Since ancient times, silver has been used to make jewellery. More silver has been mined and used since the late 1700's than in all prior centuries. Pure silver is soft to create durable jewellery, so it's mixed with other metals to enhance performance. One popular silver mixture is known as sterling silver. Sterling Silver Jewellery contains at least 92.5 percent pure silver.
Sterling Silver Affordability
Sterling silver jewellery is beautiful and affordable. Sterling silver jewellery and components are within reach of nearly any budget, and the pocket of any individual.
How to Care for Sterling Silver Jewellery
To ensure longevity and pristine condition, proper care is to taken in cleaning and maintenance of Sterling Silver Jewellery. Some of the instruction on how to care for Sterling Silver Jewellery, are mentioned below:
* Sterling silver contains copper, which adds hardness to silver. It also creates a tendency for silver jewellery to tarnish. Tarnish is a darkening that occurs when sterling silver reacts with every day substances. Therefore, avoid exposing sterling silver to harsh chemicals such as chlorine, cosmetics, hair spray, and perfume.
* While cleaning sterling silver, choose a phosphate-free detergent. Also, choose a low abrasive cleaner, designed for cleaning silver which can aid in removing tarnish. Jewellery experts advise against using toothpaste to clean sterling silver as it can be too abrasive and leave dulling scratches
* For a quick cleaning, wash your jewellery periodically with mild dish soap and warm water to prevent tarnishing. Make sure to rinse sterling silver jewellery well and dry completely with a soft cloth before storing.
* Worn continually
sterling silver jewellery will probably develop a patina that adds to the jewellery's beauty. This patina may also include some darkened areas. Some prefer this look for their jewellery. Others may prefer a brighter look for their sterling silver. If so, use polish to restore your sterling silver jewellery to its original shiny look. An occasional polishing will also protect sterling silver from tarnishing.
Proper Storing of Sterling Silver Jewellery
* Most of the people store their sterling silver in open air and humidity for extended periods of time which can cause it to tarnish quickly. Tarnish appears as a golden hue on your sterling silver which quickly turns to black leaving it's looking ugly and dirty.
* To keep tarnish to a minimum it is advised that you store your jewellery pieces in cotton when not wearing them.
* You can also store your sterling silver jewellery in an air-tight protective bag made of tarnish proof cloth or you can use a plastic zip lock bag made of Mylar or polyethylene.
* Never use polyvinyl plastic bags
* Store your jewellery in right place not in loose drawer or jewellery box, so that it isn't rubbing up against other articles.
* Avoid storing your sterling silver jewellery directly on wood surfaces, because wood usually contains acids that can mar the finish.
* Also, avoid storing your sterling silver with other metals, like pennies, and rubber, these too cause tarnish and damage.
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Sterling Silver Jewellery
