Silver Rings

Genuine sterling silver is usually stamped "925" somewhere on the inside of the band, indicating 92.5% silver purity. Check the product description for this marking explicitly, since plain "silver-plated" or "silver-tone" items look similar in photos but contain little to no actual silver content.

Genuine sterling silver rarely causes green discoloration or irritation for most people, since it doesn't contain the high copper or nickel content found in cheaper alloy jewelry that reacts with skin oils and sweat. If you have sensitive skin, stick to items clearly marked 925 sterling silver rather than unspecified "silver" alloys.

Silver tarnishes when it reacts with sulfur compounds in air and humidity, forming a dark surface layer over time. A soft polishing cloth removes light tarnish, while a paste of baking soda and water works for more visible tarnish; avoid harsh chemical cleaners that can damage engraved details.

Wrap a strip of paper or string around the base of your finger, mark where it overlaps, measure the length in millimeters, and compare it to the seller's size chart, since ring sizing standards vary between regions. Measure at the end of the day when fingers are slightly more swollen for the most accurate fit.

Rhodium plating adds a thin protective layer that resists tarnish and scratching better than bare polished silver, keeping the shine longer with less maintenance. However, the plating can wear thin after a few years of daily use, eventually requiring re-plating, while solid sterling silver can simply be repolished indefinitely.