STERLING SILVER

A Note About The Different Types of Silver

There are several different types of silver used for making jewelry. Four of the main types are silver plated, silver filled, sterling silver and pure silver.

Silver plated is made up of different metals usually brass, copper and/or nickel with a thin coating of silver. Usually this type of silver will eventually wear away exposing the wearer to the metals underneath. For those who are sensitive to the other metals such as nickel they may have a skin reaction.

Silver filled is 5-10% silver with a brass core.

Sterling silver is made with 92.5 % silver. For larger pieces of silver you will see a stamp .925 that identifies this type of silver. You won’t find this stamp on smaller items of sterling silver. Sterling silver is an alloy and is usually mixed with other metals such as copper. Copper is what is mixed with gold to give rose gold its color.

Pure Silver is 99.9% silver. It is softer than sterling silver and requires a hardening process or annealing it by heating. Other methods of hardening is completed by forging (see Sterling Silver hammered hoops) or by rolling.

Caring For Your Silver Jewelry

Silver can tarnish over time. This reaction happens due to the copper being exposed to gasses in the air. Other chemicals can also speed up the process.

• It is best to remove your silver jewelry before bathing, showering, swimming in chlorinated pools or in the ocean.

• Avoid contact with abrasive materials, harsh chemicals, perfumes and even hair spray,

• Use a sterling silver cleaner. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning directions. Avoid contacting any gemstones (such as turquoise) with the cleaner as this could change their color.

• Rinse jewelry with warm water. Blot dry. Use a polishing cloth to restore shine.

• It is best to store your sterling silver separated in a cloth bag away from other jewelry.