If the silver contains less than 92.5% fine or pure silver, it cannot be stamped 925 or sold as sterling silver. You'll often find the distinctive stamp on the inside of rings, on the post of the earrings, or on the small labels on bracelets or chains. You can also test the authenticity of your sterling silver at home. Before investing your money in any jewelry, make sure you understand the material.
Sterling silver is made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% metal alloy. The most commonly used metal alloy is copper and it adds strength to soft and natural silver metal. This makes your ring durable while retaining the shiny shine of the surface. Your jewelry will last longer if not exposed to the air.
Sterling silver jewelry is best kept in sealed containers. Using anti-wear strips in an airtight container can protect your valuables from the effects of rust. Put some silica or a piece of chalk in the jewelry box or bag to absorb moisture from the air. Silver jewelry is beautiful and durable, but requires special care to maintain its shine and luster.
Store your jewelry in its original case or in a plastic or Mylar bag. Keep your sterling silver jewelry away from direct sunlight and moisture. A necklace with charms with open connections can be worn alone or combined with a wide variety of other pendants to create a variety of styles. If you're wearing jewelry, take it off before you get in the shower or go swimming.
Never expose sterling silver jewelry to chemicals or body fluids. Don't forget that while almost anyone can make a silver ring, only those that have been approved by the government can make genuine, approved Italian silver rings. Sterling silver, which contains 92.5% silver, is widely regarded as the finest silver for use in jewelry. You can better determine what type of silver jewelry best suits your needs and preferences if you are familiar with the distinctions between the two.
In short, finding better quality genuine Italian silver rings at an affordable price will be difficult. But keep in mind that silver jewelry is softer than gold, platinum and titanium, and is likely to tarnish if not properly cared for. Although the purest silver may seem preferable at first glance, it's actually too malleable to be used in jewelry. Unfortunately, as in any other industry, not all silver jewelry sellers offer superior products.
Although it reflects light more brightly, sterling silver isn't the best material for durable jewelry. No matter the style of the jewelry or its condition, sterling silver itself is worth money. However, sterling silver, often referred to as pure silver, has a purity level of 99.9 percent, but is too brittle to be used in jewelry manufacturing. Because of the visual similarity between sterling silver and argentium, it may be necessary to consult an expert if the type of silver is not specified.
If you're expecting one of these metals and have jewelry made of sterling silver, you might not be satisfied. Although some authentic sterling silver items may lack the distinctive stamp, this is no excuse for purchasing fraudulent silver jewelry.
