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Sterling Silver Jewelry
by Carly Wickell
http://jewelry.about.com/od/silverjewelry/a/sterling_silver.htm
Buying and Caring for Sterling Silver Jewelry
Silver has been used to make jewelry since ancient times,
but the exploration of continents in the western hemisphere
uncovered more productive silver mines than Europeans had
ever seen. More silver has been mined and used since the late
1700's than in all prior centuries combined.
What is Sterling Silver?
Silver is a soft metal in its pure form, too soft to be used
for jewelry and other items, so it's mixed with other metals
to make it more durable. A popular silver mixture, called
an alloy, is known as sterling silver. The US Federal Trade
Commission, FTC, dictates that jewelry sold in the US cannot
be marked or described as silver, solid silver, sterling silver,
sterling, or using the abbreviation Ster. unless it contains
at least 92.5 percent pure silver.
The minimum silver content is also stated as 925 parts per
thousand of pure silver. Copper is the most common metal used
to round out the 7.5 percent alloy balance. It adds hardness
to pure silver, but brings with a tendency to tarnish--a darkening
that occurs when sterling silver reacts with gases in the
air or with other substances that it comes in contact with.
Storing Sterling Silver Jewelry
Store your sterling silver jewelry in tarnish prevention cloths
or bags. The treated cloth slows down the tarnishing process
and keeps the jewelry from bouncing against other, harder
jewelry that can scratch it. It's best to keep your sterling
jewelry in a cool, dry place.
Cleaning Your Sterling Silver Jewelry
Silver may be cleaned with a phosphate free detergent. A low
abrasive cleaner, such as 3M Tarni-Shield Silver Polish, is
a good choice for removing light tarnish. Most silver experts
do not recommend you use toothpaste to clean your sterling
silver jewelry because they feel it is too abrasive and can
dull the piece. Sterling silver jewelry that is worn continually
often develops a pretty patina, a kind of glow that's combined
with darkened areas. If you like the look, leave it alone.
If you prefer a bright and shiny look, use polish to restore
the jewelry to its original appearance.
Silver and Platinum Combination
In 2003, Marc “Doc” Robinson created 3 formulas
of platinum enhanced sterling silver for ABI Precious Metals
in Carson, California. His sterling with platinum alloy is
harder than sterling/copper blends and is tarnish resistant.
Expect to see the new, more expensive alloys used to create
fine jewelry. Sterling silver jewelry is beautiful, but one
of its best qualities is its affordability. Sterling silver
jewelry is within reach of nearly any budget.
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