Thanks for reading about my opinion and expertise on jewelry that nobody asked about!

Let’s cut to the chase, the holiday season is here! Now is the time to start holiday shopping for your friends, loved ones, or yourself!

Let’s set the scene

You’re making a list, tracking your budget, noting your loved ones on one side, and gift ideas on the other. When you reach your sister’s name, your mind goes blank.

Then it hits you: a timeless gift—a simple, elegant bracelet.

Then another question arises, especially in this economic climate:

How can I find a bracelet that’s cute, affordable, and high-quality?

What should I buy?

It depends! If you want a budget-friendly custom piece, silver-plated is likely your best option.

However….

If you want top quality—a piece your sister can wear every day without taking off—then sterling silver is the way to go.

Sterling silver is also perfect for sensitive skin.

If you want a bracelet for sensitive skin that will last years, even generations, choose sterling silver.

What’s the difference?

Silver-plated jewelry is made of copper or brass with a thin silver coating. This makes the silver plating prone to scratches, and the core metal may tarnish. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% alloy. No plating—just solid metal like gold jewelry.

How do I see the difference?

Now for the fun part! Here’s how to tell silver-plated from sterling silver.

Most sterling silver jewelry in the U.S. is stamped:

925 or .925

ss925 or SS925

Another method is to feel the weight of your jewelry. Sterling silver is heavier than silver-plated brass or copper, so if it feels light, it’s likely not sterling silver.

There’s one more method: you can always ask your local jeweler to appraise the piece, or if you’re feeling adventurous, buy a testing kit and check yourself. For convenience, though, your best bet is to look for the stamp.

The holidays can be a stressful time of the year. But as you pick up a few tips and tricks, you will become a savvy jewelry shopper!