Love sterling silver jewelry? So do we! In this guide, we'll tell you everything you've always wanted to know about our signature material. From care tips to styling tips, pendant necklaces to promise rings, it's all here, so let's dive right in.

Most popular sterling silver jewelry

What is the difference between silver and sterling silver?

As the name suggests, pure silver is made up of 99.9% silver. But, it's far too soft to keep its shape. That's why other metals are added to create sterling silver, so it can take on the shape of jewelry pieces, like our iconic snake chain bracelet, that you can wear over and over. Adding metals like copper keeps the color and luster of the silver on point, while making it more resistant to wear and tear.

Read on for more facts about sterling silver.

Using sterling silver alloys

It’s actually standard practice in the jewelry industry to mix pure silver with harder metals to make it more durable and to be able to create jewelry from it. That's because pure silver without any further additives is too fragile to be crafted and worn. We love using sterling silver so much that it’s our signature metal. And we’re not alone – it’s the world’s most popular silver alloy, too.

Same color, same luster, same mass

We enjoy using sterling silver for our jewelry because it retains the color, luster and mass of the pure silver without compromising the quality. By using sterling silver, we give your jewelry a longer lifespan by making it more resistant to wear and tear.

The natural tarnish of silver

Like other metals, sterling silver naturally tarnishes over time. It's a completely natural reaction that eventually turns the material a slightly darker shade, as the outer layer reacts to its environment. Tarnishing is a bit different from the oxidation process, since it's a part of the original jewellery design. Sometimes we like to highlight special details with a darker finish with this technique, which means that oxidation is an intentional design feature that's a part of the piece from the beginning.

About the hallmarks

We’re proud of the high-quality materials we use (did we mention we love sterling silver?), which is why all our jewelry features several hallmarks that let you know more about its purity and where it’s from. The hallmark for Pandora sterling silver jewelry is S925, symbolizing 92.5% sterling silver.

How to care for sterling silver jewelry

Want to keep your sterling silver jewelry looking brand new? Follow our tips below to get started.

Use the Pandora Care Kit to clean sterling silver jewelry

Our Care Kit makes it easy for you to clean your Pandora jewelry. It comes with a gentle cleaning solution and a polishing cloth. Use the white side of the cloth for polishing and the solution to keep the shiny finish.

Store it in a jewelry box

Jewelry boxes aren't just nice to look at. They actually have an important role to play when it comes to keeping your sterling silver pieces scratch-free and dust-free. You can read more about how to store your jewelry safely here.

Remove jewelry before swimming

Remember to take off your sterling silver jewelry before swimming, showering or bathing. No water-based activities, please.

Sterling silver jewelry

We love sterling silver jewelry because it's super versatile and looks good with every single outfit. Plus, you can wear it in endless different ways. It's the metal that keeps on giving.

That's why at Pandora, we've made it our mission to make sterling silver as accessible as possible. Sterling silver necklaces. Sterling silver bracelets. Sterling silver charms, earrings, and rings... It's timeless, easy to care for and available in all the sizes you might need for yourself or someone special.

Explore sterling silver jewelry

Sterling silver necklaces

Sterling silver necklaces, we love you so. From a classic chain necklace to drop necklaces and more, our appreciation for this style knows no bounds. Wear your favorite piece on its own or get creative with our guide to layering necklaces.

Sterling silver bracelets

You can never have enough sterling silver bracelets -- and that's a fact. Plus, there are so many different kinds to choose from, making them an essential part of any collection. Depending on your mood, you could reach for a simple sterling silver bangle or toughen it up with a chunky link bracelet. Don't forget about our signature charm bracelets, too. They hold an extra special place in our hearts, because of the memories and meaning they hold.

Did we mention that sterling silver looks good paired with literally all colours? Whether you're into neutral basics or wild patterns, you will always look good wearing sterling silver.

Recycled sterling silver jewelry

Sterling silver is the most-used metal in our jewelry and therefore the most impactful place to start our journey towards circularity. By 2025, we will purchase only recycled silver and gold for crafting our jewelry.