Sterling Silver Jewelry

Sterling Silver Jewelry

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Inasmuch as jewelry trends come and go, sterling silver jewelry remains popular across all economic and fashion spectra. That elegant pair of glimmering sterling silver drop earrings once prized by your late grandmother looks great today whether you wear them casually or put them on for a formal occasion. Of course, not everyone is fond of estate jewelry, preferring to buy jewelry that is new and exciting, especially something designed by one of today's contemporary artisans. It is these same designers who are seeing a mini boom in business today as shoppers discover the value of owning quality sterling silver and at prices much lower than gold. Tight economy or not, if your creations are especially attractive, you'll catch the attention of savvy buyers.

Pure silver, also called fine silver, is relatively soft, very malleable, and easily damaged so it is commonly combined with other metals to produce a more durable product. The small amount of copper added to sterling has very 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.

Stamps of Quality:

Most high quality silver items are stamped with a "fineness" or "quality" mark. This mark designates the precious metal content of the jewelry, and under federal law, must be accompanied by a maker's mark or registered trademark.

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.

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 ambient air. To clean your silver, use polishes formulated specifically to remove tarnish. You can find fine silver polishes, solutions, or cloths appropriate to remove tarnish at most hardware stores or specialty craft stores. Tarnish is most easily removed when it first becomes visible.

About the Author:
Although wearing your sterling silver jewelry 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 and sparkling. Look for the fineness mark and the maker's mark on the underside of the silver item you are considering to ensure the quality.



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