There are several types of silver that are commonly used in jewelry making:
Sterling silver: Sterling silver is an alloy of silver that is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. It is the most commonly used type of silver in jewelry making because it is strong, durable, and has a bright, shiny appearance. Sterling silver is also relatively affordable compared to other types of silver.
Fine silver: Fine silver, also known as pure silver or 999 silver, is 99.9% pure silver. It is much softer and more prone to scratching and damage than sterling silver, so it is not as commonly used in jewelry making. However, it is often used in high-end, handcrafted jewelry because of its purity and bright, shiny appearance.
Argentium silver: Argentium silver is a newer type of silver alloy that is made with a higher percentage of pure silver (93.5%) and a lower percentage of copper (6.5%). It is known for its bright, shiny appearance and its resistance to tarnish. Argentium silver is a good choice for people with allergies to traditional sterling silver, as it is made with a different type of copper that is less likely to cause irritation.
Coin silver: Coin silver is a type of silver that is made from recycled coins. It is usually 90% pure silver and 10% other metals, such as copper. Coin silver is not as common as sterling silver in jewelry making, but it is sometimes used in vintage or antique-style pieces.
Silver-filled: Silver-filled is a type of silver that is made by bonding a layer of silver to a base metal, such as brass. The silver layer must be at least 1/20 of the total weight of the piece. Silver-filled jewelry is more affordable than solid silver jewelry and has a longer lifespan than silver-plated items, as the silver layer is much thicker.