Have you ever been dreaming of stunning wide bangle in solid silver? The one that looks very modern with irregularly shaped cut out holes or maybe the viking style jewelry piece dated back to those legendary times?
History Sterling silver has become very popular in today’s society since humans discovered the versatility of the metal. The ancient Byzantine, Phoenician and Egyptians created beautiful silver jewelry. The ancient Egyptians wore silver jewelry to protect against bad luck and evil. Templars wore knights templar jewelry made of silver to commemorate religious worship and symbolism.
According to ancient mystic lore, silver can ward off werewolves and other demons, even some claim it can enhance psychic powers. Nowadays, sterling silver jewelry has become part of everyday dressing. Due to the affordable price, the beauty of the metal, the trendier and contemporary designs, it has become popular and particularly attracts younger people. More and more of them would like to get, for instance, silver chain with pendant.
It also appeals to men and women of all age and fashion tastes. It is an alternative to the expensive metal; white gold or platinum. Sterling silver jewelry has been used to represent the wearer to their religion and interests, such as their favorite hobbies, pets, family, and feelings. For instance, do you remember the Vikings culture and their silver bangles? Some might use it for special events, such as birth, wedding, graduation, anniversaries and etc. Mexico, Peru, Canada, the US and Australia are the highest producing mined silver in the world.
Silver Types
There is a significant difference when it goes about silver and sterling silver. The first one is 999/1000 pure at its natural state. It can’t keep its shape perfectly all the time because of his feature. As you guess it is quite tricky to make and wear everyday products of this material.
Sterling silver in its turn is 92.5% pure silver, in additions, there’s 7. 5% of the alloy. This element comes from zinc, copper and even nickel. The sterling silver alloy was developed in Eastern Germany. It is also called 925. The hallmark on jewelry pieces means 92. 5% purity of the silver.
Care
Sterling silver does tarnish due to its nature. It can tarnish with a long period of time if you wear it is not a proper way and misuse. Tarnish is caused by a chemical reaction between the silver, oxygen, and sulfur. Good caring is essential to maintain a good condition for years.
The following tips will be helpful to keep your pieces at their best.
- When the jewelry not in wear, keep in a cool and dry place and store separately to avoid scratching. It would be best to store in an airtight container with soft materials.
- The less air exposure will slow down the oxidizing process.
- Take off the silver jewelry when bathing, swimming or undertaking manual work.
- Do not ever sleep in any of the fine jewelry. They will tug on sheets and clothing, which bends the prongs and allows movement of the stones so it will become easy to lose the stones.
- Common cleaning methods include warm water and mild soap. Use a soft silver cloth to clean the sterling silver jewelry and avoid abrasive polishes, silver dips or scrubbing tools, such as steel wool, because it will potentially damage the protective coated finish and gemstones. The silver jewelry will become more likely to tarnish more easily.
Avoid contact with chemicals, such as perfume, hair spray, deodorant, household cleaning fluids and etc. Gently clean the gemstone or cubic zirconia with mild soapy detergent and a soft brush.