Is Brighton Jewelry Sterling Silver?

Disclaimer: ICONIC maintains no affiliation with Brighton Collectibles, LLC. This post is entirely independent and solely intended for customer education.

Brighton is a family-owned and operated business based in California. The brand sells a variety of accessories, including jewelry, charms, sunglasses, handbags, and more.

This article will focus on Brighton Jewelry, providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision when buying their pieces. It will cover the type of metals Brighton uses to make their jewelry, whether it is considered good quality, and the pros and cons of buying their jewelry. It will also answer some commonly asked questions about real silver.

What is Brighton Jewelry?

Brighton Jewelry is a renowned brand that offers a wide range of exquisite jewelry pieces, including earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets. Known for its fine-quality crystals and intricate designs, Brighton Jewelry is perfect for everyday wear and can be dressed up or down. Each piece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that you get a touch of elegance and sophistication in every item. Whether you’re looking for a statement necklace or a delicate bracelet, Brighton Jewelry has something to complement your style and enhance your wardrobe.

What Materials Are Used To Make Brighton Jewelry?

While many people are under the impression that Brighton Jewelry is made from pure silver, this is not actually true. Instead, Brighton Jewelry is made using a blend of different metals, notably brass and zinc, which is coated in silver plating. This gives the items the appearance of real silver minus the price tag.

That being said, some of Brighton’s jewelry is created from sterling silver, a cheaper, more durable option than pure silver, which is commonly used in jewelry making. This may cause some people to think that their jewelry is made from real silver. Moreover, some of Brighton’s silver jewelry creations can be quite costly, which many interpret as an indication of pure silver, adding to the confusion.

Brighton earring posts, flat disc backs, lever backs, and French wires are made of sterling silver. On the other hand, clip-on earrings are made of stamped brass with a plating finish. Certain ring styles from Brighton are also manufactured in sterling silver. These rings will have the ‘925’ stamp on the inside of the band.

How is Brighton Jewelry Made?

Each piece is created through a multi-step process, beginning with a designer’s hand sketch. It is then cast in a solid brass or zinc alloy and coated in pure silver. Because silver is naturally prone to tarnishing (oxidization) and scratching, a protective lacquer is added to slow this process.

Identifying Sterling Silver Brighton Jewelry

Identifying sterling silver Brighton Jewelry is straightforward. Look for the “925” stamp on the back of the piece, which indicates that it is made from sterling silver. This hallmark is a standard indicator of sterling silver’s authenticity and quality. Additionally, you can check the packaging or documentation that comes with the piece, which should confirm its sterling silver composition. Sterling silver Brighton Jewelry pieces often have a bright, shiny finish that is characteristic of this high-quality material, making them easy to spot.

Does Brighton Jewelry Tarnish?

In general, few metals will maintain their luster if they aren’t well cared for and stored properly. Unfortunately, the same can be said for sterling silver and plated jewelry in particular. This means that Brighton Jewelry will inevitably show signs of tarnishing over time. Of course, you can slow down this process and keep your jewelry looking good as new by following the jewelry care guide on the Brighton website by clicking here.

Why is Brighton Jewelry Expensive?

Brighton Jewelry can still be quite costly despite not being made from real silver. Especially compared to other brands that don’t use pure silver either. So, why the price tag?

One of the main reasons Brighton Jewelry can command high prices is due to its protective lacquer that prevents it from tarnishing. This is a unique feature of the Brighton brand, which is reflected in the price of its jewelry.

Brighton is also renowned for its accessories, meaning you pay for the name when you buy from them.

Is Brighton Jewelry Worth It?

Brighton has established itself as a popular brand for jewelry, which many people believe reflects the quality of the items it produces. This is evident in the customer reviews it receives, which are fairly good regarding quality.

That being said, most consider it the equivalent of costume jewelry. This is because it is not made from real silver or another precious metal like gold. This makes it difficult to compare it to a brand that specializes in fine jewelry, like James Allen or Blue Nile, for example.

Of course, there is absolutely nothing wrong with buying costume jewelry if it suits your pocket and you like the way it looks.

Where is Brighton Jewelry Made?

The Brighton company manufactures a variety of accessories, including handbags and shoes. These are all made in different places around the world. However, Brighton Jewelry is mainly produced in Taiwan.

Brighton Jewelry Collections

Brighton Jewelry offers a wide range of collections to suit every style and taste. From modern and trendy pieces to classic and timeless designs, there is something for everyone in the Brighton Jewelry collection. The Ferrara collection, for instance, features designs inspired by centuries-old architecture that add a touch of flair to your look. Meanwhile, the Everbloom collection includes pieces perfect for updating your summer style, with light-catching, colorful crystals and floral-inspired designs. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece or an everyday accessory, Brighton Jewelry has something to inspire and elevate your style.

Brighton Jewelry Pros and Cons

Pros

• Brighton Jewelry is more affordable than real silver jewelry.
• Brighton Jewelry is composed of metal alloys and silver plating, making it less susceptible to scratching. Comparatively, pure silver is very soft and easy to damage. This can be a letdown for people who pay a lot for a genuine silver piece.

Cons

• Brighton Jewelry can be fairly expensive for a brand that uses cheap metal alloys to make its jewelry. This can be a turn-off for some, especially considering that it may not last as long as a piece made from a more prestigious precious metal like gold.
• Even with the proper care and maintenance, Brighton Jewelry will eventually tarnish as its protective lacquer wears off. This can be a real disappointment, given the price tag.

Caring for Sterling Silver Brighton Jewelry

Caring for sterling silver Brighton Jewelry is simple and essential to maintain its beauty. To keep your pieces looking their best, gently wipe them clean with a soft cloth and a mild soap solution. Avoid exposing your sterling silver pieces to harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the finish. Storing your sterling silver pieces in a cool, dry place, preferably in a tarnish-resistant bag, will help prevent tarnishing. Regular care will ensure that your Brighton Jewelry remains as stunning as the day you bought it.

Closing Thoughts on Brighton Jewelry

Contrary to popular belief, the majority of Brighton’s jewelry pieces are not made from pure silver. Instead, each piece is cast in solid brass or zinc and plated with silver, then given a protective layer of lacquer. However, certain pieces are made from sterling silver.

Brighton’s sterling silver pieces are celebrated for their attention to detail and craftsmanship. The use of sterling silver not only adds a touch of elegance but also ensures that the jewelry remains a timeless addition to your collection. Whether it’s a pair of earrings or a stunning ring, sterling silver pieces from Brighton are designed to stand the test of time. You can tell the pieces apart by looking for the ‘925′ hallmark stamp.

Frequently Asked Questions About Silver

How can you tell if jewelry is made from real silver?

The easiest way to tell if a jewelry piece is genuine silver is to look for a hallmark. This refers to a stamp in the metal, usually a number, that indicates how pure the metal is. In the case of sterling silver, the number you are looking for is ‘925′. Sometimes, it can be difficult to find the hallmark, especially if the jewelry piece is old or worn. However, there is another way you can tell whether or not your jewelry is real silver. Consider the way the piece feels and smells. If your jewelry has a bumpy or uneven texture, it may be fake, as real silver is typically very smooth. Of course, some jewelers purposefully add texture to their silver creations, so this isn’t a good test to use on its own. If the piece also has a metallic smell, it is almost certainly fake, as pure silver is completely odorless.

Does real silver tarnish?

Like gold, pure silver does not tarnish. However, sterling silver does because it is mixed with copper. Thus, sterling silver may develop some blackness or discoloration when exposed to sulfur compounds in the air, such as hydrogen sulfide, forming silver sulfide. Tarnish can also be accelerated by factors like humidity, air pollution, and contact with materials containing sulfur compounds. While tarnish affects the surface appearance of silver items, it does not damage the underlying metal and can be removed through polishing or chemical treatments.

Tarnish can also be easily avoided by wearing your jewelry regularly, as the oils in your skin will help keep the tarnish at bay. If you don’t plan on wearing the piece all the time, though, ensure that you store it properly in a tarnish-resistant bag away from direct sunlight. You can also polish the piece with some non-abrasive silver cleaner or take it to a professional jeweler for cleaning if it starts to show signs of tarnish.

How do you care for real silver?

As mentioned, you can clean your silver jewelry using a non-abrasive silver cleaner and a soft polishing cloth. Do not scrub the piece or use abrasive cleaning agents, as this may damage the metal.

Ensure the piece is completely dry before wrapping it separately in tarnish-resistant fabric or acid-free tissue paper and placing it inside a zip-top plastic bag.

Is it worth buying jewelry made from real silver?

There’s no denying that silver is a stunning choice for jewelry, and many consider it the only metal worth buying. However, pure silver is too soft to be used in making jewelry. This is why most jewelry pieces marketed as ‘silver’ are made from an alloy called sterling silver, which contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. By adding metals like copper to pure silver, the resulting alloy becomes harder and more resistant to deformation and wear. Thus, sterling silver is a durable and long-lasting material that is perfect for creating beautiful jewelry. So, if you love jewelry and are willing to spend a bit more on a piece that will last for many years to come, then sterling silver is definitely worth buying.

What is the difference between sterling silver, pure silver, and silver plating?

Sterling silver, pure silver, and silver plating are distinct forms of silver used in various applications, each with unique characteristics. Pure silver, also known as fine silver, has a purity of 99.9% and is quite soft, making it less suitable for items that require durability, such as jewelry or utensils. Due to its softness, it is primarily used in investment bars and coins. Sterling silver is an alloy containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. This combination enhances its strength and durability, making it more suitable for everyday use in items like jewelry and tableware. Silver plating involves coating a base metal, such as copper or brass, with a thin layer of pure silver. This process gives items the appearance of being made from solid silver but at a much lower cost. However, the thin layer of silver can wear away over time, revealing the base metal beneath.