February 13, 2010
How To Care For Sterling Silver Jewelry
Sterling silver jewelry is more affordable than platinum or gold. You can find top quality sterling crafted into a variety of styles—and it’s not just affordable—it’s beautiful as well! Silver looks fantastic on it's own or when mixed with gemstones.
Sterling silver is 92.5% silver mixed usually with copper which equals the remaining 7.5% of the composition. Silver is sold by weight and there is no such thing as purer silver or better quality silver. All silvers that are 92.5% are the same in quality.
Silver jewelry will change in price from one piece to another based on the weight and the type of work done on it. Handmade silver jewelry is more expensive than machine made silver jewelry. They are also more exclusive, a machine made piece is made by the thousands but one handmade piece can never be the same as another.
If the jewelry includes a gemstone, the price will vary based on the type of stone. When it is only sterling silver the difference in price will come from the way it was manufactured and the details it has. Silver is a very mallable metal and beautiful jewelry is created from it. Usually a silver piece can be bought by its weight in silver plus a small percentage for labor.
When you buy sterling silver jewelry and silver jewelry sets it is very shiny and smooth. People like that because it shines more than gold or platinum. With time it will begin to lose its shine and tarnish will appear. This is due to the metal alloy added to the silver. When the copper comes in contact with the air and sweat it tends to change color. Many people like to keep their jewelry like that because it gives it an antique look.
Silver must always be wiped with a polishing cloth, not a brush or an abrasive cleaner that will scratch the surface. It is okay to use siler cleaner occasionally but should not be used often in the maintenance of your jewelry. These types of cleaners are abrasive, and the shine they leave comes from rubbing of the patina or top layer of silver on your piece.
When sterling silver jewelry is cleaned regularly with a polishing cloth and stored away from the sun and other jewelry that may scratch it; it will remain shiny for a very long time. Abrasive cleaners should only be used in case of an emergency or excessive tarnish.
Silver jewelry should be kept in a cool location and stored in separate containers. This will prevent them from scratching one another and from being scratched by other jewelry. Taking care of silver jewelry is easy and inexpensive. With proper care and polishing of your jewelry, you will be able to enjoy it for many, many years.