As a subject matter expert in precious metals and jewelry, I can tell you that the "best" type of sterling silver can be subjective and depends on the context in which it's being used. However, I can provide you with some general information to help you understand the quality and types of sterling silver.

Sterling silver is an alloy of silver that contains 92.5% by weight of silver and 7.5% by weight of other metals, usually copper. The copper content strengthens the silver and makes it more suitable for making jewelry and hollowware than pure silver.

Hallmarks are important to consider when evaluating sterling silver. A genuine sterling silver item will have a hallmark indicating its purity, such as "925," "Sterling," or "Sterling Silver."

The finish of the sterling silver can also affect its quality. Some common finishes include:
- Matte finish, which has a dull, non-reflective surface.
- Polished finish, which is shiny and reflective.
- Anti-Tarnish or Rhodium Plated sterling silver, which has a layer of rhodium to prevent tarnishing and give it a white gold appearance.

In terms of design and craftsmanship, the best sterling silver items are often those that are well-made, with intricate designs and high-quality workmanship.

When it comes to investment purposes, the purity and weight of the silver are more important than the type of sterling silver.

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An alloy such as copper is usually added to make silver workable for jewelry. Sterling silver is 92.5 percent (925 parts) pure silver and 7.5 percent (75 parts) alloy metal. Sterling is the primary material used for silver jewelry, giftware, holloware and flatware.read more >>