Why Sterling Silver Is Better Than Fashion Jewellery

Understanding the difference between sterling silver and fashion jewellery can help you choose pieces you’ll love and enjoy for years to come.

Jewellery can be so much more than an accessory. Some pieces become everyday favourites, some remind us of special moments, and others are chosen as meaningful gifts for the people we love.

When choosing jewellery, however, the material behind the design matters just as much as how beautiful it looks.

Two options you’ll often come across are sterling silver jewellery and fashion jewellery. While they can sometimes look similar when they’re new, there are important differences in their materials, durability, care, and how they change over time.

Here’s what you should know before choosing between them.

What Is Sterling Silver Jewellery?

Sterling silver is a precious-metal alloy made from 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals.

You may notice a small 925 hallmark on genuine sterling silver jewellery. The number represents its silver purity and is widely used to identify sterling silver.

Pure silver itself is relatively soft, so combining it with a small percentage of another metal gives it the additional strength needed to create jewellery while maintaining the beautiful appearance of silver.

If you’d like to understand the material in more detail, you can also read our complete guide to What Is 925 Sterling Silver?

What Is Fashion Jewellery?

Fashion jewellery, sometimes called costume jewellery, can be made using a variety of materials and base metals.

These pieces may be plated or coated to create the appearance of silver, gold, or other precious metals.

Fashion jewellery can be a lovely and affordable way to experiment with trends or enjoy different styles. However, because the precious-looking finish may only exist on the surface, it can behave differently from sterling silver as the piece is worn over time.

Sterling Silver vs Fashion Jewellery: What’s the Difference?

The biggest difference lies beneath the surface.

With genuine sterling silver, silver is part of the metal itself. If the surface becomes tarnished or loses some of its shine, the piece can usually be cleaned and polished.

With many types of fashion jewellery, the visible finish may instead be a thin coating over a different base metal. As that coating gradually wears, the metal underneath may become visible.

This distinction becomes particularly important when choosing jewellery you hope to keep for many years.

Sterling Silver Can Be Maintained Over Time

One of the qualities we love most about sterling silver is its ability to be cared for and restored.

Sterling silver naturally tarnishes when it reacts with substances in its environment. You may notice your jewellery becoming slightly darker or less shiny after some time.

This is completely normal.

Tarnishing happens on the surface of the silver and doesn’t mean that the silver itself has disappeared or that the jewellery is ruined.

A suitable silver polishing cloth, gentle cleaning, or professional polishing can help restore its beautiful finish.

For more information, read our guide on How to Clean Sterling Silver Jewellery.

Sterling Silver Is Made to Last

When properly cared for, quality sterling silver jewellery can be enjoyed for many years.

Rings can be polished. Pendants can regain their shine. A favourite pair of earrings can continue being worn long after a passing trend has disappeared.

This makes sterling silver particularly suited to jewellery chosen for more than just a season.

A birthday gift, an anniversary piece, a ring bought to celebrate something important, or simply the necklace you find yourself reaching for again and again can remain part of your collection for years to come.

What About Gold and Rose Gold Jewellery?

This is where an important distinction should be made.

Sterling silver jewellery can also be gold plated or rose-gold plated.

In this case, the jewellery underneath is still genuine sterling silver, while the gold or rose-gold colour is created by applying a layer of plating to its surface.

Like any plated finish, this layer can gradually fade depending on how often the jewellery is worn, individual skin chemistry, exposure to moisture, perfumes, lotions, and how the piece is cared for.

The important difference is what remains underneath: 925 sterling silver.

Even when a plated finish eventually needs refreshing, the underlying jewellery remains sterling silver and can be professionally maintained or replated when appropriate.

Sterling Silver and Natural Gemstones

Sterling silver also provides a beautiful setting for natural gemstones.

The brightness of silver complements many gemstone colours, from the deep red of garnet and purple of amethyst to vibrant peridot, delicate moonstone, blue topaz, tourmaline, citrine and white sapphire.

Natural gemstones have their own individual characteristics, and subtle variations in colour, inclusions and appearance are part of what makes each stone unique.

Combining them with sterling silver creates jewellery that brings together lasting materials with the individuality of gemstones formed by nature.

Is Sterling Silver More Expensive Than Fashion Jewellery?

Sterling silver jewellery will often cost more than jewellery made from inexpensive base metals because it contains a precious metal.

The design, craftsmanship, gemstones, complexity of production and finishing can also influence the price of a piece.

Rather than looking only at the initial price, it can be helpful to consider how you intend to wear the jewellery.

If you’re looking for a fun piece for a particular trend or occasion, fashion jewellery may suit what you need.

If you’re choosing something you hope to wear regularly, maintain and keep for years, sterling silver may offer greater long-term value.

So, Which Should You Choose?

There isn’t one type of jewellery that’s right for every purchase.

Fashion jewellery can be wonderful for experimenting with styles and enjoying trends at an accessible price.

Sterling silver offers something different.

It’s a precious metal that can be cleaned, polished and cared for over time. It works beautifully with natural gemstones and is especially suited to pieces chosen with longevity in mind.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on what you want your jewellery to become.

For pieces you hope will remain part of your collection beyond a season, 925 sterling silver is a beautiful choice.

Why Chérie Lueur Chooses 925 Sterling Silver

At Chérie Lueur, our jewellery is handcrafted in Sri Lanka using authentic 925 sterling silver, thoughtfully paired with natural gemstones and carefully selected stones.

We choose sterling silver because we want to create pieces that aren’t simply beautiful when they’re first worn, but can continue to be cared for and enjoyed as the years pass.

Whether you’re choosing something for yourself or finding a meaningful gift for someone you love, we hope every Chérie Lueur piece becomes part of the moments, memories and everyday days that make it yours.

Jewellery that feels like you..
Made to become part of your life and your story..