Sterling Silver Silver is a precious metal and much like gold it is too fine to be made in a 100% form. To make it durable for jewelry, pure silver (999 fineness) is often alloyed with small quantities of copper (7.5%), thus comes sterling silver (92.5% or .925). Copper is added to strengthen the silver and make it durable to be use as a decorative or in fashionable jewelry. Retaining the finish and value of your jewelry is quite easy. It's simply a matter of knowing what and what not to do! Listed here are tips on how to take care of your precious jewels, what to avoid, how to clean jewelry and much more……!!