Buying silver jewelry should be simple…
But if you’ve ever gone down the rabbit hole of “Is this real sterling or will it turn my neck green like a Shrek cosplay?”, you know the questions never end.

Here are the Top 20 Things Everyone Wants to Know Before Buying Silver Jewelry — answered with expert knowledge, real-life experience, and just enough humor to keep you awake.

1. Is 925 silver actually real silver?

Yes. It’s 92.5% silver, and the rest is usually copper to make it stronger.
If it says “925,” “Sterling,” or “Ster,” you’re good.
If it says “silver-tone”… run.

2. Will my 925 silver tarnish?

Eventually, yes.
It’s silver, not vibranium.
BUT the good news: tarnish is normal, temporary, and easy to clean.

3. Does silver turn your neck green?

Only if:

• You have acidic skin,

• You wear a fake piece, or

• You haven’t showered since Spring Break 2019.
  Real 925 rarely causes issues.

4. What’s better: 925 or 999 silver?

• 999 = more pure but softer. Scratches if you look at it wrong.

• 925 = less pure but stronger. Better for actual daily wear.
  Choose 999 if you collect jewelry.
  Choose 925 if you actually wear it.

5. Can I shower with silver jewelry?

You can.
Your jewelry won’t explode.
But… it may dull faster. A quick polish brings it right back.

6. Does silver rust?

Nope. Silver tarnishes, but it does not rust.
Rust is for old Hondas and forgotten tools.

7. Why is Italian silver so hyped?

Because Italy makes some of the best chains on the planet.
Quality, craftsmanship, shine — Italians just get it right.
(Also… pasta.)

8. Are Miami Cuban chains good in silver?

Absolutely.
Silver Miami Cubans look amazing and are way more affordable than gold.
Just pick a solid 925 or handmade 999 — no hollow nonsense.

9. How do I know my silver is real?

Look for:

• “925” stamp

• “Sterling”

• Verified seller

• No weird rainbow color (that’s stainless coated in sadness)

10. Should I buy silver-plated jewelry?

Only if your goal is heartbreak.
Plating wears off fast.
Stick to solid silver.

11. What chain thickness should I buy?

• 2–3mm: subtle, clean look

• 4–6mm: everyday men’s favorite

• 7mm+: “I lift weights” energy

• 10mm+: “I might be a rapper” energy

12. What chain length should I buy?

• 18"–20" → men’s choker / modern fit

• 22" → most popular

• 24"+ → hip hop look
  If you’re tall or broad-shouldered, go longer.

13. What’s the difference between tarnish and oxidation?

• Tarnish: Surface darkening (easy to clean)

• Oxidation: Natural chemical darkening (also easy to clean)
  Neither is permanent. Both make you feel like a chemist.

14. Does silver hold value?

Yes.
Silver is a precious metal, not costume jewelry.
It won’t make you rich, but it won’t be worthless either.

15. Can silver jewelry cause allergies?

Very rarely.
Silver is hypoallergenic.
Nickel is the villain — avoid anything with nickel mixed in.

16. Does silver shine as much as gold?

Not the same way — but silver has that white, icy, mirror-like shine.
Some people prefer it over gold because it’s clean and modern.

17. Why is my silver turning black?

It met sulfur.
Yes, silver reacts with sulfur in:

• Sweat

• Lotion

• Air

• Life
  Clean it. It will look brand new.

18. Is cleaning silver hard?

No — 20 seconds with a polishing cloth and it shines like it just hit the gym.

19. Is 925 better than stainless steel?

If you want real jewelry → 925.
If you want something that never tarnishes but has no actual value → stainless.

20. What brands actually sell good silver?

When it comes to high-quality, real silver jewelry, you can’t go wrong with:

• ItaliaChains → Some of the best Italian-made 925 sterling silver chains on the market. Clean finish, strong construction, and that authentic Italian shine.

And if you’re hunting for a bargain, you can also find great deals at local jewelry shops or even on eBay — just make sure you’re buying from reputable sellers with solid reviews. (If the listing looks like it was typed with a flip phone… maybe skip it.)

Final Thoughts: Silver Jewelry Is Amazing… If You Know What You’re Buying

Whether you’re into:

• Italian-made 925

• Handmade 999 cubans

• Rope chains

• Figaro

• Tennis chains

Silver is one of the best metals you can buy: real, durable, valuable, and affordable.

Just avoid anything “silver tone,” “silver plated,” or “mystery metal from a gas station” and you’ll be fine.