Learn More About This Affordable Alternative to high-priced Jewelry
History of Sterling Silver
Silver jewelry has been a staple in the lives of mankind since humans discovered the versatility of silver and the many uses it has. Silver has been used for functional and aesthetic purposes. In times of old, silver was used to originate flatware and armor to protect soldiers on their way into battle. Silver jewelry was later created and used by Phoenician and Egyptian citizens desiring interesting and convenient pieces to add to their jewelry collections. Over time silver has been used to originate flatware, ornamental art, coins, dental fillings, jewelry and more.
Silver is produced in many dissimilar areas, though the highest concentrations of silver output come from Mexico and Peru.
One of the reasons sterling silver jewelry is so popular is its affordability and versatility. Sterling silver can be crafted into many dissimilar jewelry items including charms, rings and chains. Silver jewelry is often mistaken for other more precious metals including white gold and platinum.
Common Types of Silver
There are many dissimilar types of silver that can be used to originate sterling silver jewelry. Silver is thought about one of the precious metals along with its cousins gold, platinum and titanium.
Fine Silver - this is silver in its most natural state, when it is thought about 99% pure. Often this type of silver is too soft to originate ordinary products and is roughly liquid in form. Usually silver has to be mixed with other metal alloys in order to originate jewelry and household wear.
Sterling Silver - sterling is a mixture of fine silver and other metal alloys. The silver is thought about about 92.5% pure. Sterling is Usually combined with roughly 7.5% copper to make the jewelry more long persisting and durable. Sterling silver jewelry is Usually marked on the inside with a "925", indicative of its purity. Sterling silver jewelry made of just the right mixture of silver and metal allows a jeweler to originate a long lasting, durable piece that is shiny and fantastic adequate to be mistaken for more high-priced precious metals. Sterling silver is more likely to tarnish over time because of the proximity of copper; any way this relatively mild side follow can be minimized through permissible care. By consistently cleaning your silver jewelry you'll never even consideration anyone other than a beautiful shine and luster.
Silver Plating - plating occurs when a base metal such as nickel is covered with a layer of pure silver. This is often one of the most durable forms of silver, and is Usually much less high-priced than sterling silver because the percentage of pure silver in the jewelry is quite low. Most base metals need a re-coat of pure silver every few years to enounce a shiny outer coat and to preclude the base metal from peaking through the coating.
Nickel Silver - nickel silver is a mixture of nickel, copper and zinc that is not undoubtedly silver, but resembles silver. It is an reasonable and popular item that can be used to originate look-alike jewelry.
Vermeil - this form of silver was popular in the eighteenth century. Silver is plated in gold, providing a polished and high-priced finding institution piece of jewelry.
Caring for Silver Jewelry
Sterling silver jewelry does have a tendency to scratch more often than other metals, and may tarnish over time. permissible care can ensure any way that the jewelry remains shiny and well kept. The following tips will ensure that your sterling silver lasts a long time and maintains its luster and customary appearance:
Sterling silver jewelry should be stored in a cool dry place to sacrifice environmental damage. Consider retention each piece in an personel cloth pouch to preclude scratching. Use a jewelry cleaner or polishing solution at least once a month to clean the exterior of silver jewelry to help enounce its luster. Use a soft cloth to clean silver; never use a toothbrush or other abrasive material that might follow in scratching. Clean silver at the first signs of tarnishing, when a yellowish tint appears on the jewelry. If you wait until the silver has turned black, you'll have to scrub harder and may damage the shine on the jewelry. Consider using chemical dipping agents which clean jewelry without scrubbing. Avoid cleaners that include ammonia which can also turn silver jewelry black, consider soapy water instead.
Sterling silver is a popular item in part because it is more reflective than many precious metals. permissible care will ensure that silver jewelry remains beautiful for years to come. If you have other items in the house made of silver, such as silver wear or other household items, always use a cleaner or dip specifically designed to clean silver metal. Never put these items in a dishwasher, because you will scratch the exterior and cause irreparable damage.
Purchasing Silver
When buying silver jewelry, you should be prepared to take your time to pick capability pieces, just as you would if selecting a more high-priced jewelry item. Young consumers are often attracted to sterling silver jewelry because it is so affordable and beautiful. Sterling silver also comes in many modern and modern designs which are interesting to young consumers.
So what should you look for when shopping? First and prominent always check the interior for the 925 mark, to ensure that you are purchasing prime sterling silver rather than sterling silver plating. Keep in mind that the more pure the silver, the more soft and likely that a piece will scratch, so don't go for anyone more pure than sterling silver.
If you are finding to buy many dissimilar pieces, you might consider buying wholesale silver jewelry online. By doing so you'll be able to buy in bulk, and fetch large amounts of silver jewelry at reasonable prices. Many jewelers and home firm owners get into the habit of buying wholesale silver jewelry online because they can re-sell the merchandise at a higher price. There are hundreds of pieces to choose from, and you might even find a variety with a inevitable theme that appeals to you or the citizen you might be selling to.
Whey buying for yourself you should ensure you know what size jewelry you need if buying a ring. You might consider buying complete sets that include ring, bangle and charm. Sets are very popular options for consumers purchasing sterling silver jewelry.
Silver is an exceptional selection for consumers finding for fine jewelry that is precious, interesting and inexpensive. From the dawn of time, mankind has invested in silver for practical and aesthetic purposes. If you haven't already, I highly advise investing in a little silver.
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