These are definitely silver plate - after several weeks of use, mine are finally starting to tarnish. They clean up well with a soft cloth, no need for polish or wetting. Because they are plate, I expect the plating to wear off eventually, but have seen no wear so far, however I take care of them and ensure they aren't worn while sweaty, and remove them at night. Only a couple beads had difficulties being threaded, but I hesitate to call it difficult, as a couple jiggles later on it went. The most difficult thing about this set is getting the hidden clasp together on the bracelet with only yourself to do it. For a longer necklace, I use the spare bracelet as an extender.