Silver and Sterling Silver
Silver is among the three archetypal valuable metals, the other two being gold and platinum. It has even been used as legal tender money in the olden days. The content of silver in pure silver is 99.9%, which makes it too elastic and acquiescent. Silver has been widely used for making jewelry. But for jewelry making the pure form of silver is not suitable as it is quite malleable. Thus sterling silver came into being. Sterling silver is an assortment of silver and copper, in a fixed percentage ratio of 92.5:7.5. Copper provides it solidity, sturdiness and even provides resistance against tarnish. The term 'sterling silver' has its origin around 13^th century in England. But this form of silver gained its popularity and demand in the 19^th and 20^th centuries.

Use of Silver in Jewelry Making
Since age old times, silver has always remained a favorite with jewelers. Jewelry made of sterling silver is gaining popularity these days as it is long-lasting and even pocket friendly when compared to jewelry made out of gold or platinum. Jewelry made out of sterling silver is refined and is available in intricate and up-to-minute designs. The addition of copper makes it compatible to all twists and turns. The addition of copper to silver makes the jewelry more durable and adds to its sheen and helps in reducing the rate of smudge. Since pre-historic times, the silver has been perfectly blended with jewels and beads in making silver rings or silver bracelets. Sterling silver provided relief from the age old use of only gold jewelry which at times is to flashy. This jewelry can match all types of skin colors, thus making every woman attractive.

Use of silver wire in making jewelry
With the ever changing fashion industry the demand for new form of jewelry has popped up. Silver wire is an amazing form, which is being excessively used to silhouette designer pieces. Sterling silver is a pricey form of silver wire. Depending on the wire gauze, working of sterling silver wire can be either easy to work amid or can be rigid. While giving the shape, the pure form of silver wire is used as it is easily malleable and ductile. Wire which is silver plated is a substitute for the silver wire, and the base used is generally copper. The silver plated wire also needs to be coated to protect them from ruination. With the succession of twist, wraps and spirals and insertion of crystals and gems, the special pieces of jewelry are being designed. Exquisite styles and designs of silver rings, silver chains, silver bracelets, silver pendants and silver earrings all are available. Its marvelous glitter makes it pleasing to eyes and is available at pocket friendly prices.

Steps to take care of jewelry
With the increasing demand of sterling silver jewelry, the need to take care of it even arises. The following steps should be kept in mind to retain your favorite silver rings, silver bracelets and silver pendants:

- Only soft cloth and mild washing agents should be used to clean the jewelry.
- If the piece of jewelry contains some gems or stones the soapy solution is only recommended as harsh soap solutions can harm the jewelry's cement used to fix it up.
- Toothpaste can be used to get back the lost sheen of the jewelry.
- The silver jewelry is open to corrosion when wore in water and air, so it is advisable to remove the jewelry while doing household and kitchen work.

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Silver beads have been prized for centuries for their elegance and ability to compliment almost any other combination of decoration. But there is a clear difference between silver and sterling silver.

Sterling silver is commonly referred to as pure silver, but is in fact a silver alloy. Pure silver is designated as 99.9% pure, but this purity tends to make the metal very soft. In jewellery applications, this can mean that delicate work is easily damaged or broken through the slightest of knocks. Adding another base metal to the silver gives it greater durability and strength. Sterling silver has this additional alloy and is only 92.5% silver. The additional metal is usually copper (7.5%).

Adding this percentage of copper or other base metal means that the silver can be worked in more detail and turned into different shapes, perfect for bead-making. All sterling silver carries a stamp, denoting its country of origin.

Silver beads are used in almost every type of jewellery, from simple necklaces to modern body jewellery. A silver necklace carries with it an air of sophistication and elegance, particularly if the silver beads are offset with other precious or semi-precious stones or pearls. Silver has never gone out of fashion; its popularity is helped by its ability to offer elegance and quality at a fraction of the cost of the equivalent in gold. It is resistant to tarnishing, needing only to be gently cleaned occasionally to restore its beauty.

Necklaces are not the only use of silver beads in jewellery. Because of the huge range of designs available, they can be used in earrings, bracelets and cuffs to match a simple but stylish necklace. Silver beads can also be incorporated into all kinds of applications, such as embroidering onto clothing or bags, or even evening wear shoes. Designers across the world continue to be captivated by the myriad of uses that silver beads have in fashion and couture, with the top designer houses often including beading in their collections.

Silver has the advantage of being the 'black' of jewellery in fashion terms - it goes with practically anything. A delicate, silver bead necklace can casually compliment a simple outfit of jeans and tee shirt. That same necklace can be worn with a cocktail dress with equal flair and finesse. A handful of silver beads, a well-thought out design and a little bit of patience can produce something that is unique and timeless. The best way to begin to incorporate silver beads into your jewellery making is to buy a small selection and let your imagination loose. The results will be uniquely yours and always a favourite part of your jewellery collection, no matter what the occasion.

Adam Hunter - E-commerce Marketing Manager of cooksongold.com. Cookson Precious Metals offer a choice of jewelery making supplies from over 10,000 products including gold and silver wire, silver jewelery findings, tools, precious metal clay and gold and silver sheet - gold, silver, platinum and palladium plus technical information for jewellers, jobbers, designer, craftsmen, artisans and students.