What is Sterling Silver?

Silver is a material used to make accessories. It has been used for jewellery since the ancient times when there were still plenty of accessible silver mines around the western hemisphere. Easily malleable and durable, pure silver was mixed with other metals in order to come up with what we refer now as sterling silver. Original sterling silver accessories are marked with the number 92.5 or 925. This number stands for the 97.5 percent of pure silver on the alloy with the remaining 7.5 as the additional metals mixed on it.

Why Sterling Silver is Popular

Sterling silver is the second torchbearer to gold’s number one position on the popularity scale due to a number of factors. One, it is a very malleable material that can be easily bended and moulded into various jewellery designs so there are a lot of styles that consumers can choose from. Next is because of its affordability. As compared to gold, sterling silver is a cheaper alternative that everyone can afford. The last factor is its ability to turn into a lovely patina colour when it fades. Unlike other materials used in accessory-making that produces ugly shades of colour once they fade, sterling silver merely turns into a patina or a rose colour shade so even if left unclean, sterling silver still retains its natural appeal.

How to Care for Sterling Silver Jewellery

– Even though sterling silver accessories develop a patina shade once tarnished, it does not make too much difference if they remained that way. However, to keep silver from tarnishing, refrain from exposing them to harsh chemicals such as perfume, hair spray, chlorine, and other cosmetic products.

– Use phosphate-free detergent and polishing cloths in cleaning. If the accessory is already tarnished, choose a low abrasive cleaner to remove the stain but try not to scratch the surface. Some may advice to use toothpaste in cleaning sterling silver. This, however, is a huge misconception because toothpaste is a highly abrasive material that can scratch the soft surface of the silver.

– Wash the accessories periodically using mild dish soap and lukewarm water to prevent it from tarnishing. Rinse them well and dry them using a soft cloth before storing them in separate jewellery bags.
Quici Home Remedy in Cleaning Sterling Silver Accessories

– Line the bottom of a bowl or glass with strips of aluminium foil.
– Pour two cups of lukewarm water and add 2 tablespoonful of baking soda on it.
– Soak the accessories on the solution for a couple of minutes
– Pour the solution together with the accessories on a strainer or colander. Rinse, dry, and shine with the use of polishing cloth.

Tips for Sterling Silver Maintenance

– Store the sterling silver accessories on separate accessory bags away from other jewelleries that are made of other metals. Sterling silver is very soft and it can be easily scratched when mixed with other jewelleries such as gold or diamonds.

– Use tarnish prevention bags to keep them from fading. These materials are specially treated to keep silvers from tarnishing when not in use.

Author Bio: Silver Jewellery online Egyptian jewellery

Category: Womens Interest
Keywords: