Grades & Definitions of Silver

950 Silver Filigree Bracelet

I've decided to compile a list of the grades of silver and their common names in one place as a handy reference. Because silver is soft, it needs to be joined w/another metal, typically copper, to make it workable. The percentage of silver to the percentage of copper is what gives the silver its grade, as follows: Fine .999 99.9% silver to .1 % copper Mexican .950 95% silver to 5% copper Sterling .925 92.5% silver to 7.5% copper Coin .900 90% silver to 10% copper German .800 80% silver to 20% copper Nickel and/or Alpaca Silver not silver at all but an alloy of copper and nickel

Eilat & Sterling Pendant/Brooch from Israel

Sterling Floral Brooch by David Andersen