Silver has been around for centuries. In fact, you can find antique sterling silver pieces that are hundreds of years old. This precious metal deserves to have four common myths debunked so that everyone can properly choose and care for their sterling silver.

Myth #1: Sterling Silver Is Pure Silver

This myth relates to the previous one. Sterling silver isn’t 100 percent silver. Truthfully, sterling silver is only 92.5 percent silver, and the rest is other metals. There’s no item that’s 100 percent pure silver. Even the most refined form is 99.9 percent since there are some minute impurities in it.

Pure silver is too malleable and soft on its own. Consumers wouldn’t be happy with the results and would possibly find it too challenging to keep or give antique silver gifts. As a result, silver would lose its reputation as an ideal antique material. The additional metals manufacturers add in are for consumers’ benefit.

Myth #2: Sterling Silver Can’t Get Wet

Some people believe that sterling silver can’t get wet. This myth is simply not true. Let’s look at sterling silver flatware as an example. If you’re using an antique tableware set, you can’t expect people not to touch the fork or spoon with their mouths. And what about rinsing and washing the silverware?

Water isn’t going to harm the silver. Water can damage sterling silver only when you don’t dry it off completely before storage. Ensure you’re being delicate when you’re washing your antique silver pieces.

Myth #3: Sterling Silver Isn’t Durable

Sterling silver is durable. Pure silver isn’t, but adding other metals creates a more sturdy option for antiques. You must still be careful with sterling silver because it’s a relatively soft metal, though.

Debunking common myths about sterling silver is the best way to educate people about their antiques. It’s crucial for collectors to understand how to care for their pieces.