Silver possesses many working qualities similar to gold. It is able to achieve the most brilliant polish of any of the metals. To ensure its durability for jewellery, pure silver (999 fineness) is alloyed with small quantities of copper. In many countries, Sterling Silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper) is the accepted standard for Jewellery, and has been since the 14th century. Copper strengthens the silver, making it possible to use for today¡¯s decorative and fashionable jewellery.
Any metal can make up the 7.5 percent non-silver portion of sterling. Centuries of experimentation have shown copper to be its best companion. It improves the metal's hardness and resilience without affecting its dazzling colour. The small amount of copper added to sterling has little effect on the metal's value. The price of a silver item is affected by the labor involved in the making of the item, the skill of the craftsperson, and the complexity of the design.
QUALITY OF SILVER
To be confident you're purchasing the real thing, always look for the stamp, "925." The majority of high quality silver items are stamped with a "fineness" or "quality" mark. This mark designates the precious metal content of the jewellery. This mark is the only way you can be certain that what you are purchasing is genuine silver. Acceptable hallmarks for sterling silver are:
• sterling
• sterling silver
• stg
• .925
ALLERGIES
Some people will turn silver black in a very short period of time. This not a fault with the silver but can be caused by some medications or the wearers acidic skin type.
SILVER JEWELERY CARE
Tarnish is the product of oxidation. It is caused by the reaction of silver jewellery with certain elements for example oxygen or sulfur. Tarnishing on silver jewellery, when worn on a regular basis, does not usually occur. Storage for extended time periods is the most common cause of silver jewelley tarnish.
To keep your silver tarnish-free, regularly clean your silver in mild dishwashing liquid diluted in water. Carefully dry your silver jewellery after emersion in water. Store silver in a dry container or a plastic bag with anti-tarnish paper.
To remove tarnish or oxidation film from silver you can use commercial silver dip liquid, polish paste or polish cloth, available in jewellery shops or supermarkets. Ensure there are no loose stones or parts. Limit the gemstone's exposure to silver cleaners - cleaners may harm certain kinds of gemstones. Please read the cleaning product's instructions before cleaning. Rinse jewelry after cleaning, and dry with a soft cloth until it is completely dry.
