The Story of Sterling: Why Silver Shines in North American Jewelry

Not all metals tell a story—but sterling silver does. It’s more than just beautiful or durable. It holds weight, not only in the hand, but in history. Sterling silver has been shaped, stamped, worn, and passed down for generations. In North American jewelry, it’s a cornerstone—refined and raw, traditional and modern, all at once.

So, how did this luminous metal become such a mainstay? The answer weaves through centuries of artistry, cultural exchange, and craftsmanship that continues to evolve today.

A Legacy Carved in Silver

Sterling silver has been used in North American jewelry since the 1800s, but its roots go much deeper. Indigenous artists across the continent incorporated silver into their adornments, blending it with traditional materials and powerful symbolism. Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni silversmiths are renowned for their masterful work, often combining sterling silver with turquoise, coral, and other sacred stones.

Their techniques—like stamp-work, overlay, and inlay—weren’t just decorative. They were deeply intentional, each pattern and mark telling a story, carrying meaning, and honoring tradition. Jewelry became a form of wearable language, passed from hand to hand and generation to generation.

That legacy still shapes modern jewelry-making. Every hammer mark, every hand-sawn edge carries echoes of the past—history reimagined through new hands, new designs, and new materials.

What Makes Sterling Silver... Sterling?

Sterling silver isn’t pure silver. It’s an alloy, consisting of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. Why? Because pure silver is too soft to withstand daily wear. That small percentage of added metal gives it strength, while keeping its signature glow.

So when you wear sterling silver jewelry, you're wearing something strong enough to endure, and soft enough to shape. It’s flexible. It’s balanced. It’s basically the metal version of a wise friend who also looks amazing in the sunlight.

That balance is what makes it a favorite for jewelry lovers and makers alike—durable, beautiful, and endlessly wearable.

Why We Love It (And You Might, Too)

At Stardust Turquoise, sterling silver is a cornerstone of our collection. We love it for its feel—cool, grounded, and substantial. It holds texture beautifully, pairs effortlessly with natural stones like turquoise, and wears in a way that becomes more personal over time.

It’s also timeless. Not in a dusty, predictable way—but in a wear-it-with-everything, ages-like-a-good-story kind of way. It doesn't need flash. It has presence.

There’s a reason people return to sterling again and again—it fits in, stands out, and never feels like too much or too little.

How to Spot Real Sterling Silver

Look for the mark: "925." That stamp means it meets the standard for genuine sterling. If a piece is unmarked, it might still be silver—but it’s worth asking. At Stardust Turquoise, we’re proud to say our sterling silver pieces are the real deal.

Another tip? Feel the weight. Sterling has a density and coolness to it that plated pieces often don’t. When in doubt, ask the maker—we’re always happy to share.

From Heritage to Modern Magic

What started as trade silver, transformed through Indigenous artistry, and carried into today’s design world—sterling silver is more than a metal. It’s a thread. A connection. A way to wear history while making your own.

It bridges time and place, tradition and individuality. And honestly? We can’t imagine working without it.

*Let us know in the comments—what’s your favorite sterling silver piece you’ve ever owned (or dreamed of owning)?