Silver: A Timeless Metal in Fashion Jewellery
Silver has long been one of the most popular precious metals in fashion jewellery, appreciated for its beauty, versatility, and relative affordability. Its accessibility makes it a desirable alternative for both designer jewellers and consumers.
Silver Alloys
Eternal Beauty and Versatility
Silver, known for its brilliant luster and malleability, is widely used in jewellery. However, like gold and platinum, pure silver is too soft for practical use, so it is alloyed with other metals to enhance its strength and durability.
- Sterling Silver: The highest quality and most popular silver alloy is sterling silver, typically composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. It is often referred to as .925 fine silver. In some cases, copper may be mixed with small amounts of zinc or nickel to further enhance the alloy’s strength.
- Durability Enhancement: To improve durability and resistance to tarnish, sterling silver is frequently coated with a thin finish of either silver or rhodium.
Silver Markings
In the U.S., silver jewellery is required by law to carry markings that indicate its fineness, or the ratio of pure silver to alloys. These stamps—such as "sterling," "925," or ".925"—ensure the quality of the metal. Additionally, a maker's mark or trademark accompanies the fineness stamp, so always check for both to guarantee the authenticity and quality of your silver jewellery.
Silver Pricing
As the most common precious metal, silver is more affordable than gold or platinum. Its abundance and relatively easy extraction keep production costs low. However, the price of silver jewellery varies based on several factors, including the fineness of the silver, the craftsmanship involved, and the complexity of the design.
Caring for Silver Jewellery
To preserve the beauty and longevity of your silver jewellery, it’s essential to handle it with care:
- Avoid Physical Damage: Remove your silver jewellery when engaging in activities that could cause scratching or damage, such as gardening, painting, or sports.
- Chemical Exposure: Avoid exposing silver to harsh chemicals, such as chlorine, ammonia, or bleach, which can cause permanent damage. This includes removing jewellery when swimming or using household cleaning agents.
- Proper Storage: Store silver jewellery in soft, dry, individual pouches to prevent it from scratching against other items.