We cherish our silver Jewellery - rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Silver is bright, beautiful, and eye-catching. It's the perfect metal to set off the sparkle of a diamond or contrast with a colorful ruby. But how can we keep it from getting tarnished? What should we look for when buying it? What's the deal with plated Jewellery? And what is sterling silver, anyway?

If you've ever wondered about how to buy and care for silver Jewellery, here are a few things you need to know.

What is sterling silver? There are several grades of silver. Fine silver is 99.9% pure silver; it is generally too soft to use for everyday function. All silver used in Jewellery is in fact an alloy: a mix of silver and another metal. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% another metal. It is sometimes referred to as "925 silver." Most sterling silver contains copper as the second metal.

What is "silver-plated"? Silver plating evolved in the nineteenth century as a way to make otherwise expensive silver items available to the masses. Silver plating involves fusing a very thin layer of silver over a layer of another metal. If a piece of Jewellery is silver plated, it will not have a sterling mark.

Silver plated Jewellery is less expensive than sterling silver. However, since silver is so soft, it can wear off over time with polishing or simple wear and tear. In general, it's better to buy sterling silver than silver plated Jewellery.

What should I look for when buying silver? Look for the stamp. Most sterling silver Jewellery will have a small stamp that certifies it is sterling. Sterling silver is marked in a variety of ways; the mark might be ".925," "ster," "sterling," or "sterling silver." This will tell you that the metal is solid sterling silver and not plated. No matter what country you're in when you're shopping, look for a mark that indicates the piece is sterling.

Why does silver tarnish? Most Sterling silver is combined with copper. Since copper tarnishes over time, so does sterling silver. Silver Jewellery eventually acquires a light gold cast; then it may bronze or turn black. This definitely dulls the look of your Jewellery, and it can also stain your hands.

Is there any way to buy silver Jewellery that won't tarnish? Some silver Jewellery is finished with rhodium. Rhodium is a metal found in the platinum family. It is also used to finish white gold, and it does not tarnish. If you buy a rhodium-finished piece, however, it will have a bright white color to it-not a more silvery gray. Some sterling silver has platinum as its alloy metal. This won't tarnish either, although it will raise the price of the Jewellery. These are both good options if you like the bright white look of platinum, because it will be much less expensive than solid platinum.

How should I store my silver? The metals in sterling silver react with their environment by tarnishing. Even exposure to air, light, and water can hasten the tarnishing process. While you may not be able to keep sterling silver from ever tarnishing, you can slow the process down with proper storage.

Store silver Jewellery in a tarnish-resistant cloth. This cloth has been treated with materials that slow the tarnishing process. Never store silver Jewellery in a wooden box, as the acids in the wood can tarnish the silver. Since silver Jewellery is so soft, it's best stored away from other Jewellery. This way, it won't get scratched during storage. Some jewelers advocate storing your silver in separate plastic bags to keep them away from air and other Jewellery.

How can I remove the tarnish? It's never good to polish silver too hard or too often. However, that's exactly what you have to do in order to remove tarnish. To get around this, use an extremely gentle method of polishing. Avoid using toothpaste or baking soda, as these can scratch and wear down the metal. Most Jewellery stores sell polish that is specially formulated for silver. This can be applied gently with a soft cotton cloth. Be sure to read the label to ensure it's safe for any gemstones in your Jewellery. There are also chemically treated cloths available that make polishing easier.

Silver is an attractive, affordable metal that's perfect for all types of Jewellery. Buy the right silver, store it properly, and buff it to avoid tarnish, and it will stay beautiful for years to come.

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Silver is one of the three classic precious metals, alongside gold and platinum. All three of which have been used for centuries in the production of fine jewelry. Fine (bullion) silver, which refers to silver at 99.9% purity, is too soft and malleable for most uses, used most often for the production of minted treasury bars. When it comes to the manufacture of jewelry, sterling silver is the silver of choice.

Sterling silver is a mixture of pure silver and, typically, copper. The ratio of which is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, though other metals are used on occasion as well (e.g., nickel and zinc) to form the alloy. The addition of other metals provides for hardness and durability as well as to aid in the prevention of tarnishing. Sterling silver has a natural white luster, though is prone to tarnish due to a reaction occurring between the silver itself and sulfur in the atmosphere. As well, oxygen may tarnish the copper content of sterling silver.

The term “sterling silver” itself apparently emerged in England around the 13th century, a product of a convergence of terms in reference to 925 silver—i.e. sterling silver. The meaning seems to reference a “firmly planted little star,” likely a reference to sterling silver’s luster and durability. Another perspective on the emergence of the term “sterling” puts forth the notion that the term in question stems from an area in modern day Germany (circa 1300 AD) called the “Easterling.” It was in this particular area that sterling silver emerged as component of primary local currency.

Sterling silver as a form of currency was later adopted by the English and remained a mainstay for centuries. Today, however, sterling silver is no longer prevalent as minted currency. Despite this, sterling silver, harder than gold, more plentiful, and more affordable, remains popular as a precious metal for a host of other purposes.

Sterling silver was extremely popular in the form of flatware and ornamental dining implements from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Today however, sterling silver is most popular as the base metal for quality, fashionable—yet affordable—jewelry.

Sterling silver can be fashioned into a wide variety of interesting and ornamental jewelry pieces. From sterling silver rings, sterling silver bracelets, sterling silver charms, sterling silver necklaces, to sterling silver earrings—sterling silver is extremely popular among both jewelry artisans and consumers. You can’t go wrong with sterling silver jewelry.

Jake Kennedy is editor and publisher of the webs most fascinating Sterling Silver Jewelry website. For more fast facts on sterling silver jewelry check out: Sterling Silver Bracelet

Sterling Silver Jewelry has always been popular precious metal in ancient legends and throughout history in every country. While silver is used in lots of products, it’s use as money and sterling silver jewelry are the source of its mystique and intrigue. There are many movie plots based on stealing sterling silver jewelry and seeking lost sterling silver jewelry items with magical qualities. If you love sterling silver jewelry, you probably feel the same way each time you put on your sterling silver jewelry and head for adventure.

Sterling Silver Jewelry – Keep It Clean!

Sterling silver jewelry comes in an amazing variety of styles and textures over its 4,000 year history. Ever notice how your sterling silver jewelry sometimes just catches your eye and casts a spell on you? It’s not just your illusion. The hypnotic power of a sterling silver jewelry flows from its highly polished surface that reflects the light in a way like no other jewelry can. Another finish applied to sterling silver jewelry is rhodium that gives it a slightly darker finish. As you know, sterling silver jewelry tarnishes. Keep a soft cloth and silver polish and handy to keep your sterling silver jewelry shining bright.

Sterling Silver Jewelry – Why is it 92.5% Silver?

The term “sterling silver jewelry” refers to jewelry cast from 92.5% silver. This is because 100 % pure sterling silver jewelry is a little soft and prone to bending and breaking. The 92.5% silver content creates sterling silver jewelry that is both elegant and durable. Reproductions of sterling silver jewelry worn by kings and queens represent a romantic tie between people in love today and ancient history. Browse sterling silver jewelry online for exquisite and extraordinary ancient jewelry pieces that excites the soul.

Sterling Silver Jewelry– Buying Tips

When buying sterling silver jewelry on the internet, keep in mind most online stores are honest and care about your satisfaction. Most offer thirty day warranty on your sterling silver jewelry and will exchange it. Like many purchases, it pays to pay by credit card for your protection.

Touched by Silver is a leading sterling silver jewelry company that specializes in unique sterling silver necklaces [http://www.touchedbysilver.com/silver-necklaces.asp] for men and women. TBS (Touched by Silver) offers a unique line of alluring women’s sterling silver necklaces [http://www.touchedbysilver.com/silver-necklaces.asp] in contemporary and classic styles. For more info, visit Touched by Silver today.

Johnny Mayer is a content writer for Compucall.USA Web Marketing, LTD.

Overview Of Sterling Silver Jewelry Care

Silver in all its luminous apparitions, has co-reigned alongside gold for more than 6000 years as the ‘Queen of Precious Metals’. However, of all silver’s heirs it is sterling silver with its intrinsic beauty, value and durability, that has ensured itself a place in the history books as one of the most popular mediums of personal adornment.

Owning a prestigious item such as sterling silver jewelry should be undertaken with an eye on the future. Like all precious metals, sterling silver’s value increases with time, and one day your jewelry could well become a priceless family heirloom, so looking after it now can only pay dividends in the future. However, to understand the proper care and maintenance of your sterling silver jewelry it is first necessary to look into sterling silver’s background.

Both silver and sterling silver are precious metals, and both closely related, but they are not the same. Pure silver is quite soft and because of this won't hold its shape; sterling silver was invented as a more durable form of this highly malleable and lustrous metal, lending its hardwearing properties to the creation of frequently worn jewelry.

Sterling silver is 92.5 percent true silver; the remaining 7.5 percent is comprised of an alloy, usually copper or zinc. Sterling silver tarnishes, this is caused by a reaction between the silver and the sulfur containing oxygen particles of the air. The following guide gives you some useful advice on preserving your sterling silver gemstone jewelry in the state you want for future generations.

Storage

Store your sterling silver jewelry in a dark, cool place away from direct sunlight or other sources of extreme heat such as radiators. A perfect place is in a jewelry box in amongst your clothes.

Sterling silver jewelry, as is the case with all fine jewelry, should be stored alone in a separate compartment in a jewelry box or in its own soft pouch. Not doing this will eventually result in scratches, or even breaks if there are gemstones in the jewelry.

Never store your sterling silver jewelry in paper, cardboard, or cotton filled boxes, as these contain trace elements of sulfur. For best results, place the items in a sealed, airtight plastic bag or jeweler's sulfur-free tissue prior to boxing and wrapping.

Cleaning & Polishing

Over time, sterling silver will develop a mellow patina caused by ‘Oxidization’, which results in an ‘Antique’ look where tarnish builds up in the fine details giving your sterling silver jewelry a beautifully unique air. You may or may not appreciate this aspect; you should consider this before making any attempts at cleaning your jewelry.

The best way to preserve and encourage the tarnished ‘Antique’ look to sterling silver jewelry can be done by not cleaning the jewelry with water, and not wearing the jewelry in the shower or bath.

The best way to prevent tarnish is to wear your sterling silver jewelry as often as possible.

If your sterling silver does become tarnished, it is easily restored to its former glory by using warm water with a mild soap, rinsing it and then making sure to thoroughly dry it with a fine soft cloth. Soaking is discouraged.

Use a soft cloth, similar to the cloth provided with spectacles, in light even strokes for cleaning the wider surface area, and cotton buds or Q-tips in the same manner for getting in to more difficult corners.

Never use tissues or hard brushes, including toothbrushes, when cleaning or polishing your sterling silver, as they will leave scratch marks. This is especially important if there are gemstones such as pearls mounted into your jewelry.

Polishing should be done quickly, and all traces of polish should be removed afterwards. Leaving traces of polish behind can dull the design by clogging engraved areas.

Silver pastes, treated polishing cloths or other sterling silver cleaning materials should be used under the guidance of your local jeweler, this is especially true if there are gemstones as these chemicals can destroy them.

The Dos’ & Don’ts

Always take your sterling silver jewelry off before applying suntan lotion, skin creams, and swimming in chlorinated or salt water.

Never wear your jewelry when working with detergents, bleaches, ammonia or alcohols; these chemicals will cause discoloration, damage and loosen any gemstones.

Never use an ultrasonic cleaner, ammonia or any chemical solution to clean opaque gemstones, such as turquoise, malachite, onyx, lapis lazuli and opals. They are a porous stone and may absorb chemicals, which build up inside the stone and cause discoloration. Simply wipe them gently with a moist soft cloth until clean.

Rhodium Plated Sterling Silver Care

Some sterling silver jewelry is plated with rhodium; this is designed to make your jewelry tarnish resistant. Caring for rhodium-plated sterling silver jewelry requires a different approach than non-plated sterling silver jewelry.

Clean it with a soft polishing rag or fine cleaner, but never use chemical based silver cleaners because this will damage the rhodium finish and also the inlaid gemstones.

If you own antique sterling silver jewelry or rhodium plated sterling silver jewelry we recommend that you seek expert advice from your local jeweler who will be able to instruct you on the best brands of jewelry cleaning products in your area.

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