The timeless, classic look of silver never goes out of style and is a favorite of many. Sterling silver jewelry has become very sought-after for its durability and the fact that it does not lose its finish like silver-plated pieces do. Before buying silversmith jewelry it's a good idea to know what to look for in a quality piece.
Those who prefer silver to gold often like it better because it is more affordable for one, and also because it is not as flashy which makes it more suitable to wear with more types of clothes. They usually don't irritate those with allergies to metals either. Sterling silver does oxidize easily and needs to be cleaned often to avoid tarnish.
While there are several types of silver which are used to produce jewelry, sterling silver is respected as the finest of these. It is made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. The resultant alloy has strength that soft and malleable silver alone does not possess. Pieces which are described as "Silvertone" are not the best choice, as they only have a silver coating on them which gradually wears off.
What's good about sterling silver is its added firmness which makes it easier for silversmiths to craft and makes it possible for gemstones to be set in it if desired as well. There are some pieces made from pure silver, but due to its delicate nature they aren't ones which can be worn daily. Oxidized silver is that which has been treated with oxygen to produce an aged look. German "silver" is not in fact silver but a mixed alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc with a silver-plating.
A high quality piece will bear a mark designating it as such which is known as a "fineness mark". It should be stamped with any of the following; sterling silver, sterling, ster, or . 925 and must also include the maker's insignia or registered trademark for authenticity by law.
Anyone who is purchasing silver pieces should know how to spot imitation silver. This can be detected with some simple visual evaluations. Silver is heavier and softer than metals used in imitation pieces, if it is pricked with a needle, a small mark should be noted. Genuine silver is very shiny and glistening, while fakes are usually more dull in tone.
The skilled individuals who practice this ancient art of forging beautiful jewelry from silver, are called silversmiths. They can work this malleable metal at room temperature, but will use a blow torch when needed to achieve specific effects. Other techniques involved in the production of jewelry include both hand and machine engraving, "annealing" or heat reshaping, and surface polishing using abrasive compounds. In most cases the price of a pieces depends on how much work has gone into it.
With the proper care and handling, silversmith jewelry can keep looking great for years. Careful storage is recommended in order to prevent scratches and it should not be permitted to contact bleach, ammonia, or chlorinated pool water. Cleaning it regularly at the first appearance of tarnish with specially formulated silver cleaners is the best way to keep it shiny and clean.
Those who prefer silver to gold often like it better because it is more affordable for one, and also because it is not as flashy which makes it more suitable to wear with more types of clothes. They usually don't irritate those with allergies to metals either. Sterling silver does oxidize easily and needs to be cleaned often to avoid tarnish.
While there are several types of silver which are used to produce jewelry, sterling silver is respected as the finest of these. It is made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. The resultant alloy has strength that soft and malleable silver alone does not possess. Pieces which are described as "Silvertone" are not the best choice, as they only have a silver coating on them which gradually wears off.
What's good about sterling silver is its added firmness which makes it easier for silversmiths to craft and makes it possible for gemstones to be set in it if desired as well. There are some pieces made from pure silver, but due to its delicate nature they aren't ones which can be worn daily. Oxidized silver is that which has been treated with oxygen to produce an aged look. German "silver" is not in fact silver but a mixed alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc with a silver-plating.
A high quality piece will bear a mark designating it as such which is known as a "fineness mark". It should be stamped with any of the following; sterling silver, sterling, ster, or . 925 and must also include the maker's insignia or registered trademark for authenticity by law.
Anyone who is purchasing silver pieces should know how to spot imitation silver. This can be detected with some simple visual evaluations. Silver is heavier and softer than metals used in imitation pieces, if it is pricked with a needle, a small mark should be noted. Genuine silver is very shiny and glistening, while fakes are usually more dull in tone.
The skilled individuals who practice this ancient art of forging beautiful jewelry from silver, are called silversmiths. They can work this malleable metal at room temperature, but will use a blow torch when needed to achieve specific effects. Other techniques involved in the production of jewelry include both hand and machine engraving, "annealing" or heat reshaping, and surface polishing using abrasive compounds. In most cases the price of a pieces depends on how much work has gone into it.
With the proper care and handling, silversmith jewelry can keep looking great for years. Careful storage is recommended in order to prevent scratches and it should not be permitted to contact bleach, ammonia, or chlorinated pool water. Cleaning it regularly at the first appearance of tarnish with specially formulated silver cleaners is the best way to keep it shiny and clean.
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