Sterling Silver Jewelry

Silver Facts

Silver is a highly desirable metal, valued for it's brilliant shine when polished. It's beauty and malleability make it a favorite material with jewelry makers everywhere. However, silver's softness also presents a problem, since it's far less durable than some other metals used for jewelry making such as titanium and surgical stainless steel. To strengthen the material, another metal must be mixed with silver to form a stronger alloy.

Sterling silver is most commonly formulated by combining silver and copper. To be labeled "silver" in any form, the silver content of a piece must contain no less than 92.5 percent silver, so in this instance copper makes up the remaining 7.5 percent of the sterling silver alloy.

Although the addition of copper strengthens the silver, it also throws a variable into the mix. Copper tends to tarnish, and this is why sterling silver is prone to develop a dark, dull patina as the metal reacts with your body chemistry and other atmospheric elements.

In many instances this patina actually enhances the design of a particular piece, collecting in the crevices and looking as though it was intended as part of the original design.

Sterling Designs

Sterling is extremely versatile and is easily molded or hammered to create all sorts of patterns and designs. It's used in many styles of jewelry, including:

• Celtic Jewelry
• Native American Jewelry
• Vintage Jewelry
• Christian Jewelry
• Victorian Jewelry

Cleaning Sterling Silver Jewelry

You can clean your sterling jewelry if you feel it's necessary, but many people enjoy the way their rings and bracelets look as they age. Here are a few ways to clean your pieces without damaging them.

Polishing Cloths

Silver polishing cloths are very soft, and allow you to buff away tarnish without scratching the metal or any gem stones that may be incorporated into the piece. Many people prefer this simple, risk free method of maintaining their jewelry.

Dips

Tarnish dips will easily remove build up from your sterling silver jewelry, but there are a couple of things to be aware of.

• First, always use fresh dipping solution straight from the bottle. Do not save used dip for future cleanings or you risk discoloring your pieces.
• Second, it's important to know that dips can have an undesirable affect on more porous gem stones such as turquoise. Carefully read the label on any product you consider using prior to cleaning your jewelry. This way you'll avoid any nasty surprises.

Pastes and Creams

Polishing pastes and creams are certainly effective, but they can be a bit difficult to remove from the kind of small crevices you'll find in most jewelry detail. There is also an additional risk of damaging your gems should they absorb some of the cleaner.

Alternative Household Cleaners

You should never use harsh household cleaners on your sterling silver jewelry. However some people do clean their pieces in mild dishwashing detergent without any serious adverse affects. If you choose this method, be sure to thoroughly rinse and dry your pieces when you're finished.

Toothpaste is also sometimes used as an inexpensive jewelry cleaner, but it's not recommended. Toothpaste contains abrasives that can scratch your jewelry, and it certainly isn't worth the money you save if you damage your favorite necklace. Better to use a professional jewelry cleaning product sold at your local jeweler's.

Storage

Since the elements cause sterling to oxidize, it's important to store your pieces properly or you might find they have become significantly darker if they're sitting in your jewelry box for long periods of time.

1. Gently clean your jewelry to remove body fluids and other environmental substances.
2. Make sure each piece is absolutely dry.
3. Wrap individual pieces in tarnish-resistant paper or a clean one hundred percent cotton cloth.
4. Place each wrapped piece in a plastic zip-loc bag and store in your jewelry box.

Conclusion

When you think about it, sterling silver jewelry is a great value. It offers as lovely a shine as more expensive metals, and makes a great setting for your favorite gems. If gem stones aren't your style, patterned sterling with a natural patina looks fabulous all by itself. Have fun exploring all the possibilities!

External Links

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