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When buying a religious medal or pendant for yourself or as a gift, you are often presented with a choice: pewter or sterling silver. At Catholic Faith Store we carry many of both, and many of our pendants are available in the exact same design in either metal. So which is best? That depends on your budget, who will wear it, and how they will wear it. Here is an honest comparison to help you decide.
Pewter vs. Sterling Silver at a Glance
| Pewter | Sterling Silver | |
|---|---|---|
| Tarnish resistance | High | Moderate |
| Water resistance | Moderate | Low |
| Suitability for daily wear | High | Moderate |
| Budget friendly | Yes | Higher price, precious metal |
| Lustrous, high-end finish | Soft satin gray | Bright, reflective shine |
| Nickel free and lead free | Yes | Yes (.925 stamped) |
| Holds value as precious metal | No | Yes |
| Best cleaning method | Mild soap and warm water | Sterling silver polishing cloth |
| Made in the USA | Yes* | Yes |
*A small percentage of our cards with pewter pendants are made in Italy.
The Advantages of a Pewter Pendant
Pewter is a durable metal that resists tarnishing better than silver. It can dull or oxidize slowly over time, but it will not turn black the way neglected sterling can. That makes pewter a genuinely low-maintenance choice and an ideal metal for children, teens, and anyone who wants to put a medal on and not think about it.
Pewter is also very budget friendly, often a third the price of the same design in sterling, and modern jewelry pewter is nickel free and lead free, making it a good option for sensitive skin.
One correction to advice we gave years ago: pewter is tough, but it is not shower-proof. Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture and remove pewter jewelry before swimming or bathing. Store it in a dry location and keep it away from harsh chemicals, and it will serve you for many years.
A step up: rhodium plated pewter. Some of our pewter pieces are finished in rhodium, a precious metal from the platinum family. Rhodium gives pewter a bright, mirror-like finish that closely resembles sterling silver, with very high tarnish resistance. If you love the look of silver but want maximum durability for daily wear, rhodium plated pewter is one of the best-kept secrets in religious jewelry.
The Advantages of a Sterling Silver Pendant
Very few will argue that sterling silver isn't beautiful. Its lustrous shine, fine detail, and elegant weight make it the classic choice for sacramental gifts. Sterling is a precious metal stamped .925, and its price reflects that. It is the piece that becomes an heirloom.
The trade-off is care. Sterling silver naturally tarnishes when exposed to air, moisture, and skin chemistry, so it asks a little more of its owner:
- Store it in a cool, dry place, ideally in an airtight bag or box
- Remove it before bathing, swimming, exercising, or sleeping
- Keep it away from perfumes, lotions, hairspray, and household cleaners
- Wipe it with a soft polishing cloth after wearing
None of this is difficult, but it is the honest difference between the two metals. Tarnish on sterling silver is a natural reaction, not a defect, and it cleans off easily. For the full routine, see our guide: 5 Easy to Follow Steps for Cleaning Your Sterling Silver Jewelry.
So Which Is Best?
Choose pewter when you want durability, easy care, and a friendly price: children's first medals, everyday wear, active lifestyles, or gifts where the recipient may not baby their jewelry. Choose rhodium plated pewter when you want the silver look with the toughest finish. Choose sterling silver when the occasion calls for a precious metal: Baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, and gifts meant to be passed down.
Still not sure? Call us at (800) 625-4610 and tell us who the piece is for. After twenty years of matching medals to the people who wear them, we can usually point you to the right metal in about a minute.
God bless,
Rich and Caroline King
Catholic Faith Store
