This guide will help you learn to identify quality in silver jewelry and accessories.

Sterling Silver

Pure Silver, also called fine silver, is relatively soft, very malleable, and easily scratched so it is commonly combined with other metals to produce a more resilient product. The most popular of these alloys is sterling silver, which consists of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Although any metal can make up the 7.5% non-silver portion of sterling, centuries of experimentation have shown copper to best improve the metal's hardness and durability without affecting its beautiful color.

The small amount of copper added to sterling has little effect on the metal's value. Instead the price of the silver item is affected by the labor involved in making the item, the skill of the craftsperson, and the intricacy of the design.

Identifying Quality Sterling Silver

All high quality silver items are stamped with a "Sterling Silver" or "925" mark. This mark identifies the precious metal content of the jewelry.

Silver Alloys

Because pure silver is so soft, it should only be used when malleability is required, such as in handcrafted jewelry featuring weaving and other intricate designs. Sterling Silver is most often used for jewelry and household accessories because of its combination of beauty and durability.

Acceptable quality marks for sterling silver include:

- Sterling

- Sterling Silver

- .925

Care

With proper care, your fine quality silver will last a lifetime. To minimize scratches and other damage, store your silver jewelry either in a cloth pouch or in a separate compartment in your jewelry box. Avoid exposing your silver to household chemicals when cleaning with bleach or ammonia, or when swimming in chlorinated water, as these chemicals can damage silver.

Clean your Silver REGULARLY!

Care should also be taken to prevent silver tarnish build-up a dulling that naturally occurs when silver reacts with sulfur or hydrogen sulfide in the surrounding air. To clean your silver, use specific formulas to remove tarnish. You can find fine silver polishes, solutions, or cloths designed to remove tarnish. These are available at most hardware stores or specialty craft stores. Tarnish is most easily removed when it first becomes visible! So keep an eye out for it! Although wearing your silver often is the best way to prevent tarnish from building up, regular cleanings of all your silver items will prevent tarnish and keep your silver bright, sparkling, and beautiful.

By definition, sterling silver jewelry contains 92.5% of pure silver and 7.5% of copper or other alloy. It’s hallmark is .925 and will commonly be located on a bracelet or necklace clasp, the inside of a ring band or the backside of an earring. Like gold, sterling silver is a precious metal and can last for a lifetime with the proper care.

When you think about sterling silver jewelry, you may think about its coloration. A warm finish gives it an appearance that mimics white gold, but is much less expensive. Compared to gold, which is often as much as $30-40 per gram, sterling silver is much more reasonably priced and you will be getting a lot more flash for your cash. This makes sterling silver rings a very popular choice not only for casual wear, but also for wedding sets.

Because it contains copper, which will oxidize over time, sterling silver jewelry will require polishing in order to prevent it from taking on an antique appearance. In order to prevent this from happening, some designers have begun producing rhodium plated silver. For a piece of jewelry to be classified as rhodium plated, a certain amount of rhodium must be applied to the base metal’s surface. Rhodium is a metal that offers the same appearance as sterling silver, but is believed not to tarnish.

All types of sterling silver jewelry are popular, but sterling silver rings remain one of the top choices. Whether it’s because your hands are always visible or you simply believe that bolder is better, sterling silver rings will provide you with a wider band and overall bolder presence at a fantastic price. The fact that you get more bold for your buck is not exclusive of sterling silver rings, but rather in all sterling silver jewelry.

For more information on sterling silver jewelry and silver cz rings, visit Almost Diamonds at http://www.almostdiamonds.com.

A True Delight

Choosing the right wedding ring is a very important part of the wedding preparations. Wedding rings aren’t just ornaments, they hold a much deeper meaning. Besides the ‘beauty’ aspect of the wedding ring, one has to consider comfort as well. Since a person wears the wedding ring on a daily basis, it is essential to make sure that the wedding ring you purchase is comfortable enough.

One significant factor in choosing a wedding ring is the kind of metal. The days are gone when the choices were pretty much limited to yellow gold or diamond rings. With the passage of time, sterling silver wedding rings and bands have become incredibly popular. They are very compatible with the momentous occasion of a wedding. The reason why the popularity of sterling silver wedding rings is rising day by day is because they look modern and match any outfit.

Gone are the days when only diamond and platinum rings were considered to good enough for wedding rings and anything else was considered inferior. Although silver had been in use for a long time, mainly because of its aesthetic qualities, only recently has sterling silver been used much in wedding rings and bands. And, not surprisingly, they soon captured the market. These days, many couples choose wedding rings made of sterling silver.

The chief reasons for the growing popularity of the sterling silver wedding rings are their affordability and versatility. It is not too difficult to engrave and resize a sterling silver ring. This is because sterling silver is ductile and has a low melting point. This reflective metal is also easy to take care of. You can easily clean your ring using a soft cloth. Make sure you don’t exert too much force while cleaning, otherwise you might leave scratches. So take your time and carefully clean your ring. Many people use toothpaste to clean sterling silver jewelry but it is better to avoid using toothpaste as a cleaning agent since it might make your wedding ring or band look dull. Also, to make sure that your precious sterling silver wedding ring doesn’t tarnish, don’t expose it to any corrosive agents such as detergents, chemicals, etc.

If you are on a budget and looking for an elegant, stylish wedding ring for your beloved, then a sterling silver ring is the perfect choice. It is sturdy, long lasting, non-allergenic, light and, in short, an ideal metal for a wedding ring or band. It is a lot cheaper when compared to a diamond or a platinum ring, but it looks just as exquisite and delicate. So keep sterling silver wedding rings in mind when you go hunting for the perfect ring for your life partner. Sterling silver wedding rings and bands are undoubtedly an excellent choice.

Roy Dietelzieg had worked in the jewelry industry for years serving costumers from every background and writing his reflections on jewelry. Roy writes Sterling Silver Jewelry tips.

Sterling Silver Jewelry is it considered trendy compared to the other
fashion jewelry?

Once considered to be popular as an antique and a low cost accessory option.
Sterling Silver jewelry has become mainstream front and center.

Why is Sterling Silver gaining popularity as fashion Jewelry?

With the emergence and popularity of white metal jewelry like white gold and
platinum, Sterling Silver is once again getting a lot of attention from the fashion
world because of its versatility for accessorizing new fashion clothing lines, and
because it has a clean with modern look that rivals even yellow gold. Sterling
Silver jewelry is durable and with new silvers it is also virtually tarnish
resistant.

It’s not just jewelry, Sterling Silver has made a fashion impact on gift items such as
Sterling Silver Frames, keepsake boxes, money clips, bridal gifts and other items.
This has made Sterling Silver a must have unique gift idea.

More and More jewelry companies are now designing new fashion jewelry
for the sterling silver market and trends are showing that items like Sterling
Silver Bracelets are hot.

The Economic change may have something to do with the change in popularity or at
least started the change but after observing internet search trend reports Sterling
Silver is for now here to stay and holding its ground against other precious metals.

The recent Jewelry Fashion trend for Sterling Silvers popularity has caused
an increase in price over the past year or so but the best thing about sterling silver
is that it's still a very affordable and fashionable option.

This article was written by: Toni Rossi. Spending many years in the manufacturing and caring of Sterling Silver, my experience insures confidence and quality in Unique Inspirational Gift Ideas, our NEW Website list only high quality sterling silver jewelry and gifts. Visit our website today at: http://www.inspirationalsterling.com

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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There are seemingly unlimited choices on the market for sterling silver jewelry. Varieties in designs of pendants, bracelets, pins, rings, charms, earrings, necklaces, cuff links, and key chains are so abundant that the shopper is not only left mystified, but can literally be overwhelmed. If you are searching for something different like a wonderful sterling silver cuff bracelet or handmade silver earrings, your search will surely not be in vain and will definitely be worth the effort. Jewelry styles are born again and again and are always evolving, so finding just the right piece can be somewhat daunting. Maybe that's not such a bad problem to have after all.

The Ins and Outs of Silver Jewelry

Traditional ornamentation to adorn human beings has been around through the centuries. Both men and women have always enjoyed the glint of fine silver jewelry against the skin and the warm glow it brings to the complexion. Tastes in sterling silver design may change over time but the basic materials remain the same and artisans working in the medium use their skills to produce increasingly interesting patterns. Silver jewelry through the ages has been hand wrought and even mass manufactured to reflect changes in styles and preferences, and to highlight the cultural differences of various countries.

It is considered stylish now to wear many silver rings on the fingers of one hand. Toe rings are popular among the young and free-spirited. Handmade sterling silver "slides" can be worn on silver "collars", chains or ropes according to your mood and dress of the day and are the latest trends in versatile jewelry fashion, as is combining both silver and gold pieces at once - necklaces, bracelets, or earrings. Several seemingly unrelated pieces are worn together, with an eye toward mixing and matching for an eclectic look. Wire wrapped jewelry is also a new trend, where polished stones or glass are wrapped in uniquely designed coils of intertwined and swirling silver threads.

Traditions, Traditions

As for traditional gift giving, an engraved silver cuff bracelet is always popular, appropriate for any age group, and is always greeted as a very welcome gift. Engraving any silver piece can make the gift so special it will become a keepsake. A sterling silver charm bracelet to welcome the birth of a child is guaranteed to become a cherished memento. You and the family can add silver charms and bracelet links through childhood and into the adult years and your choice of each charm will automatically create lasting memories just because it is your choice. Again, personalizing it or having it engraved will provide even more meaning.

Why Silver and Not Gold

Gifts of sterling silver jewelry are not only considered the stars of the design world, they remain reasonably priced, are considered less ostentatious than gold, and are actually preferred by the younger set and the young at heart as being more contemporary than gold, and just plain fun to wear.

Sterling silver gifts remain high on the list of sought after items around the world. If your tastes run toward simple elegance, you can find exactly what you are looking for on line or in jewelry stores, and specialty gift shops. If you prefer more intricately designed patterns and presentations to make a statement, you'll find those too.

Intrinsic Value

New sterling silver jewelry fads and trends mean different "looks" that appear every season. These changes in jewelry styles are much like trends in clothing and accessories like shoes. However, the real difference between sterling silver and all the fashion fad apparel is in silver's eternal value. In fact, sterling silver jewelry, because it can retain its warm glow through decades of wear, and because the trendy pieces of today eventually become the antiques of tomorrow, retains its value over time. The jewelry you wear today will certainly not be discarded like last year's favorite dress.

Keep the Glow

Of course, sterling silver will tarnish over time, depending upon humidity and other factors, because of its reactions to sulfides in the air. Left unpolished, a piece can dull and then turn dark, but can be easily cleaned to restore its natural glow. To prevent tarnishing, after polishing with a treated cloth (found in any jewelry store), it is recommended to store your jewelry in a plastic bag with all the air squeezed out.

The Untarnished Truth

Silver lovers around the world recognize that keeping up with the tarnish is well worth the satisfaction that comes with wearing fine jewelry, designed to match a mood, a personality, and a love of quality. The truth is that sterling silver jewelry remains reasonably priced, versatile, flexible, stylish, elegant and always fun - and is worn with love and pride throughout the world.

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Sterling Silver jewelries have been a staple in the lives of many people since humans exposed the flexibility of silver and its several uses. Silver has been used for efficient and artistic purposes.

Silver is produced in various different areas, though the maximum concentrations of silver yield come from Mexico and Peru.

Sterling is a fusion of fine silver and other metal alloys. The purity of sterling silver is measured to be 92. %. 7 % of copper is mixed to make the jewelry for strong and long lasting. Sterling silver is more prone to smudge with time due to the presence of copper the presence of copper; though this comparatively not serious side effect can be lessened through suitable care. By cleaning your sterling silver bracelets at regular intervals you'll never even observe anything other than a stunning polish and gleam.

The affordability and adaptability of the sterling silver jewelries is one of the main reasons for its popularity. Sterlingsilver can be crafted into a lot of different jewelry items including charms, rings and chains and bracelets. Silver jewelry is frequently mistaken for other new precious metals as well as white gold and platinum.

The sterling silver bracelets have been very popular among women. These bracelets are available in different shapes, sizes and styles. All of the different sterling silver bracelets make incredible and reasonably priced gifts for holidays, birthdays, or anniversaries or any other special occasion.

Below are the top five sterling silver bracelets:

Sterling silver Byzantine bracelet:

The rich Byzantine look is textured by the Polished silver links, which are woven together. This sterling silver bracelet is worn securely on the wrist and you can also pair it up with a matching necklace.

Sterling silver triple heart bracelet:

A sterling silver bracelet with three Italian-made sterling silver hearts that are estranged by lengths of sterling round-link chain. The hearts are about juicy looking and, when united with the chain, present the piece a subtle exterior. The bracelet closes up with a lobster-claw clasp.

Shoe Fetish Charm Bracelet:

Every shoe-lover must possess this bracelet. The bracelet is about seven inches in length and five shoe charms hang from the oval links of bracelet.

Charm bracelet with glittery purses

From the circular links glittery charm purses dangle which are studded with cubic zirconium. Sterling silver and rhodium plated.

Silver Nugget Grains with "Glowing Gourd" Charm

Two filaments of stocky silver grains make an elegant wrap for the wrist. The little nuggets are improved with an imprinted gourd-like charm that hangs near the clutch. Thai artisan Chalermkwan Veerasilp designed this sterling silver bracelet.

Apart from these five bracelets there are other sterling silver bracelets like Sterling Silver Bangle with Marcasites, Sterling Silver Script Name Bracelet, Sterling Silver Heart Clasp Bracelet, Sterling Silver Family Name Bracelet

All these are priced around 50 $.

Maintaining the silver bracelets:

After you purchase any sterling silver bracelet you must see to it there quality and shine is maintain. In order to do so, you must regularly clean sterling silver with a phosphate free detergent. A low coarse cleaner, such as 3M Tarni-Shield Silver Polish, is a good choice for removing light tarnish. Some people use toothpaste to clean their sterling silver, but most silver experts warn against it because they feel toothpaste is too rough and might lead to dullness of the bracelet.

Once you possess any of the top sterling silver bracelets you will realize that they are worth the money spent!

A Sterling Silver Bracelets Shoppers Guide is something that you wouls appriciate if you went shopping, learn more shopping advice at the Sterling Silver Jewelry site, tips from ZupaTips.com

It is an old trend to receive and give gifts for a new born baby. As soon as a new baby is born, parents start receiving gifts from friends and relatives. Although there are many things which can be given to a new born, yet many relatives turn up with the same type of gifts. Personalization of gifts has become a latest trend. It adds a personal feeling to your gift and makes it stand out amidst others. Apart from other gifts, gifting personalized baby sterling silver items is also becoming popular. In case of a family, where a second or third child is born, they already have toys and baby stroller etc. with them personalized baby sterling silver items make a perfect gift for them.

A sterling silver gift can be personalized by engraving recipient's name along with few quotes on it. This makes a personal statement and can be used to convey your love, respect and gratitude towards others. Personalized baby sterling silver gifts are also liked by the older generation as they tend to like those gifts which can be stored for a long time and remain in style forever. Although, these silver gifts may not be used by the baby but they are used for displaying in the nursery and can be kept as a souvenir for many years. Even when the baby grows up he can retain his fond memories by looking upon the personalized gifts. Few preferred personalized baby sterling silver gift items are:

1. Sterling silver baby rattle: A sterling silver rattle can be a very good choice for a first baby in a family. Although, the baby may not play with it but parents will certainly like it as it can be kept as a memoir and can make an heirloom. This rattle can be engraved with best wishes and baby's name which can be cherished by the baby as his first rattle when he grows up.

2. Sterling silver baby cup: A sterling silver baby cup makes an excellent gift for a child. Not only it is a high-class valuable gift but once personalized with engraving name and quotations on it, it becomes a personalized token of love for the baby. The silver baby cup will also be liked by the baby's parents.

3. Sterling silver piggy bank: Sterling silver piggy bank is a very thoughtful gift for the newborn child which will be liked by the family very much. It can be kept in the nursery of the baby and it can also be used for savings for the baby and when the baby grows up to understand, it may be helpful in inculcating a habit of savings in him.

4. Sterling silver baby comb/brush set: A silver comb and brush set for the baby also makes a good gift for babies. It can be used as a souvenir and kept for the baby, although it may not be used by him. These gifts are always cherished by the baby's parents.

5. Sterling silver picture frame: A personalized sterling silver picture frame is a unique gift for a baby and his family. It acts as a memorable gift and the baby's early picture can be framed in it as a memoir.

All the above personalized baby sterling silver gifts make a nice memorable gift for the baby and his family.

Gotobaby was founded in 2002 and ships from New York, CT, and Wisconsin. They offer Sterling Silver Baby Gifts and sell retail gifts to the public and personalized baby gifts to the trade.

The sterling silver has a minimum millesimal fineness of 925. It is alloy of silver that contains 92.5 pure silver and 7.5 other metals. Sterling used in allusion to the 0.925 grade of silver. The craze of sterling is growing. Most of people buy sterling jewelry, utensils, gifts, etc. Gifts include heirloom, teddy bears, pendants and many other gifts. Sterling silver is a gift choice of most of the people. Sterling teddy bears is the most rising demand of among the people, the scratches that it had increase the classic beauty of sterling. Due to its durability and graceful aging, it ranks one of the most popular among people.

Sterling gifts for children are kept as family heirlooms with special emotional value. Sterling baby gifts include combs, cups, teeth rings or toothbrush, rattles, etc. Sterling silver teddy bear is a unique and wonderful gift for any occasion. These are long lasting teddy bear that provide entertaining for lifetime, while growing more beautiful and valuable with each passing year. These teddy bears are damage free and as the number of year passes they will look more beautiful and shiny. Sterling teddy bear have scratches that add more beauty. You can also polish them for making more stunning and shiny.

Sterling silver teddy beat is heavier than the ordinary one. These are quite expensive than other teddy bear but its look is very attractive. You don't need to wash these teddies as the dust can be easily removable. You can give 925sterling silver teddy bear to your loved ones on any occasion. It will definitely bring smile on the face of your love ones. These are completely handmade teddy bear which weigh around three kilograms minimum. It is advisable that you should always select hallmark sterling silver teddy bear. Hallmarked signed products are safer and most trustworthy because they ensure the best quality products.

Your Sterling Legacy is one of the specialized companies in the creation of sterling silver. They create, customized and design the sterling silver icons that add grace to the art of silver.

Om is the author of many articles on subjects like legacy gifts and sterling silver heirloom Read additional info on sterling silver teddy bear.

Silver jewelry predominates gold in 2010 fashion trend surveys. Many designers, both young and the legendaries are tilting their jewelry scale to silver for 2010. The names include those of Vera Wang and Tom Binns. Exclusive handcrafted jewelry designer John.S.Brana is also presenting his collection of sterling silver jewelry. Also, the designer house 'Rock + Royalty' has come up with their collection of silver jewelry for 2010.

The reasons behind such a silver-shift, are appearing explained and reasonable too. Though the silver-tilt is a little less prominent now, fashion analysts are foreseeing more silver participation as the months will go by. The analysts are upholding the 'beginning of the end of recession' theory, while reasoning with the silver-tilt trend.

Every cloud has a silver lining. The overcast clouds of recession are slowly dwindling away. People are seeing silver linings of hope beyond the clouds. And what is best way to celebrate this hope? Sterling silver jewelry is serving the purpose best.

Also, the quiet 'back-to-nature' trend this season, is another reason why silver jewelry is finding more expression. The plainness of white, the antique and tribal vibe and the simple intricacy of silver is gradually finding its revival in prestigious fashion avenues this season. Also, the fact that silver can be so easily encrusted with gem stones and crystals, is adding glittering colors to the reputation of silver. Silver is also getting a very sublime recognition as a bridal wear jewelry.

The most recent evidence is that of designer John.S.Brana, who is introducing sterling silver jewelry along with gold at the 13th Annual Designers by the Bay and Fine Jewelry showcase on 20th of October. This San Fransisco event is being attended by more than 200 high profile guests from the Jewelry industry. Brana has designed sterling silver cuffs and has sculpted and hand-texturised them. He says, he wants to focus on versatility and sculptural textures for his spring 2010 collection.

Fashion legends, Vera Wang and Tom Binns, are finding glorious expression in sterling silver necklaces. Tom Binns is a designer who has been a long time lover of Sterling. Silver has been his favourite medium for long. As long as two years back Binns created Sterling cuffs with an opening at the back. More recently, in August 2009, he created the unique 'zipper earrings' with sterling. The earrings are essentially 3.25 inches long Sterling silver zippers hanging from a single white crystal.

The necklaces are gorgeous and stunning. Tom Binns' creations are more exuberant and glittering in crystal colors, while those of Vera's are more bridal and poised in nature. The diamond and pearl-encrusted Vera Wang bridal necklaces are complete with accompanying ear rings. The ear-rings themselves are individual and beautiful and can be even worn alone.

The designer house Rock & Royalty Brands also showcased sterling in their latest collection. The exquisite jewelries are designed to symbolize love, peace and unity. They are simple and beautiful and were inspired by organic shapes and simple lines. The sterling silver jewelries were hand made through every stage of their creations. Most exquisite are the leaf-motif pendants where the leaves are so arranged to create the appearance of different flowers. Some of these leaf-arrangements invoke a plant shape when viewed upside down.

Sarah Carnagie is a silver jewelry lover, and DreamlandJewelry.com's head of quality assurance for Sterling Silver Rings. You can find more info on sterling silver and Silver Rings at DreamlandJewelry.com

Silver is a special metal that allows artists and designers to craft beautiful pieces of jewelry. Silver have a properties that enable easy polish of any metal. Main reason is because of the fact that silver has the highest degree of optical reflectivity amongst of all the metals reflecting 95% of all visible light.

One of the most interesting characteristic about silver is that it is also very malleable and soft. Due to this high malleability, a lot of designers are able to craft and mold the silver into an infinite number of forms letting them create bold, beautiful, and artistic pieces of jewelry.

So what does it exactly mean "Sterling Silver" to anyone? Sterling silver refers to an alloy (a combination of metals). Sterling silver is a combination of 92.5% silver and usually 7.5% copper. Some of the consumer would name it as 925 slivers. So why combine the two metals to make sterling silver? Why not just use 100% pure silver? The answer lies in the paragraph above. We cannot use pure silver, simply because pure silver is just too malleable. It will not maintain its shape, thus we need to combine the silver with a harder metal to make it into sterling silver.

So why does sterling silver turn brown/black something? This is called tarnishing, and it is one of the important properties of sterling silver. Over time through oxidation (contact with air) and exposure to other materials (sulfur is a main culprit), sterling silver will tarnish. Some refer to tarnish as "patina" and many people even love the lustrous color of patina. However, there are ways to remove tarnish or patina. A cloth made to clean sterling silver will usually have chemicals gentle enough to remove patina. Harsh dips and creams are never recommended because they are too abrasive and can scratch and damage your jewelry. NEVER EVER use toothpaste!

Sterling Silver has been used in jewelry making for thousands of years. Known for its affordability, ease of use, and trend-setting styles, silver has become widely used in todays marketplace. Silver by itself is very soft therefore, .925 Sterling Silver is composed of 92.5% silver and the other 7.5% is made up with copper, zinc or nickel. This additional percentage of metal gives Sterling Silver the durability required for jewelry, without compromising its beautiful white luster.

Now that you have learned more about this beautiful metal, go out and treat yourself to a wonder piece of sterling silver jewelry!

To learn more about what you are wearing. 925 Sterling Silver jewelry, go to http://www.practicalsilver.com or http://www.practical-silver.blogspot.com

Finally, pamper yourself to a wonder piece of sterling silver jewelry today at http://www.practicalsilver.com

Rowan Andrews,
Founder of practicalsilver.com

Sterling silver jewelry is very much in style and is a great seller at retail stores, online gift sites, festivals, craft fairs, and trade shows. There are more than a few wholesale sterling silver sites online that sell everything you may need, from .925 sterling silver jewelry, to sterling silver jewelry making supplies like French wires, fasteners, and findings. A state issued sales tax identification number is necessary to make wholesale purchases, plus registration of your business for account set up. All this can be done online in a matter of a few minutes relatively easily. If you wish, you may also ask for to be placed on a mailing list for catalogues as well as the email special promotions. There are some wholesale sterling silver vendors who only sell to distributors and other wholesalers, while others only sell to resellers and retailers. Whichever you are, you should have no problem finding a wholesale sterling silver dealer to meet your specific needs.

One of the most popular metals, sterling silver has a wide range of uses, jewelry being one of the most popular. Besides silver is also used for silverware, silver dining services, and at one time was used in the making of coins. Artisans bought wholesale sterling silver to use in their original jewelry creations, or to make other fine pieces of art. Wholesale sterling silver can be used to make earrings, rings, pendants, body jewelry, bracelets, necklaces, chains, and watches. Semi-precious and precious stones are often utilized in the making of sterling silver jewelry as well, and truly complement the finished piece.

The making of sterling silver jewelry goes back several centuries, and is an art that has been passed on to others by teaching to successive family members, and through jewelry making apprenticeships.

As there are quite a few wholesale sterling silver vendors, be sure to shop comparatively before you settle on making a buy. There are diverse grades of wholesale sterling silver available, and purity may differ, or may be combined with other metals, such as nickel. Always remember, shop around, and teach yourself so that you understand exactly what you are getting. Sterling silver jewelry is a top seller, and you want to select the best quality that there is to keep your customers coming back for more. Irrespective if you are a wholesaler, distributor, or retailer looking to buy wholesale sterling silver jewelry, jewelry making supplies, or other pieces made from sterling silver, the internet is your best bet to find exactly what you are looking for!

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The sterling silver is commonly referred to as pure silver but in reality it is silver alloy. You see pure silver as the name denotes is 99.9 percent pure silver and because of this it is often very soft for any type of application or use. Sterling silver on the other hand has 92.5 percent silver and the excess 7.5 percent is usually of another metal and very often it is in the form of copper.

The rationale behind the adding of copper or base metal is to solidify the alloy so it can be turned into different shapes. And if you will try to closely examine a sterling silver you will notice that it has a stamp marked underneath them. These stamps are used to differentiate sterling silver of one country from another. You see not all sterling stamps are the same. Manufacturer from various countries have their own distinct stamps and that helps buyers to know the origin of the sterling silver.

There are various things that can be done with sterling silvers like for instance in producing fine tableware like utensils, knives, silver trays, forks, spoons, coffee sets and tea sets. But the most remarkable application of Sterling silver is in the creation of various jewelry pieces.

Sterling Silver Beads

Sterling silver makes excellent necklaces. Plus they are not as expensive as gold necklaces. And when worn over a black dress forms a combination of sheer elegance. There are different types of sterling silver necklaces. There is what you call designer sterling necklaces for those who want something different. This type of sterling silver necklace is more expensive than any other types of silver necklace.

Among the sterling silver types of necklaces it is the beaded silver necklace that is one of the favorites in the world. The sterling silver beads enhance the beauty of the necklace so even from a distance you would be captivated by it.

Aside from necklace, sterling silver beads also makes great bracelets and earrings. Plus you can also use them to make various types of decorations. You can use them to accessorize all sorts of stuffs. There is no limit to what you can do with your sterling beads.

The good thing about the sterling silver jewelry is that it goes with almost all kind of fashion changes, matching all colors and types of clothing and very appropriate to both casual and formal events, the use of silver has always been to all kind of price levels and quality variations. You can use silver beads to create new and exciting jewelry, original and matching for a particular cause or simply casual simple jewelry items.

Sterling Silver is what most of us know as plain silver, with some practice and talent you can try and make your own silver jewelry by using Sterling Silver Beads [http://sterlingsilverjewelry.zupatips.com/Sterling_Silver_Beads.html/] and making items out of the raw material. Making silver jewelry is a passion of many, learn more about Sterling Silver at http://sterlingsilverjewelry.zupatips.com

When someone says they love silver jewelry, they could be referring to anything from pure sterling silver to very cheap silver-plated costume jewelry. Silver can refer to the type of jewelry or merely the outside color of jewelry. But when one mentions "sterling silver" jewelry, they're usually talking about a high grade of silver used to make beautiful, durable jewelry.

Sterling Silver Facts

Silver is a precious metal that has been used to create jewelry on a wide scale since the late 1700s. Though it was used in jewelry before that time, mining in continents of the western hemisphere revealed an abundance of silver, thus increasing the amount of silver used in jewelry production from the 1700s through the present. Silver in its pure form is very soft and will not produce durable silver jewelry; therefore, silver is mixed with a variety of other metals so the jewelry can withstand everyday wear without being harmed. One such combination of silver with other metals is called sterling silver.

According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, a piece of jewelry cannot be referred to as silver, solid silver, or sterling unless it has a pure silver makeup of at least 92.5 percent, or 925 parts per thousand of pure silver. The most common mixture for jewelry is copper and silver. The silver becomes harder and more durable when copper is added; however, copper also causes silver jewelry to have a tendency to tarnish. When jewelry tarnishes, it has a darkened color.

Types of Jewelry

You can find almost any type or style of sterling silver jewelry you want - especially online. You can buy chains "by the inch," meaning you can have chains handmade to suit your needs and the desired size. Having your silver chain custom-made makes it easy to create the length needed for your neck size, or wrist or ankle size for bracelets and anklets. No more worry about buying a necklace that's too tight or too big.

Silver jewelry can be customized with various clasps such as lobster claw clamps or toggles. You can buy numerous silver pendants to wear on your silver chain, and change pendants with every outfit! For an elegant look and feel, try handcrafted Bali jewelry or other unique styles that will really make your jewelry stand out. Besides handmade chains, stores usually offer silver rings, bracelets, anklets, and earrings.

Caring for Jewelry

Sterling silver tends to tarnish and may develop a beautiful patina (unique glow with darkened areas). Some silver fans like this look for their jewelry. If you like the patina look, then wear it as is. If not, polish your jewelry with a soft polishing cloth to restore your silver to its natural shiny state. Sterling silver should be cleaned gently with polish cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners - even toothpaste can leave scratches on your jewelry! When storing your jewelry, place it in tarnish prevention bags or cloths, which help slow the tarnishing process. Also, keep your jewelry in a cool room with low humidity. If storing in a box or case with other jewelry, prevent your silver jewelry from tangling with other harder jewelry, which might cause scratches on the jewelry.

Sterling silver jewelry provides a lovely accessory for wear to work, parties, and romantic outings. It is also affordable so you can buy it for yourself or as a gift for a friend without spending a fortune. Check out sterling silver jewelry products online and add these fine items to your jewelry collection today!

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.

Learn more about Silver Jewelry.

A Bright Metal

Today, women are seen wearing silver chains, silver pendants and silver earrings in the parties. Silver has become the trendy metal these days.

Silver has been widely used since the time immemorial. It is used in various forms like utensils, jewelry and currency. It is a soft lustrous metal which has its own look and shine which is widely admired by its users. It is a chemical element with a high electrical and thermal conductivity.

History and Discovery

The discovery was done after the discovery of copper and gold in around 4000BC. At that time, silver was popularly used in making jewelry and also as a means of exchange.

Silver is commonly found in nature in a mixed state along with copper and lead. The Spanish people claim the discovery of silver mines in Mexico, Peru and Bolivia. By the 16th century, the South and Central America became the largest silver-producing areas. By 2000 BC, the sterling-bearing lead categories were smelted and mined and an impure silver-lead alloy was obtained from the lead ores that were smelted. Later, they were refined by using fire and that process was known as "cupellation". The ancient silver mines were located in Greece at the Laurium lead-silver deposit.

With the advent of time, the "Patio" process was used for the new- world mines recovery. In this process, silver bearing ore was churned and mixed with roasted copper ore, salt and mercury. Therefore, silver was converted to a finely separated state and was finely dissolved by mercury. This was refined repeatedly by the process of cupellation.

In the 19th century, the Cyanidation procedures displaced the Patio process and Thum Balbach and Moebius electro refining procedures were introduced. A huge silver deposit was found in the mid 19th century in Nevada. After that, by the end of the 20th century, the United States emerged as the largest producer of sterling in the world.

Properties of Silver

The metal is a soft and mouldable metal that has superb lustre and is slightly harder than gold. Silver is white in colour and has the characteristic of having the highest optical reflectivity. Also, it remains stable in pure water and air. But, when silver is exposed to ozone, sulphur and hydrogen sulphide, it gets tarnished.

Sterling jewelry- Girl's Best friend

Sliver is widely used in jewelry as a precious metal like in earrings, chains, pendants and necklaces. Women also prefer wearing silver earrings that comes in different colors and designs. Various kinds of stones are embellished on silver earrings to give them a graceful look.

With the changing fashion, sterling is used massively. As silver is a soft metal, it is prone to damage. For this, 92.5 percent pure silver is mixed with 7.5 percent copper so that it becomes stronger. Also, while some people are allergic to gold or other metals, sterling silver does not have any side-effects on the skin and the body. Rings and silver pendants are demanded more by women these days so that their style and status is enhanced in the social gatherings.

Sarah Carnagie is a silver jewelry fanatic, and an expert in silver chain production. You can find more info on sterling silver and sterling silver jewelry at http://www.DreamlandJewelry.com

Silver jewelry is something that has been popular since the times of the Romans and before. Silver jewelry comes in all forms. There are silver bracelets, earrings, rings, necklaces and much more. It is a gift that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are buying a gift for a wedding, graduation, birthday or any other occasion, silver jewelry is the right gift choice. Jewelry of this nature can help to commemorate any event and will be cherished by the receiver. In the following article, we will cover some of the many forms on the market.

Silver jewelry is often handmade. This makes giving silver jewelry as a gift all the more special. Silver lockets and pendants have always been popular in. Silver lockets are a great gift for a grandmother, mother or daughter, as they can keep pictures of people dear to them close. Lockets are perfect for anyone who loves to keep their memories of others close. Silver pendants are often handmade with hand tools one piece at a time. The same can be said for silver earrings. Silver pendants and earrings are perfect for setting stones in. They make wonderful gifts for anniversaries and birthdays. Silver pendants come in many various themes. There are Celtic themes, medieval themes and array of other themes to choose from. Silver chains are also a popular handmade item. These chains can also come in a myriad of different designs. These chains can be made to fit the neck, wrist or ankle. Silver chains are normally sold by the inch, so they can be purchased in any size you need. Silver rings, of course, are always a popular gift choice for any occasion. Many people have taken to having handmade silver wedding rings made for their special day.

If you are interested in finding any types of silver jewelry, the internet is a great place to start looking. Online, you will find website after website that offers timeless, beautiful silver jewelry for sale. There are many artisans online that can help you choose a pre-made piece or help you to create the perfect customized piece. Customizing silver is a great idea since most silver jewelry is handmade anyhow. You can have your silver jewelry customized around a specific theme or to whatever else you may desire. Visiting a local silver retailer may also be a good idea if you have any doubts about what size you may need you jewelry to be. By visiting a local retailer, you can have your jewelry sized before you take it out of the store.

For more information concerning silver bracelets, please visit [http://www.silverjewelryemporium.com/sets.html]. You can also contact me for more information concerning sterling silver jewelry at http://www.silverjewelryemporium.com.

Silver is the most common of the Precious Metals. It’s working qualities are very similar to gold. Pure silver, which is seldom used for jewelry because it is too soft. Silver weighs about half as much as gold and has greater flexibility. Though silver is not as malleable as gold it can achieve a more brilliant polish. In fact, silver shines above all other metals in this respect.

Silver has been used for many centuries, going back to ancient times, but because it tarnishes and decomposes; it has not survived as well as gold. Periodically, however, silver enjoys great popularity as it does currently.

As far as the price goes, silver generally lags behind gold by about four or five times.
The price of silver jewelry follows the price of gold jewelry, however, so as gold rises, silver inevitably does too.

The words silver or sterling silver describe a product that contains 92.5% silver.
Silver products sometimes may be marked 925, which means that 925 parts per thousand are pure silver. Some jewelry may be described as silver plate: a layer of silver is bonded to a base metal. The mark coin silver is used for compounds that contain 90% silver.

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Sterling silver necklaces are the best gift for almost every woman. In fact, women adorn their slender necks with sleek necklaces and beautiful pendants since ancient times. In fact, these signature necklaces are present in almost every culture to mark the position of the woman in the society. However, it is the versatility of these pendant necklaces that has increased their popularity now-a-days. These types of pendants are ideal for both party and regular office wear. They are elegant and attractive and make a great style statement without even looking ostentatious at work. The best part of these jewelries is that they are well within your budget. In fact, these necklaces make the best gift for that special lady in your life.

These sterling silver necklaces are available in a wide variety of styles. Some of these are:

Double Heart Pendant: These types are valued for their grace. It includes interconnected silver hearts, which are somewhat asymmetrical. The hearts dangle gracefully from a sterling silver chain. In most of the cases, they are held in place by a spring ring clasp.

Heart Lariat Necklace: It is a beautiful heart charm that hangs at the end of the chain through another open heart. With these, you can conveniently adjust the drop of your necklace.

Turquoise Loving Heart Pendant: These are usually more expensive that other heart necklaces. However, they are ideal if your lady loves turquoise. A bold heart shaped turquoise is placed at the center of a cable chain.

Heart Message Pendant: You can also get personalized necklaces where you can engrave loving messages for your sweetheart. Similarly you also have necklaces personalized with your favorite birthstones. In addition, you can also get them encrusted with cubic zirconia.

Buying necklaces online:

With the advent of Internet, you can now buy them online. In fact, it will also save lots of your money. However, you need to be careful as there are some sites that sell chintzy materials. Thereby, make sure that your necklaces are branded with the particular words "sterling silver", as it is the best quality available these days on the market. It is also better to insure your piece especially if you are opting for a genuine gemstone jewelry.

SkyeSterling is proud to offer a huge assortment of sterling silver collar necklaces and pendants. We have tons of all silver, gold plated silver, stone and cubic zirconia styles to choose from.

A popular art form prevalent in the southwest is the Mexican silver jewelry, with it being the Taxco region of Mexico that is known to produce some of the finest jewelry. Each piece that originates from Mexico, which is also considered as the silver jewelry capital of the world, is unique and can be construed as an extension of the artists' ingenuity and sense of art. Artists here give shape to their ideas using 925 sterling silver creating classic pieces of jewelry, something that they have been doing for over a century now.

Their skill is transferred to the next in line, which ensures the expertise is always there in the reckoning. Artisans in Taxco are known the world over for their mastery in creating some truly magnificent Mexican jewelry while retailers and wholesalers there are all too glad to let you know where the jewelry originated from and the type of sterling silver that went into the making of the jewelry. The thing that you should be aware of though is that, all jewelry should be made from 925 sterling silver, which is also what you should be buying.

There are several sites dotting the online landscape that has on offer an excellent collection of sterling silver jewelry that vary widely in their style and setting. You'll have almost anything that you wish to, ranging from speciality items to select original pieces, with jewelry like the earrings, bracelets, pendants, necklaces, belts and buckles, bolo ties, rings, and hat bands that are favored the most. In fact, you have almost limitless options to make your choice from. Many of the online retailers have put up wholesale prices that the public can avail of, which is a good thing for buyers.

Another great advantage of online sites is that you can do your research as there are a number of sites that are selling similar items and prices can vary for each site. So not only you get to compare the prices but you can also make sure you're getting just what you wish to have. Some of the sites also offer free shipping along with other niceties like a purchase guarantee, return services in case you wish to exchange the item and cash back offer if you are not entirely satisfied with the entire deal. Such things might be especially true for the larger and more pricey pieces that have bigger stones embedded in them, like turquoise or other such semi-precious stones.

The use of a variety of semi-precious stone is prevalent among most of the artists in creating their unique designs, with turquoise being the most preferred one. It is turquoise's southwest flair and stunning natural variations that makes it the most sought after. Among the other stones that are also popular are the opal, onyx, amethyst, aquamarine, citrine, along with many others that are used in a range of settings. Jewelry from Mexico can also be an excellent gift idea for there are not many who would not like to be presented with a charming silver and opal bracelet along with matching earrings with every bit being hand crafted by the most proficient artisans. This is one choice that you can't go wrong with, if they have a particular liking for jewelry.

No matter what the occasion is, there's something that you can be sure will suit every taste. The thing that you need to be wary of though is that you will have to do a bit of shopping around to come across the best deals. There is no dearth of retailers and each of them portrays the works of a variety of artists. For instance, you may be fond of the things churned out by a particular artist and are always on the look out for things made exclusively by them. This is also where Internet shopping can be a boon as it allows you to be aware of every aspect of the deal before you actually commit your money. So, make wise choices and soak in the beauty of you Mexican silver jewelry.

To learn more about silver jewelry try visiting also sterling silver jewelry, where you will find this and a lot more tips and advice including everything you need to know about black diamond rings.

You cannot forget to accessorize your look with the hottest item on the fashion scene these days - a silver heart necklace! There's a 'heart' out there to suit every look, every occasion and every personality. Here the top styles in a silver heart necklace that you need to check out:

• Sterling silver cubic Zircon curve heart necklace has a designer tilt, gleams as bright as your dreams and you can pick one up for as little as $25. They work best with the 16" necklace length.
• The Sterling silver cutout heart necklace is great for wearing with a plain black or red evening dress. Don't wear it to work though as it will make you appear unprofessional. If you do want to wear 'your heart' to work, choose a solid heart-shaped pendant. Cutout heart silver necklaces are trifle costlier due to the workmanship required and can cost up to $35.
• For an added touch of glamour you will love to wear the double silver heart necklace. These work best with shorter chains above the neckline so that the pendant can be highlighted. You can even pick choker-length silver necklaces with the double-heart motif if you're not overweight.
• The studded silver heart necklace is ideal for a light-hearted party or evening out. They are fun to wear to a picnic because of their multi-colored embellishments. You can choose one with pearls or a sterling silver necklace with a gemstone matching your zodiac sign. These can cost up to $26.
• Also, check out the locket heart-shaped pendant for a romantic look or the glass heart silver necklace for a sporty look.

You can find a good jeweler online for picking up a stylish and elegant silver heart necklace to suit your individual style. Some of the best jewelers, even with a brick and mortar shop, have an online presence and you can look at the entire range of sterling silver heart necklaces in the comfort of your home. Top jewelers offer solid heart-shaped pendants with an engraving of your choice. You can order a name or personal message or motif to be etched into your silver heart necklace at no extra cost.

When buying online check out the privacy policy, guarantee provisions, secure payment gateway, and manufacturer's credibility before placing your order. Look out for discount coupons, discount offers, and holiday season offers too before buying sterling silver jewelry. You can even get free shipping for purchasing silver jewelry of more than a particular amount at some sites. So, go on, tie up with a group of friends and shop away to your heart's content.

Sarah Carnagie is a silver jewelry lover, and DreamlandJewelry.com's head of quality assurance for Silver Heart Necklaces. You can find more info on sterling silver Jewelry Sterling Silver Necklaces