First ring!--Sterling silver?

[born2hunt]

I found my first ring yesterday at the old homeplace again. When it rains it really does pour. It was filthy and at first I figured it for a gold plated wedding band with the plating worn off. I know I'll get blasted for this but I cleaned all of the crud and tarnish off with light steel wool and WOW did it ever clean up nice! Now I could clearly read the letters "ster." next to the makers mark. Is it safe to assume that is the hallmark for sterling silver? If so why would sterling, with a slightly higher silver content discolor so much more than a silver coin?

Steve,
confused in PA

 

[ohio fred]

n/t

 

[Graw]

n/t

 

[lazyaussie]

nice ring as to the question rings wear differently than coins. older rings tend to have lots of very small scratches witch is a good place for corrosion to start were coins wear quite smooth after time & get a layer of oil from all the hands they go through.
that my thoughts any way