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Stamp of Quality:
Our sterling silver jewelry has a stamp of quality or fineness mark. This
appears as .925, sterling silver. Sometimes the jewelry item is too small for
the mark, but be assured it has been inspected to verify it is .925 sterling
silver. The quality of our sterling silver necklaces, sterling silver
bracelets and sterling silver earrings is quite impressive.
What you should know about Sterling
Silver Jewelry: Sterling silver has been used since humans
discovered the versatility of the metal. There have been practical uses from
flatware to armor, in addition to creating beautiful jewelry. Mexico and Peru
currently have the highest producing silver mines in the world.
Silver jewelry is popular among younger people because of the
affordability and beauty of the metal. Silver bracelets, charms, rings, and
chains are a great alternative to white gold or platinum. It is the most
reflective metal, so can be polished into a higher sheen than other white
metals. The only problem with silver is its tendency to scratch and tarnish
over time. Proper care is required to keep it looking beautiful and shiny.
Fine silver, which is at its natural state, is 999/1000 pure. That kind
of purity makes it too soft for molding into everyday products. In order for
silver to be hard enough and suitable for arts and crafts, alloying with other
metallic components is a must. Sterling silver is a mixture of 92.5% pure fine
silver and other metal alloys. It is the most popular concentration found in
sterling silvery items, and a marking of "
925 " can be visibly noted engraved on the back or the inside
of each piece. It is the most ideal percentage for having durability without
loosing the natural bright sheen. When shopping for silver jewelry, look for
the mark .925 or Sterling Silver
. The marks mean the item is 92.5 %
pure rather than being Silver Plated or German/Nickel silver which is
basically just an imitation of the metal. The best form is 925
due to its' durability & high sheen. Not all silver jewelry is sterling
silver or identified as .925.
Vermeil: Vermeil is sterling silver jewelry
electroplated with at least 100 millionths of an inch of karat gold, giving it
a nice and sophisticated appearance.
Silver Plated Jewelry: In silver plated
jewelry a base metal is covered with a layer of pure silver. This form of
production is a popular alternative for more affordable prices. However, it is
necessary to coat the jewelry item with a layer of silver every once in a
while to keep the base metal from showing through due to time and wear.
German or Nickel Silver: German or Nickel
Silver is a silvery-white alloy consisting of copper, zinc and nickel. This
form is not popular in products worn against the skin as many people have
allergic reactions to nickel.
Be sure to store your sterling silver jewelry in a cool, dry place,
individually in pouches to keep it from environmental harm. But don't sweat it
if your item becomes tarnished, chances are it'll happen no matter how careful
you are. Just use a polish solution or a polishing cloth to clean the piece.
Sterling silver is the most reflective of all precious metals, so keep it
beautiful and it'll capture your heart for a lifetime.
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