Silver Purity Matters: Fine Silver vs Sterling Silver and Beyond
The purity of silver is an essential factor to consider when buying or selling silver. The most common grades of silver are fine silver, sterling silver, Britannia silver, and coin silver. Fine silver contains 99.9% pure silver, while sterling silver has a purity of 92.5%, with the remaining 7.5% made up of other metals such as copper.
The daily silver rate is just a benchmark, and the final showroom price will always be higher due to making charges and a 3% GST. BIS hallmarking can verify authenticity, but it's essential to check for both the logo and purity grade.
For investors, digital silver alternatives are available, such as buying and holding silver digitally through online platforms or investing in silver ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) or Silver Fund of Funds. These instruments track domestic silver prices and offer a more convenient way to invest without physical storage or making charges.