a rhodium finish is specified. |
| Care considerations | Polish gently in one direction with an appropriate polishing cloth. | Wipe with a soft, dry cloth; avoid silver cleaners and abrasives. | Clean with gentle soap, rinse, and dry; avoid harsh chemicals and abrasives. |
What is sterling silver?
Sterling silver is a metal alloy—a blend of silver and other metals that add strength. Our 925 sterling silver contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Pure silver is relatively soft, so combining it with copper makes it stronger and more suitable for jewelry.
The term describes the metal itself, rather than just a silver-colored coating over another material. You’ll find sterling silver necklaces, earrings, rings, and more in our Demi-Fine Jewelry collection.
Sterling silver can have different finishes, too. Oxidized sterling silver has an intentionally darkened surface that highlights texture and creates an antiqued look. You’ll find many of these designs in Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott.
Check each piece’s product details for its materials and finishes, or explore our jewelry metals guide to compare your options.
Choose sterling silver for your everyday
Think about the pieces you already enjoy wearing. If a pendant is your daily finishing touch, start with a shape or symbol that feels personal. If you love earrings, consider whether studs, hoops, or a more expressive silhouette would fit your style.
Look at the practical details, too. Check necklace length against your usual necklines, earring dimensions and closures, bracelet measurements, and ring sizing. Confirm whether earrings are sold individually or as a pair, and check adjustability rather than assuming an open or sliding design will fit.
Choosing a gift? Take your cue from the recipient’s favorite metal colors and proportions. A familiar silhouette can still feel special with a thoughtful detail. Confirm ring size or pierced ears when relevant, and check eligibility before planning an engraved gift.
How to style sterling silver
Give each piece a little room to shine. Pair a shorter chain with a longer pendant, or let a favorite necklace stand on its own. For earrings, try studs alongside complementary hoops if your piercings allow. A statement ring can bring focus to a look with simpler accents elsewhere.
You can keep your jewelry silver-colored or introduce gold tones. Repeating a shape, texture, or similar scale can connect the pieces without making everything match. Leave space between layers and avoid crowding jewelry that may rub together. For more inspiration, explore our mixed metal jewelry styling guide.
How to care for sterling silver
Sterling silver can tarnish and develop surface scratches, so a little regular care makes a difference. Tarnish does not automatically mean a piece is poor quality or permanently damaged.
- Remove sterling silver jewelry before showering, swimming, exercising, or cleaning.
- Keep it away from perfume, lotion, cosmetics, soaps, and household cleaners.
- Polish gently in one direction with an appropriate polishing cloth. Avoid tissues and paper towels, which may scratch.
- Store dry pieces in a jewelry pouch or lined box, with space between them.
- Check instructions for stones and finishes before using any cleaner. Silver cleaner is not suitable for gold vermeil.
For more information, visit our Jewelry Care & Repair guide.
Shop sterling silver necklaces
Explore sterling silver chains and pendants, choosing lengths and silhouettes that make your layers feel personal.
Shop sterling silver earrings
Find your expression in sterling silver studs, hoops, and huggies, with attention to dimensions, closures, and pair status.
Shop sterling silver rings
Discover sterling silver signets and motif bands that bring a personal detail to your everyday collection.
Frequently asked questions
The “925” means the metal contains 92.5% silver. At Kendra Scott, we combine that silver with 7.5% copper. You’ll find sterling silver styles to love in our Demi-Fine Jewelry collection.
They may look similar, but they’re made differently. Sterling silver is a silver alloy, while silver-plated jewelry has a layer of silver over another base material. Check the product’s material details to get to know your piece.
It can, and that doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with your piece. Gentle care and dry storage help maintain its appearance. If your jewelry has an oxidized finish, remember that its darker details are intentional and should be preserved.
Yes, sterling silver can be part of your everyday jewelry rotation. Choose pieces that suit your style and routine, and take them off before showering, swimming, exercising, or cleaning.
We recommend taking it off first. Keeping sterling silver away from soaps, chlorine, and salt water helps protect the metal, its finish, and any stones or accents.