Silver Jewelry Information & Articles on keeping silver by UKgiftsets.com
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HOW DO I RECOGNISE SILVER AND SILVER JEWELRY?
There are millions of silver jewelry and silver items, new and old available to buy today. Silver jewelry is popular worldwide and can be found in shops, markets, on- line stores, auctions, even car-boot sales. The majority of solid silver or Sterling is stamped 925 and/or has a hallmark. Hallmarks are usually representative of the country of origin, the British hallmark will have a lion passant (varies from country to country), this will be accompanied by the date letter (each letter will signify the year made), the relevant symbol to show the City of origin, the head of monarch, and often a makers initial stamp. European hallmarks are similar in that they can include monarch head, date letter and a symbol representing the country or city of origin. Hallmarks differ considerably depending on where the piece was made, there are export marks on silver, this can be a globe symbol but again, it is worth looking into the details and there are many web sites and books which will explain the several symbols and marks on silver items.
STERLING SILVER AND 925:
Most silver is either marked 925 or Sterling. These are the two most common forms of silver stamps apart from hallmarks. The word Sterling and its connection to silver probably derive from Anglo-Saxon times when ‘Sterling’ or silver pennies were used as currency. The word Sterling stamped on silver more than usual denotes that the item is real solid silver. Widely used and is recognised internationally is the 925 stamp. This number shows the purity of silver e.g. – .925 parts to 1000 (the remaining amount will be nickel alloy or similar). This is the most regular found stamp on international silver and to have the mark 925 on a jewelry item shows it is solid silver. Some international stamps of this kind will differ depending on the purity of silver, some antique silver and some German and the European countries have the stamp 825, this is solid silver and should be regarded as so even if it is not as commonly recognised as much as 925. Some vintage and modern jewelry which is advertised as silver is actually ALPACA which is an alloy of silver with other metals, it is not pure silver and should not be sold as such. Also it is important to recognise silver plated jewelry from solid silver, this once again can be determined from the hallmark or Sterling/925 stamp.
HOW CAN I LOOK AFTER MY SILVER?
Silver tarnishes easily and it is best to store it away from sulphurs that are mainly found in the air, so an air tight box or cupboard is best. There are several silver polishes on the market available; the best silver cleaner for more complex designed silver jewelry items or delicate pieces such as chains and earrings is silver dip. Silver dip is usually made for and sold by well-know High Street jewelry shops and the assistant should offer advise on the product is asked. Most silver if cared for properly will only require gentle buffing with a soft cloth and light silver polish.
SILVER JEWELRY AND FASHION
Silver jewelry is often the choice for the more casual fashions as it is not necessarily worn as a status symbol or to represent affluence. Silver jewelry if looked after properly can last forever and is inexpensive compared to gold because it is easier to mine and more plentiful than gold as a rule.
Looking at trends, solid silver or Sterling silver is generally popular amongst young people, although anyone of any age can wear jewelry of any type. Giving a younger person a piece of silver jewelry is a good way for them to learn and appreciate the importance of jewelry, not just as a fashion accessory, but as a possible investment. Silver jewelry for a younger person is suitable because it is more subtle than gold. Generally people who are younger tend to be active and are more likely to lose jewelry which is another good reason why silver is a sensible choice.
Silver jewelry is often wore by men as it is not obvious and can compliment their attire and physique. Silver for a man or a woman can accentuate their skin tone and can flatter a tan. Designers such as Tiffany & Co. have helped to improve the status of silver jewelry by producing a very fashionable range, this has boosted the market confidence in silver jewelry and inspired other jewelry makers to design extremely high quality items.