Sterling silver is a high-quality alloy made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. The added metals improve the strength and durability of silver, which is naturally soft. Sterling silver is often used in jewelry, cutlery, and decorative items. It has a bright, lustrous appearance but can tarnish over time due to oxidation, though it is easily polished. The hallmark “925” often appears on sterling silver items, indicating the purity level.