Understanding the mechanism clarifies why it holds: an internal spring keeps the gate closed at rest, and only direct lever pressure releases it, which is why accidental opening during normal wear is highly unlikely.
Industry Insight
Silver-filled and silverplate aren't the same purchase. Silver-filled bonds a meaningfully thicker sterling silver layer to a base metal core, landing between electroplated silverplate and solid sterling in both composition and price. If longevity is the primary concern, the thickness difference is the decision.
Style Notes
Sterling silver's durability and structural integrity make it suited to daily-wear jewelry without the metal deforming or settings loosening under the pressures regular use introduces.