How to Buy and Care for Sterling Silver Jewelry

Sterling Silver

Silver has been used to make jewelry since ancient times, but the exploration of continents in the western hemisphere uncovered productive silver mines that greatly increased the supply of this precious metal. The result -- more silver has been mined and used since the late 1700's than in all prior centuries combined.

What is Sterling Silver?

Pure silver is soft, too soft to create durable jewelry, so it's mixed with other metals to enhance performance. One popular silver mixture (an alloy) is known as sterling silver.

Sterling Silver Markings & Descriptions

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) stipulates that jewelry sold in the United States cannot bear silver markings or be described as silver, solid silver, sterling silver, sterling, or with the abbreviation Ster. unless it contains at least 92.5 percent pure silver.
The minimum silver content can also be stated as 925 parts per thousand of pure silver, so you might see the figures 925 or 92.5 used to designate silver content.

Copper in Sterling Silver

Copper is the metal most commonly used to make up the remaining 7.5 percent content of a sterling silver mix. Copper makes the silver harder, but gives it a tendency to tarnish, a darkening that occurs when sterling silver reacts with gases in the air or with other substances that it comes in contact with.

Caring for Sterling Silver Jewelry

Store your sterling silver jewelry in tarnish prevention cloths or bags. The treated cloth slows down the tarnishing process and keeps the jewelry from rubbing against harder jewelry that might scratch it. Try to to keep your sterling silver jewelry in a cool, dry place.

Cleaning Your Sterling Silver Jewelry

Polishing cloths are an excellent choice for cleaning your sterling silver jewelry. You might read recommendations to use toothpaste to clean sterling silver, but avoid doing that -- toothpaste is abrasive and can leave scratches.

Sterling Silver Patina

Sterling silver jewelry that is worn continually often develops a lovely patina, a kind of glow combined with darkened areas. If you like the look, leave it alone. If you prefer a bright and shiny look for your sterling silver, use a polish cloth to restore the jewelry to its original appearance.

Silver and Platinum Combination

In 2003, Marc “Doc” Robinson created 3 formulas of platinum enhanced sterling silver for ABI Precious Metals in Carson, California. His sterling with platinum alloy is harder than sterling/copper blends and is tarnish resistant. Expect to see the new, more expensive alloys used to create fine silver jewelry.

Sterling Silver Affordability

Sterling silver jewelry is beautiful... and affordable. Sterling silver jewelry and components are within reach of nearly any budget, ours and the pocketbooks of artisans who create the sterling silver jewelry we love so much.

Sterling Silver Jewelry: Classic But Unpretentious

Regardless of your age or gender, sterling silver jewelry's classic appeal never goes out of style. Sterling silver jewelry offers a precious metal at an affordable price, and comes in so many designs that you can collect pieces to go with every style and budget. Use sterling silver jewelry to define your style. For women, go casual with a turquoise ring set in sterling silver, along with a complementary necklace and earrings.

For work, dress up your career wear with sterling silver bracelets and relatively plain earrings, or go with a classic sterling silver watch. Transition to evening with a sterling silver hairpin or adornment, and add sparkle with diamond earrings set in sterling silver. Remember, sterling silver jewelry goes with any skin tone, and is appropriate for any occasion. Teens go for the bangle and the bling, so sterling silver jewelry in the form of bracelets, waist chains, and stackable rings are a sure hit. Retro sterling silver jewelry styles are the rage for rings - both finger and toe - and band bracelets - both for the wrist and the ankle.

Men are increasingly turning to sterling silver jewelry as a means of self-expression. Whether incorporated into a watch or belt buckle, ear stud or key ring, sterling silver is a classic that never goes out of style. Caring for Sterling Silver Jewelry To preserve the beauty of your sterling silver jewelry, follow these steps:

* Exposure to the air causes silver to tarnish, so keep your sterling silver jewelry in a bag made from tarnish-proof cloth, or in airtight container.

* Avoid allowing your sterling silver jewelry to have prolonged contact with wood, as some woods contain acids that can dull the finish.

* Alcohol, acetone, bleach, ammonia, and turpentine can damage sterling silver jewelry, so be sure to remove your rings and other sterling silver jewelry before using these products.

* Regularly wipe down your sterling silver jewelry with a 100% cotton cloth, using a lengthwise, rather than circular motion.

* Remove light tarnish with a silver cloth, available at mass merchandisers and from jewelers.

* To remove heavy tarnish, use a liquid or paste silver polish and rinse with warm water. Make sure to dry it thoroughly before storing it in its cloth or airtight bag. Did You Know?

* Sterling silver is a metal alloy, typically containing 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper.

* Sterling silver jewelry is usually marked with the word, "Sterling," or ".925."

* Fine silver (at least 99.9% pure silver) is too soft to use for jewelry.

* Mexican silver is usually more pure than sterling silver, with 95% silver and 5% copper.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Visit this Jewelry Website and Majon's Jewelry directory.

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Sterling Silver Jewelry - Must-Know Facts

By Krissy Klien

Silver and Sterling Silver
Silver is among the three archetypal valuable metals, the other two being gold and platinum. It has even been used as legal tender money in the olden days. The content of silver in pure silver is 99.9%, which makes it too elastic and acquiescent. Silver has been widely used for making jewelry. But for jewelry making the pure form of silver is not suitable as it is quite malleable. Thus sterling silver came into being. Sterling silver is an assortment of silver and copper, in a fixed percentage ratio of 92.5:7.5. Copper provides it solidity, sturdiness and even provides resistance against tarnish. The term 'sterling silver' has its origin around 13th century in England. But this form of silver gained its popularity and demand in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Use of Silver in Jewelry Making
Since age old times, silver has always remained a favorite with jewelers. Jewelry made of sterling silver is gaining popularity these days as it is long-lasting and even pocket friendly when compared to jewelry made out of gold or platinum. Jewelry made out of sterling silver is refined and is available in intricate and up-to-minute designs. The addition of copper makes it compatible to all twists and turns. The addition of copper to silver makes the jewelry more durable and adds to its sheen and helps in reducing the rate of smudge. Since pre-historic times, the silver has been perfectly blended with jewels and beads in making silver rings or silver bracelets. Sterling silver provided relief from the age old use of only gold jewelry which at times is to flashy. This jewelry can match all types of skin colors, thus making every woman attractive.

Use of silver wire in making jewelry
With the ever changing fashion industry the demand for new form of jewelry has popped up. Silver wire is an amazing form, which is being excessively used to silhouette designer pieces. Sterling silver is a pricey form of silver wire. Depending on the wire gauze, working of sterling silver wire can be either easy to work amid or can be rigid. While giving the shape, the pure form of silver wire is used as it is easily malleable and ductile. Wire which is silver plated is a substitute for the silver wire, and the base used is generally copper. The silver plated wire also needs to be coated to protect them from ruination. With the succession of twist, wraps and spirals and insertion of crystals and gems, the special pieces of jewelry are being designed. Exquisite styles and designs of silver rings, silver chains, silver bracelets, silver pendants and silver earrings all are available. Its marvelous glitter makes it pleasing to eyes and is available at pocket friendly prices.

Steps to take care of jewelry
With the increasing demand of sterling silver jewelry, the need to take care of it even arises. The following steps should be kept in mind to retain your favorite silver rings, silver bracelets and silver pendants:

- Only soft cloth and mild washing agents should be used to clean the jewelry.
- If the piece of jewelry contains some gems or stones the soapy solution is only recommended as harsh soap solutions can harm the jewelry's cement used to fix it up.
- Toothpaste can be used to get back the lost sheen of the jewelry.
- The silver jewelry is open to corrosion when wore in water and air, so it is advisable to remove the jewelry while doing household and kitchen work.

Krissy Klien is a self proclaimed "badass biker babe." As head of product selection for Badass Jewelry, she loves looking good on her Harley and that includes wearing some bling. Badass Jewelry carries and incredibly stunning line of silver skull rings and other wicked styles! Also checkout there badass silver Skull Jewelry. Stand out with BadassJewelry.com!

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Sterling Silver Jewelry: The Standard For Quality, Reliability and Beauty

By Angela Davis

Sterling silver jewelry comes in various forms such as bracelets and chains including sterling silver figaro, curb, ropes, box, and snake, charms, lockets, earrings, rings, omegas, pendants and slides. Sterling silver jewelry also includes silver rings, earrings, charm bracelets, ear cuffs, sterling silver belly chains, thumb rings, and more.

Sterling silver jewelry is always made of silver which is 92.5% pure, it is composed of 925 parts of pure silver and 75 parts alloy, usually copper. Sterling silver jewelry always has the stamp of sterling silver on it, accompanied at times with the name of the designer or jewelry manufacturer. The word "sterling" is the most respected in the jewelry business today. Since pure silver by itself is too soft, another metal such as copper is added to it, to give the silver its added stiffness and other qualities. The resulting mixture which results is composed of 925 parts pure silver in every 1000 -- this proportion never varies -- it is fixed by law. This is referred to as sterling and is often incorrectly called or referred to as solid silver.

The sterling silver jewelry is made from this sterling silver, which is a white and highly reflective precious metal. It is of superior quality, which reflects in its look and feel. Although less durable than stainless steel and other precious metals, sterling silver is often employed in watches that coordinate or look like sterling jewelry. A protective coating may be added to prevent tarnish. Sterling silver jewelry is not very cheap, yet is also not beyond reach. It has a very distinctive look and can be easily distinguished. There is no mistaking the high reflective shine of this jewelry, which is one of its characteristics trade marks.

It adds a sophisticated charm to your personality. Sterling silver jewelry has a very stylish look and lends an incredible elegance to your entire look. The inedible stamp of quality along with the chic sophistication makes it a wonderful must have product. It is a very versatile ornament which crosses all barriers of age, cast, creed etc. It can be worn by anyone whether young or old.

Some care has to be taken of any sterling silver jewelry that you own. This jewelry does tarnish with time. To clean the sterling silver jewelry use a polishing cloth or sprinkle a fair amount of dry baking powder on a soft cloth and hold it in the palm of your hand. Rub carefully to avoid scratching stones or glass components. When done, shake the powder off.

Sterling silver jewelry has a unique air of class, sophistication and style surrounding it. It is a wonderful thing to own and also to gift to people who matter. It says a lot about your personality and taste. Wearing sterling silver jewelry can immediately enhance your over-all persona. It is available for both men and women being one of those essential pieces of jewelry which you must have in your collection.

Its versatile look allows it to be used on many occasions and the feel as well as texture is quite fashionable as well as glamorous.

Looking for information about Jewelry? Go to: http://www.merryjewelry.com 'Merry Jewelry' is published by Angela Davis - The Complete Jewelry Resource Directory Check out more Jewelry articles at: http://www.merryjewelry.com/archive

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Sterling Silver: The Practical and the Beautiful

Why is “sterling” silver special? Sterling silver is the finest balance between the practical and the beautiful. Let’s say you had a water pitcher filled to the brim. If it were made of 99.9% pure fine silver, the handle would probably bend as you were serving your guests and make for a messy dinner party. Silver is a soft metal and must be reinforced to make it functional. Silver jewelry can also suffer unintended alterations if the metal is not strong enough to avoid bending.

Instead of using pure silver, the metal is mixed with an alloy that adds strength to the metal. Most often copper is used. Other additives are occasionally used that claim to reduce tarnishing. Germanium, zinc and platinum are occasionally used as alloys. This is the basis for the sterling silver standard. The sterling standard is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metal or metals. This can also be expressed as the minimum millesimal fineness of 925.

Sterling silver is the silver grade most often used for jewelry and household accessories. To qualify a piece of silver as sterling, look for one of the following marks:

• sterling

• sterling silver

• ster

• .925

In many countries, a sterling silver object that is to be sold commercially must be stamped by an Assay office after testing for purity. This is required of other metal objects as well. In the United Kingdom, the Hallmarking Act of 1973 made it illegal to describe anything as made of platinum, gold or silver unless it had the appropriate Hallmark stamp. This was an historic reference because the first Assay office in the United Kingdom was Goldsmiths’ Hall, which was founded in the year 1300. This is where the term “Hallmarking” comes from. The objects were marked in Goldsmiths’ Hall.

There are a number of other established silver standards based on a variety of applications. Besides fine silver (99.9% pure) and sterling silver (92.5% pure), there is Mexican silver (95% pure). Mexico is the only remaining country using silver in its circulating coinage. However, they reserve the 95% pure standard for jewelry and art objects and use sterling silver for coins.

Coin silver in the United States is dictated by the Federal Trade Commission and is currently 90% silver and 10% copper. The original coin silver standard was established in the United States in the 1820s. However, the use and applications for coins is evolving now that electronic commerce is growing more popular.

History and culture have provided many other standards for silver. In the 12th century there were five German towns that called themselves the Easterling and formed what was know as the Hanseatic League. The league participated in commerce with England. They used their local currency in doing business and it happened to be 92.5% pure silver. The English were most impressed with the coins of the Easterling due to their quality and durability. Eventually, King Henry II of England brought silver refiners from the Easterling to England and by the year 1158, “Tealby Pennies” became standard sterling silver currency.

Beyond currency, the rise in popularity of sterling silver was perpetuated by flatware and jewelry. In the United States and Europe between about 1840 and 1940, proper society set stringent standards for table setting. This perpetuated a number of silver companies. Each company produced a wide variety of intricate patterns that were truly fine art and design. After World War II, labor costs and more convenient alternatives caused the decline of sterling flatware.

Have you ever polished silver? It must be done regularly to remove tarnish. Did you ever wonder what causes the tarnish to dull your grandparent’s heirloom silver? It is not the silver that causes the problem. Silver does not chemically react with water or oxygen. It is the alloy that oxidizes and causes the black silver sulfide (Ag2S)/tarnish to form on the silver. Two products commonly used to remove it are Twinkle Cream and Wright’s Silver Cream. Even though this can be labor intensive, the beauty of polished silver flatware gleaming in elegance on a formal dinning room table provides a truly artistic dining experience.

Today, the artistic use of silver is popularly employed in jewelry. Every thing from beaded jewelry to jewelry charms is made of sterling or purer grades of silver. Soldiers returning from World War II brought charms and pendants back to family and friends. The use of silver dates back to ancient Egypt when it was used symbolically as it still is today to celebrate everything from wedding anniversaries, birthdays, faith and religious expressions. It is often combined with precious and semi-precious gems to enhance jewelry design, beauty and elegance in some of the finest jewelry of our time as well as the joy of everyday decoration and expression. As an example, the following website combines sterling silver beads and findings with semi-precious gemstones:
Fine tiger eye and sterling silver jewelry.

Sterling silver is a practical and beautiful tool to help you celebrate your life.

Author Biography

Janet K. Nelson has done research and written articles on subjects that range from the cultural to the technical. She is an author noted for integrating information and providing a fresh, clear and whole-picture perspective on her subjects. She has written articles, manuals and perspectives for marketing, cultural, media and distribution organizations. She has a Masters Degree in Business Administration. More information is available via http://www.tigereyejewels.com and marketmaiden@comcast.net.

Sterling Silver Jewelry Earrings

By Kilian Allen

Earrings have always fascinated both men and women as simple accessories. Made in sterling silver they have become a habit for some. Pure silver, which is known as fine silver is very soft in its original form and thus is not preferred in the jewelery industry. This is primarily because it is unable to go through the crafting process without scratches and in most cases cannot take the weight of the gemstones cast in them. Therefore, the best option for silver jewelery is sterling silver, which is an alloy of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals.
Sterling silver earrings are a favorite amongst almost every woman. These are available in varied sizes and go with almost, every attire. Even if the earring is a western design, it does go well with any ethnic garment. These earrings can be crafted as studs, hoops or danglers. Sterling silver earrings are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can be any shape or size, from tiny little squares that give a discrete glimmer, to large dangling ones which are very popular. Other shapes include of heart shaped earrings, disc shaped earrings and oblong shaped earrings. Indian sterling silver earrings are usually treated to give an oxidized finish. This is preferred as it gives the earring an ethnic and rustic look which is preferred by Indian women. Many women worldwide prefer the larger and chunkier earrings that are adorned with gemstones as it goes well with traditional dresses. These earrings maybe big in size, but they are not too heavy for the ear lobe. Most commonly these earrings contain stones such as moonstone, pearls, and amethyst.
To gift a piece of jewelry, sterling silver jewelry is one of the best choices. Apart from the Indian chunky earrings, there are smaller dainty ones that are crafted into various shapes. These shapes include that of dolphins, varied hearts, cross, birds, moon, stars, the zodiac signs. By the end of the day, it is all about preference and personality of the wearer. It adds a grand finale to a confident personality at an intimate evening. A complete casual look with shiny silver earrings is also appreciable. All kinds of latest and popular designs are made of the finest silver. Even cubic zirconia, exotic wood or seashells are used to make lovely trinkets. Sterling silver, at times, looks more appealing than platinum or even gold.

Sterling Silver Earrings - As the most highly recognized and respected brand in the entire silver jewelry industry, our buying power and quality of product is second to none.

Sterling Silver Jewelry Fashion Trends for the New Year and Beyond

By Sam Serio

Each year, on fashion runways from New York to Paris, Milan, and Toyko, sterling silver is "new again" as designers interpret it in new and exciting ways. What makes sterling silver a fashion perennial? The answer is clear: when it comes to beauty, versatility, durability, and affordability, sterling silver jewelry is unsurpassed.

In the hands of talented artists and designers, sterling silver is constantly "reinvented" to suit the evolving tastes of the women who wear it. But whether as a ring, a necklace, or bracelet, standing alone or presented in combination with gemstones and other precious metals…sterling silver is always in fashion.

Here's a look at what's "hot" this year:

Peace of Silver

In 2004, many Oscar presenters and recipients wore gracefully and simply designed "Dove of Peace." pin. Embraced by such Hollywood luminaries as Meryl Streep, Susan Sarandon, Drew Barrymore, and Leonardo DiCaprio, it has also been seen on the Dali Lama and Nobel Peace Laureates Oscar Aria Sanchez, Betty Williams, Mairead Corrigan Maguire, and former UN Assistant Secretary-General Gillian Sorrensom.

Now non-celebrities may purchase the pin in sterling silver pin to demonstrate both their commitment to peace and their fashion sense. The 2005 sterling silver interpretation was designed by award-winning American jewelry artist Henry Dunay to resonate the energy of Picasso's "Dove Of Peace."

Silver Screen

With the enormous popularity of the "Lord of the Rings" series, it comes as no surprise that designers have created jewelry based on the elaborately crafted pieces in the films. Based on the actual pendant worn in the Lord of the Rings film, the Arwen Evenstar Pendant is crafted in sterling silver and comes in a wooden gift box. Measuring 2-1/2 inches in length with a 18" sterling silver chain and a Swarovski crystal stone, each piece is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, adding long-term value to its other charms.

Works Like A Charm

Charm bracelets are both wonderfully retro and extremely cutting edge. Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Avril Levigne, Hilary Duff, and other high-visibility high-fashion celebrities are wrapping their wrists in silver bracelets with the hip L.A. brand "Eldorado Club."

The "Girlie Charm Bracelet" is adorned with charming femme-friendly charms including a cat, a cocktail glass, and a kitty.

Sterling Silver - Always In Style for Your 25th Anniversary
No matter what list you consult -- traditional, modern or the now popular "ultra-modern" (which includes items like clocks and appliances) -- silver is the 21st Century gift of choice for a 25th wedding anniversary. Whether it's silver's durability, its strength, its flexibility or its unparalleled beauty, sterling silver is an exquisite memento of 25 years of loving commitment between a couple.

Topping the list of this year's "What's Hot" in silver wedding anniversary gifts, women say they want charm bracelets, hoop earrings, and hair ornaments. For wives who would like to present their husbands with sterling silver tokens, the "top of the charts" picks are cufflinks, tie clips, money clips, neck chains, and I.D. bracelets.

But #1 for him AND her -- a classic sterling silver Tiffany keyring.

For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick-up your FREE copy of “How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped-Off.” This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com

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