| Sterling silver charms are a wonderful and unique | | | | Sterling silver charms are produced today – |
| addition to any collection and extremely popular | | | | allowing you to create or enhance your current |
| collector’s item. Available in a wide variety of | | | | collection. It is a simple and beautiful addition to |
| designs (from animals to common household | | | | any home or a wonderful present. When beginning |
| items) these charms can reflect the individual | | | | your collection, it is important to remember a few |
| personality of the collector. Hallmarked 925 for | | | | simple tips. First, as the purity of silver used |
| purity, sterling silver charms can be passed down | | | | decreases the risk for tarnish and corrosion |
| through generations. | | | | increases. Sterling silver charms may require |
| | | | polishing over time to maintain shine. Second, |
| Sterling silver was first used in Europe during the | | | | store your sterling silver charms in a wrapped up |
| 12th century although the term “sterling” | | | | or in a separate container when being moved or |
| emerged in England during the 13th century. The | | | | transported to protect the surface from |
| origins of the term “sterling” could have | | | | scratches – the high shine of silver can be |
| come from many sources but most likely grew | | | | damaged if stored with other items. |
| from terms relating to coinage in Europe. Sterling | | | | Sterling charms are readily available online as well |
| silver became especially popular in the United | | | | as in many home decorating catalogs. Search for |
| States and Europe between 1870 and 1920 and | | | | sterling silver hallmarked 925 to ensure high quality |
| was used for everything from flatware to | | | | and not silver plated charms which can tarnish and |
| jewelry. The 925 hallmark refers to the purity of | | | | turn green over time. These sterling silver charms |
| the silver used (fine silver is too soft to produce | | | | can be found online through and they offer free |
| most objects so it is typically mixed with copper | | | | assistance and help. |
| to give it added strength). | | | | |