Sterling silver is a precious alloy widely used in jewelry, due to the many benefits it provides. Listed worldwide, it is the reference allowing the label “silver” to be affixed to a piece of jewelry. Products weighing less than 925 sterling silver cannot benefit from this.
Composition of 925 silver
925 sterling silver is made from pure silver with added other metals, including copper. This marriage aims to make money more malleable and more resistant. Because it is pure, it is soft and fragile, and therefore difficult to work. Sterling refers to Anglo-Saxon origins, with the English using this metal in the past to mint their currency. As for the number 925, it means that there is 92.5% pure silver in this alloy, the 7.5% being another material (copper). This mixture makes silver more practical to model, and therefore allows many jewelry creations to be made
How to recognize sterling silver?
A piece of real sterling silver jewelry is hallmarked. Several types of engraving testify to the veracity of makes a high-pitched noise. If you knock it against another object (gently so as not to damage it), you will hear a shrill clicking sound. Without this crystal clear sound, the money share will be less. Money doesn’t smell. If you smell a strong odor, it will come from other metals, and therefore the jewelry will not be authentic. By friction, sterling silver becomes covered with black marks, due to an oxygenation process. Another simple way to check if your jewelry is 925 sterling silver is to try to attract it with a magnet. If it doesn’t stick to it, it’s because it’s real. Otherwise, it’s a fake. Silver melts ice quickly because it is an excellent conductor of heat. Putting it in contact with ice cubes can give an indication of its composition. Upon contact with cold, it will quickly absorb freshness, which will be perceptible to the touch. If doubt persists, you can call on a professional to appraise your jewelry. He may use more advanced methods, such as x-rays or nitric acid.
The Benefits of Sterling Silver
Sterling silver has many advantages in jewelry. Its price and flexibility allow for all fantasies.
Why do jewelers work with sterling silver?
Sterling silver has the advantage of being very malleable, while still being resistant. This gives jewelers great creative freedom. Sterling silver allows for all styles. Its pretty color is gray and shiny, so it can easily be combined with other metals or stones, in a very aesthetic way. In addition, silver has been booming for several years, to the detriment of gold. Less flashy and more refined, it has become a must-have for accessories.
Gift a sterling silver necklace
collier argent sterling 925
Silver is increasingly popular in terms of jewelry, unlike gold. Giving a piece of sterling silver jewelry is therefore a gift that will have an impact. Its price is lower than other precious metals such as gold of equivalent mass. However, visually, sterling silver looks just like white gold. 925 sterling silver allows jewelers to give free rein to their imagination, the choice of necklaces will be very wide. From chokers to long necklaces, from chains to silver name necklaces , it can feature a pretty personalized pendant, a first name, be set with precious stones… all combinations are possible, to suit all tastes .
Gift a sterling silver ring
925 silver ring
Similar to 925 silver necklaces and bracelets , 925 sterling silver rings come in a wide range and many sizes. A token of love or friendship, the ring is always a very appreciated gift, especially when it is personalized. First name, date, words of love, symbol, a 925 sterling silver ring can be engraved to immortalize your feelings.
How to care for sterling silver?
Silver is an oxidizable metal. Over time, its pretty, shiny gray color can fade. However, regular maintenance will protect your sterling silver and slow the damage of time. It is best not to get the silver wet. So take off your jewelry when showering, bathing or washing dishes. Likewise, it is not recommended to put it in contact with chemicals. Bleach, chlorine… are aggressive products and can irreversibly damage your jewelry. To avoid micro-scratches, it is advisable to store your 925 sterling silver jewelry in a soft pouch. Anti-tarnish cloths and boxes allow you to store your silver objects in the best conditions. Specially tailored products are available to clean your 925 sterling silver jewelry and protect it from tarnishing. Silver should be rubbed using a soft cloth.
The difference with solid silver
Solid silver contains at least 80% pure silver. 925 sterling silver contains at least 92.5%. 925 sterling silver is therefore solid silver, but solid silver is not necessarily as dense as 925 sterling silver. Solid silver may consist only in part of 925 sterling silver, the rest being in another metal or plated. Thus, 925 sterling silver is widely used by jewelers, due to its ease of working, the freedom of creation it provides and the way in which it has managed to appeal to the greatest number of people, at a lower cost. It accessorizes outfits of all styles with elegance and distinction, and its personalization makes you feel truly unique.