Silver

Silver Sparkles Affordably

Silver jewelry of all types and styles is enjoying a real resurgence of popularity today, which is partially driven by today's fashion-conscious consumer. Another factor in this popularity is also the affordability of even fine silver jewelry as compared to similar styles and designs of platinum or gold jewelry. Silver jewelry is very versatile and can be worn with many different styles of clothing and always glimmers and shines with a lustrous beauty all its own. 

Silver has been used in jewelry making, as well as in many different forms of art and functional items for centuries, dating back to ancient times and cultures. Unfortunately, because it tarnishes more easily and eventually will decompose, we do not have as many artifacts made from this metal as we do artifacts that were crafted in gold and other more durable metals.

Silver

In addition, silver has been used extensively in more recent times for serving pieces and other items such as sterling silver flatware. There are many heirloom pieces that are treasured by families which have been passed down from generation to generation and are still in use today.

When taken care of through regular cleaning and removing of tarnish, silver jewelry and other items made of this precious metal can withstand use over the centuries. Such treasures from earlier generations are wonderful reminders of bygone eras and are tangible connections to ancestors who lived in very different times.

Vintage silver jewelry is also a very collectible and highly sought-after type of jewelry art that many people are willing to spend a bit extra to possess. One reason for this is that such vintage jewelry products can reach across generations and can give a person a sense that they are wearing a piece of history. Some people also feel a connection to the person who previously owned and wore the vintage piece.

Silver is the most common and most abundant of all types of precious metals that are found but it is rarely used in its pure, or fine, form for jewelry or any type of functional items such as flatware. This is because in its pure state it is too soft which makes it difficult to hold its shape and to resist scratching and marring.

This precious metal is composed of 925 sterling silver combined with 75 parts of another metal alloy. The most common alloy used to produce sterling is copper. When you see the stamp 925 on an item of jewelry, this is an indication that it is a sterling compound which is also an indication of the quality. Mixtures that contain more alloy that 75 parts are not considered to be as high a quality and should not be labeled as sterling.

Silver weighs approximately half as much as gold does and is more flexible than gold, but it is not as malleable. It has also always been considerably less expensive than gold as well. A comparable item of gold jewelry will cost anywhere from four to six times as much as the same design in sterling, depending on the quality of the gold.

With the current fashion trends that favor black and other dark colored clothing, sterling silver jewelry is the perfect accent to add life and sparkle to such a wardrobe. This is another of the factors that has recently come into play in making sterling jewelry art and accessories more popular.

It is interesting to learn that sterling silver jewelry stays in better condition when it is worn, as opposed to being stored away. Because of the gentle friction that occurs while being worn, it stays more lustrous and has a better shine. But, even with regular wearing, you should still regularly clean and polish your sterling jewelry.

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