The timeless, classic look of silver never goes out of style and is a favorite of many. Sterling silver jewelry has become very sought-after for its durability and the fact that it does not lose its finish like silver-plated pieces do. Before buying silversmith jewelry it's a good idea to know what to look for in a quality piece.
Those who prefer silver to gold often like it better because it is more affordable for one, and also because it is not as flashy which makes it more suitable to wear with more types of clothes. They usually don't irritate those with allergies to metals either. Sterling silver does oxidize easily and needs to be cleaned often to avoid tarnish.
There are different types of silver used to create jewelry, but sterling silver is generally considered to be the best of these. Genuine sterling silver is a blend of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. Since pure silver is a very soft material, it's necessary to combine it with other metals and copper has proven to be the best choice. "Silvertone" pieces however, are merely coated in silver which will eventually wear off.
Pure silver can be used to create jewelry, but due to is extreme malleability, it is not well-suited for daily wear. Since sterling silver is reinforced with copper it is actually easier for silversmiths to work with and is strong enough for gemstones to be set in it. German silver isn't actually silver at all, but a blend of zinc, nickel, and copper with a silver plating. Oxidized silver has been specially treated with oxygen to give it an antique look.
A high quality piece will bear a mark designating it as such which is known as a "fineness mark". It should be stamped with any of the following; sterling silver, sterling, ster, or . 925 and must also include the maker's insignia or registered trademark for authenticity by law.
Being able to tell the difference between real and imitation silver is important and can be done simply with a couple of visual assessments. Genuine silver has a very shiny finish, while the imposters are generally duller. Silver weighs more and is softer than other metals, so it will feel heavier and if it is pricked with a pin, it will leave a faint mark.
A silversmith is a skilled craftsman who practices the ages-old are of forming beautiful jewelry from silver alloys. Since this is a very malleable or flexible metal, it can be manipulated at room temperature although a blow torch may be used to achieve some effects. Other techniques applied include hand or machine engraving, "annealing" or using heat for reshaping, and applying abrasive compounds to polish the pieces. The cost of these creations is normally determined by the level of craftsmanship that went into making them.
Silversmith jewelry needs to be treated with care in order for it to last for many years. This includes storing it in a safe place to prevent scratches and avoiding contact with household bleach and ammonia, as well as chlorinated swimming pools. It should also be cleaned routinely using a polish which has been formulated for silver, ideally at the first appearance of tarnish.
Those who prefer silver to gold often like it better because it is more affordable for one, and also because it is not as flashy which makes it more suitable to wear with more types of clothes. They usually don't irritate those with allergies to metals either. Sterling silver does oxidize easily and needs to be cleaned often to avoid tarnish.
There are different types of silver used to create jewelry, but sterling silver is generally considered to be the best of these. Genuine sterling silver is a blend of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. Since pure silver is a very soft material, it's necessary to combine it with other metals and copper has proven to be the best choice. "Silvertone" pieces however, are merely coated in silver which will eventually wear off.
Pure silver can be used to create jewelry, but due to is extreme malleability, it is not well-suited for daily wear. Since sterling silver is reinforced with copper it is actually easier for silversmiths to work with and is strong enough for gemstones to be set in it. German silver isn't actually silver at all, but a blend of zinc, nickel, and copper with a silver plating. Oxidized silver has been specially treated with oxygen to give it an antique look.
A high quality piece will bear a mark designating it as such which is known as a "fineness mark". It should be stamped with any of the following; sterling silver, sterling, ster, or . 925 and must also include the maker's insignia or registered trademark for authenticity by law.
Being able to tell the difference between real and imitation silver is important and can be done simply with a couple of visual assessments. Genuine silver has a very shiny finish, while the imposters are generally duller. Silver weighs more and is softer than other metals, so it will feel heavier and if it is pricked with a pin, it will leave a faint mark.
A silversmith is a skilled craftsman who practices the ages-old are of forming beautiful jewelry from silver alloys. Since this is a very malleable or flexible metal, it can be manipulated at room temperature although a blow torch may be used to achieve some effects. Other techniques applied include hand or machine engraving, "annealing" or using heat for reshaping, and applying abrasive compounds to polish the pieces. The cost of these creations is normally determined by the level of craftsmanship that went into making them.
Silversmith jewelry needs to be treated with care in order for it to last for many years. This includes storing it in a safe place to prevent scratches and avoiding contact with household bleach and ammonia, as well as chlorinated swimming pools. It should also be cleaned routinely using a polish which has been formulated for silver, ideally at the first appearance of tarnish.
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