When you think of a sterling silver pendant, you may think of using it exclusively on a necklace. While this is the most obvious and original use, there are a number of ways that you can display your sterling silver pendants with a little creativity.

First and foremost, your sterling silver pendant is a precious metal. It’s durable, hard-wearing and this means you can maximize your wear without compromising the quality of your jewelry. With this in mind, consider using your sterling silver pendant as a charm. If you own a rolo bracelet, you can attach your pendant with a simple jump-ring. If you own any type of bracelet that will accommodate the bail of your pendant by placing it into the clasp, you will have the instant look of a charm bracelet. Best of all, you can easily remove the pendant and place it back on your necklace and this maximizes your jewelry wardrobe in a way that’s truly ‘charming.’

If you have pierced ears, you may also be able to use two identical sterling silver pendants as charms by placing them on hoop earrings. Many bails will easily slide over the tube of a hoop earring, which gives you the instant look of earring charms. The most important aspect of this approach is to make sure that the pendants aren’t so heavy that they pull the earring down or cause you discomfort. For this approach, a lightweight pendant is the best idea and will give you the best results.

When worn traditionally, sterling silver pendants are beautiful. If you want to enjoy the look of a necklace but desire a more updated look, the task is simple. You can created a multi-strand necklace by threading several chains through the bail and wearing them as one necklace. If you’re still in the mood for a different style, consider wearing your sterling silver pendant on a single necklace that measures 16" or 18". You can then frame this ensemble by adding a plain necklace that measures at least 2" longer than the one featuring your pendant. This gives you an updated look that’s sure to be on trend and in style.

In conclusion, your sterling silver pendants can provide you with a stunning look in neck wear and they can also offer you versatile options when it comes to other jewelry items. By changing the look of your collection by simply using each piece to its greatest potential, you are truly getting the best value for your dollar.

Almost Diamonds, a popular online retailer specializing in sterling silver jewelry, has a complete line of items featuring cubic zirconia and genuine gemstones in a variety of styles to choose from. If you are looking to maximize your jewelry collection without minimizing your wallet, consider the affordable option of sterling silver. Not only is this a precious metal that’s designed to last forever, but it also is an economical way to get the look of platinum or white gold without spending a fortune. For more information on sterling silver jewelry and sterling silver pendants, visit Almost Diamonds at http://www.almostdiamonds.com

Silver the Metal

Silver, used in its raw form, is about 99.9% pure and is too soft for producing large durable objects which is why in Sterling silver, copper is alloyed with the silver metal to give the metal strength while retaining the same physical characteristics of ductility and high metal content of fine silver.

Origin of Sterling

Silver sterling was a term coined in England during the 13th century. There are several sources of the term sterling and one of these is when it was first mentioned as sterilensis in 1070 AD. Sterling silver then started appearing more frequently in the history books by 1200 AD. The origin of sterling is known to come from esterlin (Old Norman French) which means little star and steire (Old English) which means strong, immovable and firm.

How Sterling Silver Was Introduced in Households

Sterling Silver was initially popularized during the period of 1840 to 1940 in the US and Europe. The hype with silver started with flatwares which became the standard when setting the table in any household. During the Victorian period, the number of courses increased from three to ten or more courses. Even the forks, spoons and knives used were customized to match the courses offered.

Slowly the silver craze was extended to other objects used both in offices and homes. But by World War II, the costs increased so much so that sterling fell out of favor around that time. At that point, only the well-off could afford to maintain the number of servants required for the ten courses served during meals.

Eric Hartwell oversees "The World's Best Homepage" intended to be a user-generated resource where YOUR opinion counts. Anybody can contribute and all are welcomed. Visit us to read, comment upon or share opinions on jewelry and silver and visit our associated site articles for free.