Look for "925," ".925," "S925," or "Sterling".

Sterling Silver vs. Pure Silver vs. Silver-Plated Jewelry - Silpada

While it has the highest purity (99.9%) and rarely tarnishes, it is often considered too malleable for complex earring designs.

If no hallmark is visible, real silver is non-magnetic and may leave a small dark mark when rubbed with a white polishing cloth due to oxidation.

You may also encounter a lion passant (UK) or a Minerva head (France) on high-quality imported pieces.

The global standard for high-quality jewelry. It consists of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper), creating a durable alloy that maintains silver's brilliant shine while resisting bends or scratches from daily wear.

These pieces feature a thin silver coating over a base metal like copper or brass. While budget-friendly, the plating eventually wears off, exposing the core and potentially irritating sensitive skin. Identifying Quality: The Hallmark

The most critical factor in buying silver jewelry is understanding its composition, as pure silver is generally too soft for functional earrings.