WHAT IS
SILVER? Fine silver is 99.9% pure silver and does not
tarnish. Silver is a bright, highly polishable metal that’s been used for
currency, decorative objects, and jewellery throughout history, but not without
support from other metals. On its own, silver is too soft for practical,
everyday use. But it’s just too pretty not to be used in jewellery and other
fine decorations, so it’s often mixed with other metals to create a more
durable material known as sterling silver. WHAT IS 925
STERLING SILVER? Sterling silver is an alloy made up of 92.5% pure
silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper or zinc. Sterling silver pieces
are stamped with 925 to mark their authenticity. As one theory goes, King Henry
II dubbed the durable coins made of silver alloy in circulation “Easterling
coins,” which evolved into “sterling” silver. Today, the pound sterling remains
the U.K.’s standard unit of currency. IS STERLING SILVER REAL? Sterling silver is real silver–there’s nothing fake
about it. It’s simply a mixture of real silver and just enough other metals to
make it strong but not too difficult to mold. Just like 14k or 18k gold jewellery,
silver must be made into an an alloy to be wearable. In the US, the ratio of
silver to other metals in genuine sterling silver is regulated, but the
percentage of silver in jewellery from other countries is often lower than
92.5%. If you’re looking for sterling silver jewellery, be careful to avoid
silver-plated jewellery, which is jewellery made of a cheap metal coated in a
thin layer of silver. HOW TO TELL IF STERLING SILVER IS REAL WHAT’S THE
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STERLING SILVER AND SILVER? Sterling silver is an alloy made mostly of silver
and a small percentage of copper and zinc to strengthen it. It can last a
lifetime and be passed on for many generations if properly cared for. Silver is
soft and not as durable as sterling silver. It only contains .01% of trace
elements. Silver is hypoallergenic, but sterling silver is not because it’s
combined with zinc. Sterling silver is more easily tarnished than fine silver
because of the other metals it contains. While 925 sterling silver is less
“pure” than silver, it does not mean it’s not good. Sterling silver is a
high-quality material that’s both durable and beautiful to wear. HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STERLING SILVER AND REAL SILVER Sterling silver and silver look exactly the same,
and if you have silver jewellery, it’s most likely sterling. The best indicator
is the marking, or hallmark, stamped on in small numbers or letters. Sterling
silver will have a 925 or STER, and fine silver will have a 999 or FS. WHICH IS
BETTER FOR JEWELLERY–STERLING SILVER OR SILVER? Sterling silver is better than silver when
designing and wearing jewellery because it’s stronger and can look good for a
lifetime. Fine silver jewellery is easily damaged and not the best choice to
wear on a regular basis. Sterling silver is also better for setting gemstones.
Gemstones are too easy to lose in a 999 silver setting. DOES
STERLING SILVER TARNISH? Sterling silver does tarnish when gaseous compounds
in the air containing sulphur contact the sterling silver and react creating
silver sulphate, which leaves a dark coating or tarnish on the silver.
Humidity, chlorine, make-up, cleaning products, and even the acid in your skin
can all contribute to tarnishing. But tarnish isn’t permanent or a cause for
concern. Give your sterling silver a simple polish, and it’s as good as
new. DOES STERLING SILVER RUST? Sterling silver does not rust. Rust is corrosion
that deteriorates iron. It’s harmful to some materials, but sterling silver
isn’t one of them. HOW MUCH IS
925 STERLING SILVER WORTH? Sterling silver is one of the most affordable,
high-quality jewellery materials, and it retains and may even increase its
value. There’s only a slight price difference between sterling silver and fine
silver. Figuring out the worth of your sterling silver requires a simple calculation. Keep in mind that the value of your jewellery in
silver does not determine its overall worth. The price of a sterling silver
piece of jewellery is much more than its cost of silver. It also reflects the
artistry, uniqueness, gemstones, and age of the piece. HOW TO
CLEAN STERLING SILVER JEWELLERY Cleaning sterling silver is simple. You can wipe
your jewellery with silver polish and a polishing cloth or gently brush it with
warm water, mild dish soap and a soft toothbrush. A toothbrush with soap is a
good option for occasional deep cleanings, but wiping with a polishing cloth is
best for regular cleanings because it’s gentler. HOW TO KEEP STERLING SILVER FROM TARNISHING There’s no way to completely eliminate tarnishing,
but you can take steps to keep your sterling silver jewellery shiny for
longer.
