Any metal can make up the 7.5% but copper has proved to be its best companion which has improved the metals' hardness and durability without affecting its beautiful color. The small amount of copper added to sterling has very little affect on the metals value. Instead the price of the silver item is affected by the labor involved in making the item, the skill of the craftsperson and the intricacy of the design.

Sterling silver is generally used in the United States, and that is what most people think of when they see silver. Lower percentage silver like "European" silver can irritate your skin-some European silver is .800 or 80% silver and 20% copper. the silver does not tarnish-the copper in the alloyed metal does.

CARE OF STERLING SILVER - Silver tarnish build-up, a dulling that naturally occurs when silver reacts with sulfur or hydrogen sulfide in the air, can be prevented by using polishes formulated specifically to remove tarnish. Rinse with clear water.

Wearing your silver jewelry often is the best way to prevent tarnish build-up. Regular cleanings with a soft 100% cotton polishing cloth will keep your silver jewelry bright and shinning and prevent tarnish. To minimize scratches and other damage store your silver jewelry in a cloth pouch or in a separate compartment in your jewelry box.

Avoid exposing your sterling silver jewelry to household chemicals when cleaning with bleach or ammonia, swimming in chlorinated water such as pools or hot tubes. Avoid using toothpaste or other abrasives to clean your silver jewelry. This is not an accepted practice by fine jewelers.