• “Close‑up of sterling silver jewellery showing a 925 hallmark under a magnifying glass, hallmark stamps on a silver ring, and a price tag reading £3.99 — visual guide to spotting genuine sterling silver versus plated imitations.”
    Jewellery Care & Inspirations

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

    If you’ve ever stood in front of a jewellery counter wondering whether that gleaming necklace is the real deal or just a clever lookalike, you’re not alone. Shopping for silver in the UK can feel a bit like decoding a secret language, 925, EPNS, stainless steel, plated, sterling, fine and most of it is never properly explained. So let’s clear it up, plain and simple. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what you’re buying, what to avoid, and why a piece of hallmarked sterling silver is genuinely an heirloom in the making. What Is Sterling Silver? Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver, mixed with a small amount of another metal…