The key difference between silver plated and sterling silver is what the metal is throughout. Sterling silver (925) is solid silver all the way through — 92.5% pure silver alloyed with copper for strength. Silver plated jewellery has a thin coating of silver applied over a base metal such as brass or copper. They can look identical at first glance, but they behave very differently over time.
What Is Sterling Silver?
Sterling silver is a precious metal alloy made from 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals — most commonly copper. The 925 stamp on quality silver jewellery refers to this ratio. Pure silver on its own is too soft for everyday jewellery, so the copper addition gives it the strength needed for rings, bracelets, and chains that can withstand regular wear.
In the UK, genuine sterling silver jewellery should carry an official hallmark — a series of small marks applied by an independent assay office, confirming the metal's purity. Dan, the silversmith behind Silver Hollow, uses hallmarked recycled sterling silver for every piece, with heavier items independently certified to guarantee genuine 925 content.
For a full breakdown of what 925 means, how UK hallmarks work, and how to verify your silver is genuine, our guide to sterling silver, silver plating and 925 covers everything in detail.
What Is Silver Plated Jewellery?
Silver plated jewellery is made from a base metal — typically brass, copper, or nickel — with a thin layer of real silver applied to the surface through electroplating. The silver coating is genuine, but it is very thin — typically between 0.5 and 10 microns, far thinner than a human hair.
Silver plated pieces can look just as bright and attractive as sterling silver when new. The significant difference is longevity. Because the silver is a surface coating rather than the metal itself, it will eventually wear away with regular use — exposing the base metal underneath.
How Long Does Silver Plated Jewellery Last?
With careful handling and proper storage, silver plated jewellery can look good for one to three years. Pieces worn occasionally — earrings or necklaces brought out for events — will hold their appearance longer than those worn daily. Rings and bracelets, which experience more friction, tend to show wear at the edges and high points first.
Once the coating wears through, it cannot be restored with cleaning or polishing at home. Professional replating is possible but adds cost that can exceed the original price of the piece. Sterling silver has no equivalent limitation — because the silver runs all the way through, it simply cannot wear through. A sterling silver ring worn daily for ten years will look different to how it looked when new, but the metal underneath is entirely unchanged.
Does Silver Plated Jewellery Tarnish?
Yes. Silver plated jewellery can tarnish as the silver coating reacts with sulphur compounds and moisture in the air — the same oxidation process that affects sterling silver. The difference is what happens as the coating thins. On sterling silver, tarnish is surface-level and easily removed with a soft polishing cloth. On plated jewellery, as the silver layer wears down, the base metal beneath can also begin to oxidise, causing discolouration that is harder to reverse.
For practical guidance on preventing and removing tarnish from both types of silver jewellery, our guide to how to stop jewellery tarnishing covers safe cleaning methods and proper storage in full.
Will Silver Plated Jewellery Turn My Skin Green?
It can — and this is usually a sign that the silver coating has worn away in that area. When the base metal, often brass or copper, comes into direct contact with skin, it reacts with sweat and skin oils to produce a green or darkened mark. This is harmless but is a clear indicator that the plating has worn through in that spot.
Nickel, another common base metal in silver plated jewellery, can cause skin reactions in people with nickel sensitivity — a relatively common allergy. Sterling silver does not contain nickel, and the copper content sits well below the threshold that typically causes reactions. For anyone with sensitive skin or known metal allergies, sterling silver is the more reliable long-term choice.
How to Tell If Your Jewellery Is Sterling Silver or Silver Plated
The most reliable method is to look for a hallmark. In the UK, genuine sterling silver is required by law to be hallmarked when sold as silver. Look for a 925 stamp or the word Sterling on the piece — typically on the inside of a ring band, on a clasp, or on the back of a pendant. A full UK hallmark will also include an assay office mark confirming independent testing.
The UK Assay Office provides a clear guide to reading hallmarks and understanding what each stamp means — useful if you want to verify a piece you already own.
Silver plated pieces may be stamped with EPNS (Electro-Plated Nickel Silver), EP, or a similar marking — or may carry no stamp at all. The absence of a 925 or Sterling mark on a piece sold as silver in the UK is a strong indicator that it is plated rather than solid.
Which Should You Choose?
For occasional wear, silver plated jewellery offers an affordable way to enjoy the look of silver without the higher cost of sterling. A pair of silver plated earrings worn a few times a month, stored carefully and kept away from moisture, can hold up well for years.
For everyday jewellery — rings, bracelets, or a chain worn constantly — sterling silver is the more practical long-term investment. The metal does not wear through, does not expose a base metal, and can be polished back to its original finish repeatedly. Over several years, a well-made sterling silver piece will outlast multiple silver plated equivalents at comparable overall cost.
All Silver Hollow pieces are made from hallmarked recycled sterling silver — built for everyday wear and designed to last. Browse our handmade sterling silver collection if you're looking for jewellery that will hold its quality over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is silver plated jewellery real silver?
Silver plated jewellery contains real silver, but only as a thin surface coating over a base metal such as brass or copper. It is not solid silver throughout. Sterling silver (925) is solid all the way through — 92.5% pure silver alloyed with copper for durability.
How long does silver plated jewellery last?
With careful handling and proper storage, silver plated jewellery can look good for one to three years. Rings and bracelets worn daily will show wear faster than occasional pieces. Sterling silver does not wear through — the silver runs consistently throughout the metal.
Does silver plated jewellery tarnish?
Yes. The silver coating can tarnish as it reacts with air and moisture. As the plating wears thin, the base metal beneath can also oxidise, causing discolouration that is harder to reverse than tarnish on solid sterling silver.
Will silver plated jewellery turn my skin green?
It can, once the silver coating wears away and the base metal — often copper or brass — comes into contact with skin. The resulting green mark is harmless but indicates the plating has worn through. Sterling silver does not cause this reaction.
How can I tell if my jewellery is sterling silver or silver plated?
Look for a 925 hallmark or the word Sterling stamped on the piece — typically inside a ring band or on a clasp. In the UK, genuine sterling silver should carry an official assay office hallmark. Silver plated pieces may be marked EPNS or EP, or may have no mark at all.
Silver plated and sterling silver serve different purposes well. For occasional wear on a budget, plated jewellery is a reasonable choice. For everyday pieces you want to last for years without deterioration, sterling silver is the more durable and cost-effective option over time. Knowing the difference means you can make the right choice for how you actually wear your jewellery.