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.
Silver is an ideal alternative to gold for accessories since it typically costs less, and it is also more versatile in terms of which clothes it looks good with. It does not usually bother those who are allergic to some types of metal, but it can easily oxidize and look black if not cleaned often.
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.
What's good about sterling silver is its added firmness which makes it easier for silversmiths to craft and makes it possible for gemstones to be set in it if desired as well. There are some pieces made from pure silver, but due to its delicate nature they aren't ones which can be worn daily. Oxidized silver is that which has been treated with oxygen to produce an aged look. German "silver" is not in fact silver but a mixed alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc with a silver-plating.
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.
Anyone who is purchasing silver pieces should know how to spot imitation silver. This can be detected with some simple visual evaluations. Silver is heavier and softer than metals used in imitation pieces, if it is pricked with a needle, a small mark should be noted. Genuine silver is very shiny and glistening, while fakes are usually more dull in tone.
The skilled individuals who practice this ancient art of forging beautiful jewelry from silver, are called silversmiths. They can work this malleable metal at room temperature, but will use a blow torch when needed to achieve specific effects. Other techniques involved in the production of jewelry include both hand and machine engraving, "annealing" or heat reshaping, and surface polishing using abrasive compounds. In most cases the price of a pieces depends on how much work has gone into it.
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.
Silver is an ideal alternative to gold for accessories since it typically costs less, and it is also more versatile in terms of which clothes it looks good with. It does not usually bother those who are allergic to some types of metal, but it can easily oxidize and look black if not cleaned often.
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.
What's good about sterling silver is its added firmness which makes it easier for silversmiths to craft and makes it possible for gemstones to be set in it if desired as well. There are some pieces made from pure silver, but due to its delicate nature they aren't ones which can be worn daily. Oxidized silver is that which has been treated with oxygen to produce an aged look. German "silver" is not in fact silver but a mixed alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc with a silver-plating.
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.
Anyone who is purchasing silver pieces should know how to spot imitation silver. This can be detected with some simple visual evaluations. Silver is heavier and softer than metals used in imitation pieces, if it is pricked with a needle, a small mark should be noted. Genuine silver is very shiny and glistening, while fakes are usually more dull in tone.
The skilled individuals who practice this ancient art of forging beautiful jewelry from silver, are called silversmiths. They can work this malleable metal at room temperature, but will use a blow torch when needed to achieve specific effects. Other techniques involved in the production of jewelry include both hand and machine engraving, "annealing" or heat reshaping, and surface polishing using abrasive compounds. In most cases the price of a pieces depends on how much work has gone into it.
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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