Sterling Silver- What is it and why should you use it?

What is Sterling Silver jewellery and why should you wear it everyday?

Who doesn’t enjoy wearing glammed up jewels? Be it gold, platinum, silver or semi-precious stones, everyone likes a little bit of sparkle in their wardrobes. In Indian culture, silver is associated with the Moon, denoting coolness, balance, femininity and motherhood.

I’m sure you must’ve heard of the term 925 silver or “ sterling silver” recently. What exactly is sterling silver? Does it differ from real silver? How do you know if your sterling silver is real? How economical is it? And how do you clean and take care of it? Let’s delve into these frequently asked questions to give you a better insight into sterling silver.

Silver

At par with gold and platinum metals, silver is also one of the many precious metals. What makes silver so desirable is its comparatively scarce availability, ductility, its brilliant white colour and its resistance to atmospheric oxidation. Silver has been used in the manufacture of coins, ornaments, and jewellery since ancient times.

Silver ornaments and decorations have been found in royal tombs dating back as far as 4000 BCE. It is probable that both gold and silver were used as money by 800 BCE in all countries between the Indus and the Nile.

What is Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver- real or a myth?

Yes, you’ve heard it right- sterling silver is absolutely real silver. The difference between fine and sterling silver is that fine silver is made 99% out of real silver while sterling silver is necessarily an alloy which contains 92.5% silver along with 7.5% copper. This has also led to sterling silver being called 925 Silver.

The copper makes the silver harder, more durable and therefore much better to work with and use, but without compromising on colour. Most silver jewellery that you buy and wear will be sterling silver.

Without sacrificing colour, the copper gives the silver greater strength and durability, making it much easier to work with and use. The majority of silver jewellery you purchase and wear is made of sterling silver.

Is it possible for silver jewellery to turn black? Yes, it is also expected and quite simple to fix.

Given the addition of copper, sterling silver will tarnish more quickly and eventually turn dark brown or black, especially in humid environments. Despite the tarnish, your sterling silver will remain in mint condition beneath it and won’t rust or corrode with regular usage. It’s also simple to clean.

How to confirm the authenticity of Sterling Silver?

Hallmark: To verify the purity of the silver, genuine sterling silver products are usually stamped with a hallmark.

Magnet Test: Use a small magnet to test the authenticity of sterling silver as it is not magnetic. The item probably contains other metals and isn’t pure silver if the magnet is drawn to it.

Ice Test: An ice cube placed on a sterling silver object should melt rapidly since silver is a great heat conductor. It might be a sign that the object is not pure silver, though, if the ice cube takes longer to melt or creates a visible barrier.

Professional Appraisal: You should think about getting the advice of a professional jeweller or appraiser if you’re not sure if a sterling silver piece is legitimate. They can correctly determine the item’s composition and worth by examining it using specialist instruments and processes.

Ultimately, there could be a whole list of reasons why you should consider switching to sterling silver for everyday use.

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