Sterling silver: improved alloy for your jewelry
Silver is one of the natural metals found on the earth. The pure silver is relatively soft, flexible and easily damage. Therefore, it was not popular use in the jewelry world. Silver used in jewelry world is called silver alloy as it was mixed with other metal to make a more durable product. The most popular form of silver alloy is sterling silver which is a mixture of copper (7.5%) and silver (92.5%). The mixture of copper and silver did improve the alloy’s hardness, its durability and also give no effect to its color. Some people might think that small amount of copper will effect to the metal’s value. But actually the major factors involved with the sterling silver jewelry are the labor involved in making the jewelry item, the skill of the craftsman and the jewelry design.
For your sterling silver jewelry, you can ask for the “fineness” or “quality” mark from your jewelry retailer. This mark is your guarantee for the precious metal content of jewelry and its right under the federal law with legal registered trademark.
The sterling silver quality has improved the silver quality in term of malleability and durable for an intricate jewelry made. The alloy has often used for jewelry and household accessories according to its beauty and durability. If you want to try on this metal alloy, check it out in either jewelry stores or from the online jewelry shop. There are lots of product in various styles and designs based on the sterling silver material.
If you decide to go with the sterling silver jewelry, you should have thought about a proper care on this material type. With a great proper care, your quality sterling silver will last for your lifetime. The proper care is started with minimize scratches and other damage by store your sterling silver separated from the other piece. The use of cloth pouch or jewelry case before place the piece into a separate compartment in your jewelry box will help in this step. Then, regularly check your jewelry for any damage or losing sign. If that happen, ask for the jewelry craftsman for their help. Avoid all household bleach chemical substance when you wear your jewelry on. Ammonia and chlorinated water were also banned from your sterling silver jewelry. If you want to clean your sterling silver jewelry, go with the fine silver polishes or special solutions for sterling silver with polishing cloths. By this way, your sterling silver will stay with you as long as you keep an eye on them.