Sterling Silver

If you are looking for jewelry to give as gifts, sterling silver pieces are the best buy you can make. This precious metal is a popular choice for many people who are seeking something precious, but aren’t willing to spend on expensive gold or platinum pieces. Sterling silver is valuable enough and stylish enough that the recipient is sure to appreciate such a beautiful gift.
Silver necklaces in particular, have a rich history. For centuries, men and women of nobility and authority have worn beautiful, intricate, and even gem-encrusted pendants and medallions around their necks. These days, sterling silver necklaces are so versatile that they can be worn on many occasions both formal and informal. They are both elegant and attractive, and serve to make a brilliant fashion statement without being overly ostentatious. More importantly, they are within many people’s budgets. Many a young (and not so young) swain has gifted his lady love with a sterling silver necklace to symbolize faithfulness and unity.
There are many other sterling silver jewelry pendants that are available for the picking, as well. Particularly graceful are the double heart silver pendants with asymmetrical designs that dangle languidly from a delicate silver chain. Most of these double heart pendants are held together with a spring clasp.
Another design is a necklace with a heart lariat, which is a heart charm intertwined through another heart at the end of a chain. Turquoise is one semi-precious stone usually incorporated in sterling silver designs, and you will find that they make an attractive combination with the startling bright blue stones and the purity of shining silver. You will also find that you can have personalized messages engraved in your silver pendants, as well as have your birthstone incorporated into the design. Most people prefer the crystal clarity of cubic zirconia in their sterling silver pendants or medallions
Earrings are another popular choice in silver jewelry. Teardrop earrings, in particular are considered very classy and stylish, and make for an unforgettable wardrobe staple for a look of sophistication. If you are wondering what to get a chic woman as a gift, silver teardrop earrings are the present of choice.
There are many other earring designs made out of this precious metal, and it will depend on the face-shape of your recipient when you are choosing the perfect design for your gift. While shoulder-dusters may seem extravagant, they will look good on a tall woman without being too uncomfortable to carry.
Sterling silver jewelry is also the perfect present for young people who are graduating from high school or college. They are the best choice for a celebratory event, and will look good on the recipient besides. As a wedding gift, sterling silver is incomparable. They usually come in the form of various household items such as utensils, candelabra, napkin rings, or salt and pepper shakers.
If you are wondering what type of gift to give for a special occasion, or any occasion for that matter, you will do well with sterling silver jewelry for a stylish, and most importantly, affordable present.

If you are a man who is thinking of venturing into wearing jewelry pieces, you might want to consider sterling silver jewelry. For the male gender, wearing these types of jewelry will not detract from your masculinity or machismo. You will actually be able to strike the perfect balance with sterling silver jewelry when you are striving to dress your best. The fashion world, in fact, has virtually decreed that this type of metal is perfect as use for male jewelry.
One of the reasons sterling silver is popular for use as men’s jewelry is that is one of the most durable metal alloys around. While pure silver is soft in consistency, sterling silver is a combination of 92.5% of pure silver, and 7.5% of a sturdy metal, such as copper. The amalgamation of both makes for metal of a very strong consistency that can last admirably throughout the schedule of the typically active male.
With tough sterling jewelry, you can be assured that the chain you wear, or the ring you sport on your finger is tougher even than gold. It is also very solid, and will take a very long time to wear down. Through constant wear and tear, metal decline will be even, not in patches or gouges. In fact, it will be better for you to purchase sterling silver, which does not discolor as fast as tacky silver-plated jewelry does.
If you are normally allergic to costume jewelry, you will find that sterling silver is of such superior quality that you will not find yourself breaking out in hives, or developing a green tinge on your skin. You won’t even have as much as a rash, as this type of jewelry does not have nickel content. Nickel is responsible for most allergic reactions in sensitive skin.
Another reason you will find attractive about wearing sterling silver pieces is the variety of styles and designs available in the market today. Whether you have a preference for plain lengths of metal and heavy torques, or intricate Celtic designs in dizzying knot work, you will be glad to discover a wide range of designs to choose from. Do you fancy a miniature sword hanging from your neck? You’ll find what you want, or even have your sterling silver design customized to your preferences.
Sterling silver jewelry is easy to clean as well. If you find a discoloration or two on the surface, all you need to do is purchase any of the commercial jewelry cleaning aids available in the market today, and give your pieces a few buffs with a soft cloth. You will be gratified to know that in time, with regular use, your silver jewelry will develop what is known to most silver enthusiasts as “patina”. This soft glow is the result of silver rubbing against your skin. With constant use, the natural oils of your skin will coat the jewelry pieces that will give them an almost otherworldly radiance.
If you are seeking for the best masculine jewelry to wear or to give as a gift, you’ll be very pleased with the choice of sterling silver.

Long, long ago, before silver was regarded as a metal for use as jewelry, it was used by many tribes in different countries for royal, religious or cult practices. Shamans, pharaohs, high priests and priestesses, and even healers used silver as a means to gain knowledge, to hold power, and to heal. In time, silversmiths incorporated stones, minerals and crystals into the silver items they created, and silver-wrought items made the transition into jewelry pieces.
There have been many excavations of sterling silver beaded jewelry, amulets, tokens, medallions, charms, and even prayer beads in many ancient digging sites around the world. Wearing this precious metal was said to imbue the wearer with powerful energies and provide otherworldly protection. For many other ancients, sterling silver jewelry served as their ticket to easy transition into the afterlife.
As centuries passed, sterling silver pieces were used by people to denote royalty, nobility, and social class. From armor to jewelry to clothing, as well as sterling silver items in the form of utensils and household goods, this precious metal distinguished the higher classes from ordinary denizens. In time, silver became the symbols used for power, prestige, wealth, authority, and nobility.
Even in religious ceremonies, sterling silver had a special importance, such as in wedding rings to symbolize commitment, for use in crosses to indicate faith, and in prayer beads to aid in the meditation process while reciting mantras. Silver was, and is still used today, in various types of jewelry, as auspicious tokens of wealth, unity, and protection.
Just as sterling silver was precious in relation to ancient traditions and beliefs, today, they are as widely-used by a new generation of silver jewelry lovers. Many handcrafted and beaded pieces are unique expressions of beauty that are loved the world over. The magnificence of sterling silver patina has gained this precious metal a valuable prestige, and countless jewelry enthusiasts are constantly in search of new designs and creations in the silver category.
People who enjoy wearing sterling silver jewelry prefer this metal because of the patina that develops over time. The patina is known as the soft glow of the silver surface that comes from its close contact with the skin and its natural oils. In fact, many people who buy these types of jewelry make sure that they wear their pieces on a regular basis in order to achieve this patina sooner rather than later. In some cases, silver jewelry that is frequently exposed to air that contains sulfur particles can tarnish. However, this is easily remedied by the many commercial jewelry cleansing aids available in the market today.
Sterling silver jewelry is a favorite, particularly for weddings. They blend well with almost any precious stones, such as pearls and diamonds. These items are usually popular with paves, necklace sets, cuff links, earrings, as well as bracelets and bangles. Many people, in fact, prefer to give gifts of sterling silver items to newly married couples, such as salt and pepper shakers, candlestick holders, and utensils. The metal has come to symbolize the purity of the union, and makes for attractive gift items, as well.

The use of silver jewelry, particularly pieces which are considered as vintage, continue to grow. In fact, vintage sterling silver jewelry is judged to be among the many kinds of jewelry filed under the category of collectibles. These types of jewelry are popular due in part to the fact that are considerably less expensive compared to gold or platinum. With daily use, they develop what jewelers call a “patina”, a beautiful sheen to the metal caused by frequent and close proximity to the skin.
Due to the great demand and wide use of sterling silver jewelry, many manufacturers are constantly coming up with new and innovative designs that have jewelry fans lining up to get these new pieces.
Sterling silver is particularly prized because of the patina the metal takes on due to regular used. This patina is much sought after, although it shouldn’t be confused with tarnishing. While this lightly glowing patina is achieved as the metal rubs against the skin and comes into contact with the skin’s natural oils, tarnishing occurs when sterling silver jewelry is exposed to air that contains traces of sulfur. While the patina exhibits itself with a gentle glow, tarnishing turns sterling silver jewelry black as a result of a chemical reaction that produces silver sulfide. In order to create a patina in sterling silver jewelry, it must be worn often, even while doing day-to-day tasks such as bathing, washing dishes, or exercising.
To ensure that silver jewelry is the genuine sterling silver article, people will need to look for the engraved “925” mark on its surface. The number means that 92.5 % of the metal is pure silver, while the remaining 7.5% is made from other metals, such as copper. In itself, silver is soft in consistency. In order to strengthen it and make it durable for use in jewelry, it is mixed with other metals. European silver, for instance, is normally made with an average percentage of .835. Mostly it is used for small charms, rather than larger pieces.
In some instances, sterling silver jewelry is manufactured with a coating of rhodium to keep the pieces from tarnishing. Some people have a preference for rhodium-plated pieces to save them the bother of having to clean their jewelry. Others avoid rhodium-coated jewelry as this type cannot develop the valued patina enjoyed by silver jewelry wearers.
Sterling silver pieces are also available online. To be on the safe side, it is best to purchase only from sites that provide photographs of the jewelry, especially the ones featuring the .925 mark. While some kinds of silver jewelry don’t have this stamp, the seller will have to provide a guarantee that the pieces are genuine and not merely plated.
Online sterling silver jewelry is also sold by the inch, so people can choose customizable lengths for their chains, bracelets, and anklets. Customers to these sites can also choose the kind of clasps they prefer, as well as many different designs and styles that will make beautiful and wearable collectible items that can be showcased by everyday wear.

Many people enjoy wearing silver jewelry, whether the items are made from silver, the pure variant of the metal, or from costume jewelry that has been silver-plated, these types of jewelry have often been favored by countless numbers of jewelry-wearers. Sterling silver jewelry, in particular, is made from a type of high grade metal that is both durable and beautiful to behold.
Silver, that precious metal, has been used for thousands of years to make religious or cult symbolic items, for use as silverware, utensils and other household items, as well as for jewelry. Silver jewelry came to wide-spread production in the 1700’s, particularly in its mostly pure form. Pure silver is actually a very soft kind of metal that cannot be made wearable unless mixed with other kinds of metal for durability. This combination of silver and other sturdy metals results in what is known as sterling silver.
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission refers to sterling silver as a precious commodity that cannot be referred to as such unless it is either pure solid silver, or a mix of metals with at least 92.5 percent made up of metal. This is why we see the stamped .925 number on real sterling silver jewelry. The number means that the piece contains 925 parts pure silver out of every thousand. The most common combination is silver and copper. With the addition of copper, silver takes on a harder consistency and becomes more durable. Unfortunately, the copper component also causes sterling silver pieces to tarnish if not properly cared for. When this happens, the surface of jewelry darkens from light brown to black.
There are countless types of sterling silver jewelry that are available commercially. These types of jewelry are usually sold by the inch, particularly when it comes to chain length. This way, people who frequently buy these type of jewelry can measure the length they require for necklaces, bracelets, anklets, and other items.
Sterling silver jewelry is also customizable. This is particularly true of jewelry sold online. Customers can choose the kinds of clasps they prefer, whether they be toggles or clamps. A great variety of silver pendants are available to match every type of outfit. Some of the more unique designs can be found in handcrafted jewelry from Bali, as well are many other rings, earrings, and exotic looking bracelets.
Because of its tendency to tarnish, These precious kinds of jewelry develop what most jewelers call a “patina”. These layers give a “glow” to darkened areas of jewelry pieces. While some people enjoy having this patina to their jewelry, others prefer a pure and shiny look to theirs. This is whey there are many commercial sterling silver jewelry cleaning agents available. With a buffing cloth, sterling silver can be gently cleaned, wrapped in soft cloth, and stored in air-tight containers to prevent tarnishing, or to slow down the tarnishing process. More often than not, sterling silver jewelry kept in a cool environment with very low humidity will last longer and retain their beauty and shine.