| Learn More About This Affordable Alternative to | | | | however that the jewelry remains shiny and well |
| Expensive Jewelry | | | | kept. The following tips will ensure that your |
| History of Sterling Silver | | | | sterling silver lasts a long time and maintains its |
| Silver jewelry has been a staple in the lives of | | | | luster and original appearance: |
| mankind since humans discovered the versatility | | | | - Sterling silver jewelry should be stored in a cool |
| of silver and the many uses it has. Silver has | | | | dry place to reduce environmental damage. |
| been used for functional and aesthetic purposes. | | | | - Consider keeping each piece in an individual cloth |
| In times of old, silver was used to create | | | | pouch to prevent scratching. |
| flatware and armor to protect soldiers on their | | | | - Use a jewelry cleaner or polishing solution at |
| way into battle. Silver jewelry was later created | | | | least once a month to clean the surface of silver |
| and used by Phoenician and Egyptian citizens | | | | jewelry to help maintain its luster. |
| desiring attractive and convenient pieces to add | | | | - Use a soft cloth to clean silver; never use a |
| to their jewelry collections. Over time silver has | | | | toothbrush or other abrasive material that might |
| been used to create flatware, decorative art, | | | | result in scratching. |
| coins, dental fillings, jewelry and more. | | | | - Clean silver at the first signs of tarnishing, when |
| Silver is produced in many different areas, though | | | | a yellowish tint appears on the jewelry. If you |
| the highest concentrations of silver output come | | | | wait until the silver has turned black, you'll have to |
| from Mexico and Peru. | | | | scrub harder and may damage the shine on the |
| One of the reasons sterling silver jewelry is so | | | | jewelry. |
| popular is its affordability and versatility. Sterling | | | | - Consider using chemical dipping agents which |
| silver can be crafted into many different jewelry | | | | clean jewelry without scrubbing. |
| items including charms, rings and chains. Silver | | | | - Avoid cleaners that contain ammonia which can |
| jewelry is often mistaken for other more | | | | also turn silver jewelry black, consider soapy |
| precious metals including white gold and platinum. | | | | water instead. |
| Common Types of Silver | | | | Sterling silver is a popular item in part because it is |
| There are many different types of silver that can | | | | more reflective than many precious metals. |
| be used to create sterling silver jewelry. Silver is | | | | Proper care will ensure that silver jewelry remains |
| considered one of the precious metals along with | | | | beautiful for years to come. If you have other |
| its cousins gold, platinum and titanium. | | | | items in the house made of silver, such as silver |
| Fine Silver - this is silver in its most natural state, | | | | wear or other household items, always use a |
| when it is considered 99% pure. Often this type | | | | cleaner or dip specifically designed to clean silver |
| of silver is too soft to create ordinary products | | | | metal. Never put these items in a dishwasher, |
| and is almost liquid in form. Usually silver has to be | | | | because you will scratch the surface and cause |
| mixed with other metal alloys in order to create | | | | irreparable damage. |
| jewelry and household wear. | | | | Purchasing Silver |
| Sterling Silver - sterling is a mixture of fine silver | | | | When buying silver jewelry, you should be |
| and other metal alloys. The silver is considered | | | | prepared to take your time to select quality |
| about 92.5% pure. Sterling is usually combined | | | | pieces, just as you would if selecting a more |
| with approximately 7.5% copper to make the | | | | expensive jewelry item. Young consumers are |
| jewelry more long lasting and durable. Sterling | | | | often attracted to sterling silver jewelry because |
| silver jewelry is usually marked on the inside with | | | | it is so affordable and beautiful. Sterling silver also |
| a "925", indicative of its purity. Sterling silver | | | | comes in many contemporary and modern |
| jewelry made of just the right combination of | | | | designs which are appealing to young consumers. |
| silver and metal allows a jeweler to create a long | | | | So what should you look for when shopping? First |
| lasting, durable piece that is shiny and brilliant | | | | and foremost always check the interior for the |
| enough to be mistaken for more expensive | | | | 925 mark, to ensure that you are purchasing |
| precious metals. Sterling silver is more likely to | | | | premium sterling silver rather than sterling silver |
| tarnish over time because of the presence of | | | | plating. Keep in mind that the more pure the |
| copper; however this relatively mild side effect | | | | silver, the more soft and likely that a piece will |
| can be minimized through proper care. By | | | | scratch, so don't go for anything more pure than |
| consistently cleaning your silver jewelry you'll | | | | sterling silver. |
| never even notice anything other than a beautiful | | | | If you are looking to buy many different pieces, |
| shine and luster. | | | | you might consider buying wholesale silver jewelry |
| Silver Plating - plating occurs when a base metal | | | | online. By doing so you'll be able to buy in bulk, and |
| such as nickel is covered with a layer of pure | | | | acquire large amounts of silver jewelry at |
| silver. This is often one of the most durable | | | | inexpensive prices. Many jewelers and home |
| forms of silver, and is usually much less expensive | | | | business owners get into the habit of buying |
| than sterling silver because the percentage of | | | | wholesale silver jewelry online because they can |
| pure silver in the jewelry is quite low. Most base | | | | re-sell the merchandise at a higher price. There |
| metals need a re-coat of pure silver every few | | | | are hundreds of pieces to choose from, and you |
| years to maintain a shiny outer coat and to | | | | might even find a collection with a certain theme |
| prevent the base metal from peaking through the | | | | that appeals to you or the people you might be |
| coating. | | | | selling to. |
| Nickel Silver - nickel silver is a combination of | | | | Whey buying for yourself you should ensure you |
| nickel, copper and zinc that is not actually silver, | | | | know what size jewelry you need if buying a ring. |
| but resembles silver. It is an inexpensive and | | | | You might consider buying complete sets that |
| popular item that can be used to create look-alike | | | | include ring, bracelet and charm. Sets are very |
| jewelry. | | | | popular options for consumers purchasing sterling |
| Vermeil - this form of silver was popular in the | | | | silver jewelry. |
| eighteenth century. Silver is plated in gold, | | | | Silver is an exceptional choice for consumers |
| providing a polished and expensive looking custom | | | | looking for fine jewelry that is precious, attractive |
| piece of jewelry. | | | | and inexpensive. From the dawn of time, mankind |
| Caring for Silver Jewelry | | | | has invested in silver for practical and aesthetic |
| Sterling silver jewelry does have a tendency to | | | | purposes. If you haven't already, I highly |
| scratch more often than other metals, and may | | | | recommend investing in a little silver. |
| tarnish over time. Proper care can ensure | | | | |