Sterling silver is a silver alloy with a fixed standard of purity. It consists of 925 parts silver (out of 1,000) and 75 parts copper. Like gold alloys, sterling silver can be used to plate other metals.

Silver was one of the first metals to be used and can be traced back to the ancient Egyptian, Phoenician, and Byzantine empires. The work of silver was also popular in colonial America where it developed along other craft traditions. Silver is now the metal that is mostly used throughout the world.

How to Buy Silver

In its purest state, silver can be as soft as gold and therefore it is generally alloyed with another metal, usually copper, to add strength. Karatage is not used when technically speaking about silver because any piece of silver or sterling silver must be 92.5 percent pure to considered real silver. The finish of silver can be polished to a high sheen that not even platinum can match. The finish can also take on different textures when made into jewelry like polishing, matte or brushed, sandblasted, oxidized, or antiqued. Often, silver will take on a worn looking finish because of a response that happens the wearer’s skin so before purchasing a piece of silver jewelry make sure that you are not allergic to silver. All sterling silver must be marked as such.

Care of Silver

Silver requires more maintenance then any other metal. Tarnishing occurs because silver reacts to pollutants in the air, which is then exacerbated by moisture and heat. Tarnishing can be removed by chemical tarnish removing solution.

Silver is beautiful and valuable. Among its many metal properties, it is relatively soft and malleable that makes it an idea candidate for jewelry crafting. However, pure silver is too soft and easily scratched. It is most commonly for silversmith to combine silver with other metal to create a more durable alloy.

Sterling silver, containing 92.5% of silver and 7.5% of other metal, is the most popular alloy on today’s silver jewelry market. Sterling silver can be identified by the “.925” mark (the stamp denoting 92.5% silver) or “sterling” on the jewelry.

With proper care, your sterling silver jewelry can yield enjoyment of lifelong and beyond. Here are some care tips that help you to retain the beauty and luster of your silver jewelry.

Proper Storage

To prevent your sterling silver jewelry form tarnishing quickly, you may store it in a zip-loc plastic bag, jewelry box or pouch.

Avoid exposing silver jewelry to moisture or direct air/light contact when you are not wearing it.

When storage, avoid rubbing silver with other gemstone jewelry or place them in same pouch, as most gemstones are harder then Mohs 6 and silver is below 4.5.

Cleaning

Wipe sterling silver jewelry with soft cloth after wearing it.

Periodically, clean your silver jewelry with jewelry cleaning cloth and jewelry polishing cloth. (See our multi-layer Deluxe Jewelry Care Cloth).

Do Not clean rhodium treated silver, beaded silver or silver jewelry with gemstone in silver dip cleaner. Instead, using Silver Jewelry Care Cloth.

Use liquid silver dip cleaner only for heavy tarnished, non-rhodium treated and no gemstone sterling silver jewelry. Rinse and wipe dry thoroughly before storage.

Proper Use

Remove your silver jewelry when showering, swimming or contacting with chemical substance.

Avoid contacting with chemicals, perfumes or hair spray.