Sterling Silver

November 25, 2009

Essentials of Sterling silver jewelry

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There are millions of people, who are fond of wearing jewelry in their every day routine. Most of the people, especially women, do not feel that they are dressed well, unless they are adorned with several pieces. Purchase of the jewellery items like earrings, chains, bracelets and the trendy body jewelry have become day by day fashion accessories for a nominal individual especially sterling silver jewelry. Jewelry is not just limited for women anymore. Men have understood that they like getting fashionable and the popularity of jewelry for men is gaining new position. In the traditional times, most men wore a watch and only a wedding ring. A fashion conscious gentleman may have attained a pair of cuff links, which look quite fantastic. Now a time, men put on bracelets, big rings and even daily earrings.

Most of the people take the jewelry choices, which are limited to the budget of an individual. The rich lustre of gold jewelry and the costing of even a small piece of gold piece can get unaffordable for the average person. It has been fortunate that the popularity of white metals has grown and hence, breaching the door of great chances for jewelry designers, for producing an amazing number of beautiful styles that are now available made with sterling silver. It permits the people with a less budget to bear the cost of jewelry, which is not just gorgeous and stylish, but also affordable.

Silver jewelry is getting in trend for many reasons. The physical properties permit it to be fashioned into an unlimited array of designs from delicate filigree style earrings to attractive, bold chains and bracelets that appeal to men. Silver has a white tone that rivals platinum at a small fraction of the cost. It is the most reflective metal known. Even today it is still used as the backing material in the finest mirrors. It can be given a matte finish or sometimes as sandblasted for a satiny-smooth texture. Sterling silver jewelry can be given a new shape and size or overstated with engraving. It can get colored with enamel paint or their oxidization for giving it a nice appearance. The resourceful silver formulates it as an ideal intermediate for getting any kind of jewelry designing.

Silver accents and compliments the color of many gemstones, such that it is a choice for reasonably priced pendants, earrings or rings, which attributes to a palette of naturally found and synthetic gems. There are a number of natural birth stones, such as peridot, amethyst, garnet are outstandingly included in dazzling silver jewelry designing. The low cost of lab crystals and jewels can make them idealized choice for silver jewelry, featuring imitation of stones like opal, emeralds and man made sapphires.

The features of versatility, attractiveness, ease for care and affordability of silver jewelry make an alternative for platinum or gold items. There are many experienced designers, who have revolutionized the designing and presentation of jewelry. The new inclination of all ages of people to sterling silver jewelry has made silver ornaments as a fashion statement.

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November 24, 2009

Things That You Should Know About Sterling Silver

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In general, sterling silver really does tarnish. Incase a sales lady tells you that sterling silver never tarnishes, its either she’s lying or she doesn’t really know what’s she’s taking about. Sometimes, jeweler would coat or plate sterling silver jewelry with other metal substance like rhodium and the likes to prevent tarnishing and discoloration. The combining of metal will only prolong the tarnishing process but it can not eradicate the tarnishing itself unless the coating of another substance is so thick that it can protect the sterling silver material of the jewelry.

Sterling silver nowadays is widely used as jewelry, ornaments, decorations and etc. The brightness of sterling silver is uniquely different. It is far from the shine of gold, white gold and other minerals and metals. Sterling silver is not cheap in terms of price. It is only less expensive compared to stainless and white gold. Some sterling silver pieces even comes in a costly price depending on the brand, manufacturer and craftsmanship.

Other people prefer the corroded look for a gothic appeal. This look has been continuously growing its popularity. But, no matter how you like your sterling silver, you have to know that you must only purchase sterling silver that has 925 markings on them. 925 means 92.5% pure sterling silver. This amount or rate does not vary or change. It is a general rule affixed by the government. A sterling silver should be 92.5% pure before it is even considered as sterling silver.

There are the so called high end sterling silver which is commonly done or manufactured by designers such as Tiffany Co. and the likes. Some of these jewelers even offer a free cleaning to their loyal customers. That way cleaning is no longer an issue. But when it comes to daily routine in terms of cleaning and storing, it is essential that you clean your sterling silver every after use. Take time in cleaning before storing your sterling silver and always be reminded to store your sterling silver in an air tight container or zip locks to prevent air from contacting with your jewelry. It is strongly believe that air and light advances the tarnishing either it is a natural light or artificial light.

Toothpaste is said to be the best substance used for cleaning sterling silver but that is not true. Never use toothpaste to clean this kind of jewelry because toothpaste is too harsh and since sterling silver is known as a delicate metal it is not really recommended to use this kind of substance or the likes to clean sterling silver. You can purchase a silver cloth to properly clean and polish your sterling silver at home. Silver cloth can be purchase in supermarkets or hardware.

It is also said that wearing your sterling silver regularly will enhance the glossiness of your sterling silver because the oil in our skin enhances the color of the sterling silver. However, this statement is not applicable if the person has a high acidity level in his/her skin because acidity in the skin may be the actual cause of tarnishing.

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November 23, 2009

Tarnish Free: Sterling Silver

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Sterling silver is sometimes called solid silver, but that is incorrect because sterling silver are always made of only 92.5% pure silver which is an equivalent of 925 parts of pure silver and the reaming parts are mostly made from alloy, usually copper. Other metal like copper is added to sterling silver jewelry to add stiffness because pure silver would come out to be so soft that the jewelry is prone to dents and deformations.

The proportion of 925 never varies because this proportion is affixed by law. Normally you will see that the jewelry has the 925 markings along with the designer’s name or brand.

Sterling silver has this sophisticated look and charm. Sterling silver jewelry is very stylish and has been continuously growing its popularity in all parts of the world. In these present times, sterling silver is even use as engagement rings and wedding rings. Its versatility allows all age and gender to enjoy its look and feel. Some even prefers the tarnish look because it gives the bearer a more distinct gothic appeal.

It is believed that tarnish will not appear on the jewelry if it is worn on a regular basis because the gentle friction and contact of oils from the skin enhances the bright and sparkling look of the jewelry unless the person has a high body or skin acidity or the person is under some sort of medication that rises the level of acidity in his/her body or skin.

One of the methods that you can use to properly clean your sterling silver jewelry is to dilute a mild solution of dishwashing liquid into the water. Soak your jewelry for 2 to 3 seconds, rinse it and wipe it dry. Another way is to combine 2 tablespoonful of baking powder and 2 tablespoonful of salt in an aluminum pan or bowl. Make sure that you are using an aluminum pan or bowl because this will have a big impact in terms of removing the tarnish and stains on your jewelry. Add hot water onto your aluminum pan or bowl mixture. Put the tarnished jewelry inside the mixture and let it sits there for a while. You will see that the tarnish or stain is slowly disappearing. Rinse and wipe it dry. Store your sterling silver in an airtight container or Zip locks because moisture and air can actually invite tarnish.

A simpler way to remove mild cases of tarnished sterling silver jewelry is the use of silver cloth. You can purchase silver cloth in supermarkets or hardware. Normally a silver cloth comes in two parts: the cleaning cloth and the polishing cloth.

Since sterling silver is considered as a delicate metal, make sure that your sterling silver does not contact with any harsh substances such as perfumes, alcohol, soaps, and hair products like hair sprays or gel because this will advance the oxidation inviting tarnish or oxidation to start.

Prevention is better than cure. So, be sure to clean your sterling silver jewelry every after use. Take time in cleaning.

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November 22, 2009

Sterling Silver Jewelry — how to get the most out of it

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The way you present yourself in a day to day basis is vital especially in dealing with important people such as when you want to get a good impression during an interview or you are going to attend an important meeting. The increasingly image conscious population clearly satisfies the cliché that “image is everything,” a basic reason why sterling silver jewelry exists.

Undeniably, accessories made of gold have been popular in the past, yet until now it is still considered the most in demand metal in this generation. The good news is that you don’t have to get gold to obtain a pleasing appearance; buying Sterling silver jewelry is enough. It is observed that people these days intend to purchase by means of wholesale as this would allow them to gain more out of a less costly purchase. This act is highly beneficial to them.
For instance, upon purchasing wholesale silver, you may obtain a silver necklace. This manner is suitable for people who intend to customize their jewels. So initially, you may need to get the typical chain, or necklace. It doesn’t need to be new; recycling your old necklaces or cords is advised. Once you have decided which piece you are going to utilize, you can match it with an appropriate silver piece. In this part, you may place additional sterling silver on the chain to give it a stand out appearance. On the other hand, if you intend to give it a personal touch, you may add anything of your own preference.

The importance of imagination and adequate planning

Creativity is a requisite in jewelry making. An addition of a valuable item such as the client’s inherited silver ring, or any sort of symbolic figure could be a good idea. You may also experiment on his or her preferred color. Whichever piece that may be threaded into the chain and permits it to exude within your ensemble will do.

Getting wholesale silver to ensure the production of more jewels like sterling silver bracelets is a wise decision. Accessorizing in this manner is one way you could emphasize your arms to be the focus of the public’s attention. You can always rely on silver to put emphasis on whatever area of your body you want to be noticed. Once you’ve made your purchase, finding a reliable professional jeweler must be given importance. This person shapes the silver according to the form of your choice and could also give you adequate advice on how to give it due care.

If you do not have an idea what design your piece of jewelry would look like, you may look up on celebrity magazines. Hollywood celebrities are one of the most fascinated people when it comes to customized silver jewelries. Of course, taking a walk on the red carpet would not look as good as when you are wearing beautiful accessories.

Therefore, gathering proper information before getting your own piece of silver sterling jewelry is quite important so that you can utilize it the best way possible. Furthermore, a good purchase plan and a sound advice from an expert would equate to a good buy.

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November 21, 2009

Sterling silver jewelry – How to care for each precious piece

Filed under: Sterling Silver — Tags: , , — admin @ 12:00 pm

The existence of silver jewelry in the market has changed the way a person views an accessory. Not only does it allow someone to establish his or her own fashion sense, it also benefits the owner as it is wearable in any occasion. Although silver is one of the most ancient metals used by men in the form of pendants, rings and bracelets, it never fails to fascinate people even during this generation.

The advancement of technology, accompanied by the improved process of jewelry designing has been utilized to produce a beautifully carved silver jewelry.  However, more often than not, it is its corrosive properties that make the buyers, sellers and manufacturers concerned about the products since it could easily breakdown if not given due care.

How does it corrode?

Any substance which contains hydrogen sulfide can cause silver to become tarnished. Those substances which possess sulfide include rubber bands, latex gloves and wool. It has also been proven that in any location where coal is used as a fuel, any form of silverware or silver jewelry may corrode. The primary culprit is the ample presence of sulfur in coal.

Why does it corrode?

The tarnishing of silver may be distinguished when it begins to lose its gleaming property; there is a noticeable change in color from being shiny silver to a tinge of yellow, until it worsens its color into grey or black in most instances.

Some contributing factors in the corrosion or tarnishing of silver may include extreme level of humid atmosphere and variances in weather. Oil and eggs which are commonly found in the kitchen, should not come in contact with these silverwares as it assists in the process of corrosion and could cause immediate damage.

Measures to prevent corrosion

Research provides a variety of measures to at least lessen the damage caused by these corrosive substances to a silver jewelry or silverware. There are natural remedies which are recommended to eliminate minimal amounts of tarnish from products such as silver chains, rings and pendants and these may include the following: plating it with various metals such as copper, which assists in providing it with a protective layer. You may also immerse it in chemicals or stuff it with silica granules as they are popular in its means of absorbing any excessive humidity in the atmosphere.

The Popularity of corroded jewelry

Nowadays, manufacturers of silver jewelry intentionally tarnish the silver to be able to display nicely carved jewelry pieces which supports a fascinating ancient look On the other hand, those corroded silver rings and chains which contain a hint of yellow to gray are used by craftsmen as a guide in designing and shaping new pieces of jewelry which looks artistic and sophisticated.
Therefore, the means to prevent corrosion and the way to corrode it are just similar. The main difference is that they are done in reverse. That is why whatever shape or form you want in a silver jewelry, you can always have the option of making it appear naturally silver, glazed or corroded.

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