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Buying and Caring for Sterling Silver Jewelry

02/08/12

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.
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The figures 925 or 92.5 may be used to mark silver content on an item.

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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