The 10 Shiniest Sterling Silver Earrings Your Ears Need (2023)

FAQs

What sterling silver is best for earrings? ›

Fine .

Fine silver is best for earrings or necklaces instead of rings or bracelets that are bumped and scratched more frequently because it is such a soft metal. Silver clay products reduce to fine silver and have increased the demand for pure silver jewelry in the US market.

You'll want to skip pieces made from sterling silver until your piercing's fully healed. Sterling silver is made primarily of silver, but it does contain other metals (usually copper). Those other metals can tarnish and cause skin irritation and staining. You'd think a higher karat gold would be better, right?

Sterling silver body jewelry is safe to wear in healed piercings. But it should never be in an unhealed piercing or in a piercing in a moist area of the body.

The best earrings for sensitive ears are generally made with gold, platinum, or silver. Make sure you buy earrings that are 14k gold or above or sterling silver 925 to avoid the possibility of nickel being mixed in.

Sterling silver is more easily tarnished than fine silver because of the other metals it contains. While 925 sterling silver is less “pure” than silver, it does not mean it's not good. Sterling silver is a high-quality material that's both durable and beautiful to wear. Read more about hypoallergenic jewelry.

Stainless steel, on the other hand, is durable and stronger than sterling silver. So stainless steel might be the best option if you want something strong that requires little maintenance and won't tarnish over time.

Sterling silver jewelry can absolutely be worn every day! In fact, many people enjoy the look of sterling silver because it's understated and timeless. Plus, it's easy to care for and can be worn with just about anything.

Genuine sterling silver is a fabulous metal to wear every day as it has many benefits. Sterling silver is gorgeous, versatile, affordable and extremely durable. If you look after your jewellery and make sure that you avoid contact with certain chemicals, your jewellery can be worn all day, every day with no issues!

WHAT MATERIALS ARE IDEAL FOR STARTER EARRINGS? Surgical-grade titanium, 14-karat gold, 18-karat gold, niobium, and surgical-grade stainless steel are the most popular materials for starter earrings and new piercings.

The water can oxidise the silver, meaning it is likely to tarnish and will therefore start to darken. There's also the risk of dropping or losing your jewellery, so we would recommend taking off your sterling silver jewellery before showering.

Can I sleep with sterling silver earrings? ›

Repeated wear of nickel-based jewelry can cause red, itchy rashes, and sleeping in these earrings overnight could also increase your risk of developing eczema around your ears. The best way to avoid nickel allergies is to wear earrings made from surgical steel, sterling silver, or at least 18-karat gold.

Exposing 925 sterling silver jewelry to hot water and steam found in showering scenarios can corrode, warp or scratch the delicate metal, significantly reducing its lifespan. To protect your treasured accessories from degradation, keep them away from hot showers (or any shower scenarios)!

However, the most common causes of earlobe irritation are piecing infections and contact metal allergies—specifically to nickel, copper and cobalt. The best earrings for sensitive skin are made from pure metals; specifically gold (14 karat or higher), sterling silver, titanium and platinum.

Sterling Silver is an alloy

The trouble is alloyed metals is that they commonly contain nickel, a noteworthy irritant. Nickel allergies are widespread, affecting an estimated twenty percent of the population. When nickel is in contact with your skin an allergy can develop over time.

Generally speaking, you want to avoid nickel and opt for at least 14k gold (anything less usually contains nickel or brass) or sterling silver 925. If your ears are still reacting negatively, try posts made of medical-grade stainless steel or titanium, which tend to be the least reactive.

Since sterling silver has a lower percentage of silver than pure silver, sterling silver is less expensive. Of the three types of metals, it's typically the least expensive choice. You'll also find more jewelry options in sterling silver since it's a more accessible material to mold into different shapes.

Sterling silver means that it is 92.5% silver purity. . 800 silver means that it is 80% silver purity.

The short answer is in their makeup: - .925 sterling silver is made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper or other ingredients. - .999 fine silver is made up of 99.9% pure silver and less than .1% copper or other ingredients.

Since it's a precious metal, sterling silver holds more value compared to stainless steel.

When it comes to durability, titanium has the upper hand over silver. This is because titanium is much stronger and more resistant to corrosion than silver. If you're looking for a material that will last a long time without showing signs of wear and tear, then titanium is the way to go.

What tarnishes faster stainless steel or sterling silver? ›

This is because of the chromium and molybdenum present in the metal and is why sterling silver tarnishes easily and stainless steel does not.

How often should you clean silver? Polishing silver once a year should be enough to keep it in good condition. But, if once a year doesn't satisfy your cleaning compulsion, an easy way to maintain the shine of your silver is to wash it with good old water. You can safely do this as often as 2–6 times in a year.

After getting your earlobes pierced, the wait time is generally around 6 to 8 weeks. For cartilage piercings, it can be up to 12 weeks. After the initial wait time, you can change your earrings as often as you like! Make sure to use clean hands and jewellery to avoid irritation or infection.

High-quality sterling silver jewelry can last a lifetime if properly cared for. Although it may tarnish over time, regular cleaning and polishing will help keep your jewelry like new. Simple regular cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soap will keep your sterling silver shining.

It is generally recommended that you take your earrings out when you are sleeping. If you don't want to take your earrings out, there are some ways to be more comfortable sleeping with them.

Simple Studs for Daily Wear

A popular choice for everyday earrings is studs. Stud earrings are delicate and small, making them ideal for a subtle piece to pair with your daytime ensembles. No matter the type of ear piercing you have a stud will help you achieve that enviable minimalist look.

To prevent your sterling silver from tarnishing, keep it away from harsh chemicals, keep it dry, store it correctly, and clean and polish when needed. Take it off when washing your hands or swimming, and keep it in a secure bag or box when you're not wearing it. You also want to take it off when exercising.

Thin hoop earrings with a width of 15mm to 30mm and an airy feel. Choosing hoops in warm gold or rose gold metals will brighten your complexion, similar to other anti-aging fashion accessories like sunglasses and hats. Go for glamour by wearing a pair that utilizes semiprecious or precious stones.

Don't touch a new piercing or twist the jewelry unless you're cleaning it. Keep clothing away from the piercing, too. Excessive rubbing or friction can irritate your skin and delay healing. Keep the jewelry in place.

Most doctors use earrings made of titanium, surgical steel, or precious metal.

Can you soak sterling silver earrings in alcohol? ›

Yes! To clean your jewelry using isopropyl rubbing alcohol, fill a small bowl with it—just enough to fully cover the piece you wish you clean. Leave the jewelry to soak in the bowl for a few minutes. Alcohol dries completely clear on metal surfaces so there is no need to rinse it off with water.

Pour one teaspoon of olive oil into ½ a cup of lemon juice and mix. Place a clean cloth into the solution and gently dab the silver earrings (or Agonda studs in our case) until it brings back its shine. Rinse the earrings with warm water and leave to air dry until you wear them again, or put them back in storage.

Simply combine half a cup of white vinegar and two tablespoons of baking soda. Allow your earrings to sit in the solution for two to three hours, then thoroughly rinse and buff dry.

You also should avoid going any longer than 24 hours without wearing earrings for the first six months of a new piercing to prevent the hole from closing.

For ear piercings, it is recommended to wait 6-8 weeks before attempting to change your earring. This is recommended as 6-8 weeks is the length of time that it takes for a piercing to heal.

Silver is a powerful antimicrobial agent and can help fight infections, heal wounds, aid in cold and flu prevention, and so much more. Positively charged silver ions form a conductive field stimulating the body's natural conductivity, improving blood circulation, body temperature balance, and overall health.

You should remove your sterling jewelry when swimming in saltwater as the saltwater harms sterling silver. The salt will start to corrode the jewelry and cause it to lose its luster. Fun fact: If swimming in the ocean, a shark can mistake your jewelry for shiny fish scales.

Sterling silver tarnishes when exposed to salty air, chlorine, sulfur, humidity, perspiration, cosmetics, household bleach and other strong chemicals.

Never wear your sterling silver jewelry in a hot tub, mineral spring, swimming pool, or any other chemically treated water. Wearing your jewelry often, may be one of the best ways to keep it looking beautiful and reduce tarnish buildup.

Pure silver is not susceptible to tarnish in a pure oxygen environment. However, the copper that is contained in 925 sterling silver may react to the ozone and hydrogen sulfide in the air and cause sterling silver to tarnish. Perfumes, hair sprays, and profuse sweating can also cause a quicker formation of tarnish.

Is 925 sterling silver waterproof? ›

Since 925 sterling silver is almost pure silver, it's likely to have a lesser reaction to water. This means that it's completely okay to get this type of sterling silver wet. Just be sure to dry it off as much as possible after!

When a ring, chain, pendant, earring, or other piece has 925 stamped on it, almost like a tiny engraving, it means that it is 92.5% silver and 7.5% of another metal. This 925 is called a “hallmark” and indicates high-quality sterling silver. Other hallmarks of superior sterling silver are “STG", "S.S.", or "STER".

Choose high-purity sterling silver that is marked "925" (the standard used to indicate the weight of pure silver in the alloy). While water won't ruin your sterling silver, it may speed up the tarnishing process, so it's best to take jewelry off before you shower, wash your hands, or do the dishes.

Simple regular cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soap will keep your sterling silver shining. The best way to store your sterling silver jewelry is in an airtight container lined with a soft material such as cotton balls or a jewelry polishing cloth to help prevent scratching.

Silver becomes black because of hydrogen sulfide (sulfur), a substance that occurs in the air. When silver comes into contact with it, a chemical reaction takes place and a black layer is formed. Silver oxidizes faster in places with a lot of light and high humidity.

925 Sterling Silver darkens due to daily use, as well as for other reasons. One of the most common reasons is the use of products such as perfumes, shampoos or gels. It may also react immediately with corrosive or cleaning products.

The water can oxidise the silver, meaning it is likely to tarnish and will therefore start to darken. There's also the risk of dropping or losing your jewellery, so we would recommend taking off your sterling silver jewellery before showering.

Sterling silver jewels looks great with your beachwear but don't go in the water with them. They will tarnish and, in some cases, become damaged by exposure to pool and saltwater. Water, in and of itself, doesn't cause the damage.

Sterling silver jewelry can absolutely be worn every day! In fact, many people enjoy the look of sterling silver because it's understated and timeless. Plus, it's easy to care for and can be worn with just about anything.

Rings, necklaces, and bracelets made of sterling silver will have a “925” stamp somewhere. On rings, the stamp is usually on the inside band. Bracelets and necklaces will often have them on the clasp or on a seperate charm. However, anyone can stamp a piece of jewelry regardless of authenticity.

Is 925 sterling silver expensive? ›

Real silver, which has a higher purity than sterling silver, is generally more expensive. However, silver 925 is a popular alternative due to its relative affordability. Despite being less pure than real silver, silver 925 retains its beauty and lustrous appearance.

High quality sterling silver can last for decades if well taken care of. It's important to clean it and store it properly when not being worn. Silver will also last longer if kept away from harsh chemicals such as lotions, perfumes, hand sanitizers, and many soaps.

Tarnish happens as a result of silver jewelry being exposed to oxygen and sulfur particles in the air. So, to keep your silver from tarnishing, you can store it in a ziplock bag and other airtight container. If you're using a bag, be sure to remove all the air before sealing the bag.

Ultimately, sterling silver (also known as 925 silver) is hypoallergenic, high-quality, fashionable, and safe. Silver is typically mixed with other metals to make a more durable alloy, as pure silver is far too soft to be used in jewellery.