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.
Many people find silver appealing because it costs considerably less than gold and is less flashy making it easier to match with more fashions. It agrees with sensitive skin which may react to other metals, but it does tend to oxidize easily which means it needs regular cleaning or it will become tarnished.
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.
German silver is actually a blend of nickel, copper, and zinc which is silver-plated. Oxidized silver is treated with oxygen to give it an antiqued finish. Pure silver can be used to make jewelry but it is quite fragile and not suitable for daily wear. Sterling silver is soft but more firm with the added copper, making it easier for silversmiths to work with and is ideal for pieces with gemstones set into them.
Genuine sterling silver is designated as such by its "fineness mark". This is a stamp which is placed somewhere on the piece proving its authenticity. It may read as any of the following; sterling, sterling silver, ster, or . 925. This stamp must by law, be accompanied by the maker's insignia or registered trademark.
Being able to tell the difference between real and imitation silver is important and can be done simply with a couple of visual assessments. Genuine silver has a very shiny finish, while the imposters are generally duller. Silver weighs more and is softer than other metals, so it will feel heavier and if it is pricked with a pin, it will leave a faint mark.
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.
Silversmith jewelry can last for many years if it is properly cared for. It should be carefully stored to prevent scratches and not allowed to come in contact with ammonia, bleach, or chlorinated pool water. Regular cleaning is important so tarnish cannot accumulate. There are specially made products designed to polish silver which are most effective if used when the tarnish first appears.
Many people find silver appealing because it costs considerably less than gold and is less flashy making it easier to match with more fashions. It agrees with sensitive skin which may react to other metals, but it does tend to oxidize easily which means it needs regular cleaning or it will become tarnished.
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.
German silver is actually a blend of nickel, copper, and zinc which is silver-plated. Oxidized silver is treated with oxygen to give it an antiqued finish. Pure silver can be used to make jewelry but it is quite fragile and not suitable for daily wear. Sterling silver is soft but more firm with the added copper, making it easier for silversmiths to work with and is ideal for pieces with gemstones set into them.
Genuine sterling silver is designated as such by its "fineness mark". This is a stamp which is placed somewhere on the piece proving its authenticity. It may read as any of the following; sterling, sterling silver, ster, or . 925. This stamp must by law, be accompanied by the maker's insignia or registered trademark.
Being able to tell the difference between real and imitation silver is important and can be done simply with a couple of visual assessments. Genuine silver has a very shiny finish, while the imposters are generally duller. Silver weighs more and is softer than other metals, so it will feel heavier and if it is pricked with a pin, it will leave a faint mark.
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.
Silversmith jewelry can last for many years if it is properly cared for. It should be carefully stored to prevent scratches and not allowed to come in contact with ammonia, bleach, or chlorinated pool water. Regular cleaning is important so tarnish cannot accumulate. There are specially made products designed to polish silver which are most effective if used when the tarnish first appears.
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