What Makes Sterling Silver Jewelry So Special?

If you have just purchased a sterling silver jewelry piece, you’re probably wondering what makes sterling silver so special. This article will provide you with an overview of the silver’s characteristics, the uses it can be put to, and how to store it properly. Once you’ve decided on the perfect storage place, you can begin your search for the perfect piece of jewelry. Read on to discover the benefits of storing your precious metals in a dark and cool location.

Authenticity of sterling silver

The first step in ensuring the quality of your silver jewelry is to test its authenticity. To do this, simply visit a jeweler and have them conduct an acid test. A drop of acid will show the silver’s true color, and if the object turns blue or green, it is not genuine. However, if it does turn blue or green, it is a fake piece. Therefore, it is crucial to seek the advice of a jeweler before purchasing a piece of silver jewelry.

Characteristics of sterling silver

Pure silver is the most popular precious metal used for jewelry. It is soft, malleable, and lustrous. It also has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of all metals. This material is stable in both water and oxygen. However, when exposed to sulfur compounds in the air, it tarnishes and forms a black sulfide layer. For this reason, most jewelry pieces made of sterling silver have a higher percentage of silver than other materials.

Common uses of sterling silver

Sterling silver has many uses. It was once popular for making fine tableware, including spoons, coffee service sets, and silver trays. The material’s stability and heft made it an excellent choice for these purposes. Silver serving pieces, such as napkin rings and silver candlesticks, were also used for cutting food. Other common uses of sterling silver were in the kitchen, such as tea pots, water pitchers, liqueur goblets, and demitasse cups.

Value of sterling silver

Sterling silver jewelry varies in price from low-end to designer pieces. Its value depends on several factors, including its composition and style. It should always be well-polished and well-made before determining its price. Sterling silver jewelry is not pure, so the price may vary widely, depending on the type. Although it is more affordable than gold and platinum, sterling silver is not as durable. Because of this, you should ensure the authenticity of the piece before asking for a price.

Cost of sterling silver as a precious metal

Sterling silver is a commonly used precious metal for making high-end jewelry. This metal is not pure silver, but rather an alloy consisting of 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent other metals, most often copper. The addition of other metals gives sterling silver its strength and appearance without altering the silver’s fineness. The cost of sterling silver as a precious metal for jewelry varies widely, depending on the manufacturer and the type of jewelry.

Store it in tarnish-preventative bags

When storing silver jewelry, tarnish-preventative bags are essential for minimizing the tarnishing process. These bags lock out gasses that may damage silver, but air is often trapped within them. The best storage bags for silver jewelry are made of Corrosion Intercept(r) film, which is virtually impenetrable to tarnish gases. A quality storage bag seals the silver jewelry inside the bag, and prevents air from surrounding the piece.

Care for sterling silver jewelry

If you’re concerned about tarnishing, you should care for your sterling silver jewelry in several ways. By soaking it in a solution of 1 cup boiling water and two tablespoons of baking soda, you can remove the tarnish and preserve the shine of your jewelry. When cleaning your jewelry, you should use a soft cloth, not a toilet paper towel, to prevent scratches. When cleaning, use up-and-down strokes to avoid spreading tarnish. Avoid using circular motions, as this could cause damage to your jewelry. Finally, avoid polishing intentionally oxidized silver.