Silver Jewellery - Information and Cleaning

By: Elizabeth Brodie
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:42:15
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

Pure silver is generally far too soft to be used for jewellery so is combined with other elements to improve its durability and colour. The most popular silver mix used for jewellery is Sterling Silver, which consists of 92.5% pure silver alloy with copper usually making up most of the other 7.5%. However, there is at least one company currently producing 925 (i.e. 92.5% silver or sterling silver) silver using a combination of different elements to help reduce tarnishing significantly. This is a new product though and unlikely to filter through to more mainstream silver jewellery for some time.

In the UK it’s illegal to actually call a product ‘silver’ unless it comprises of at least 92.5% pure silver, although unless the weight is greater than 7.78g silver goods do not require a hallmark by UK law. Indeed, on smaller items it is often uneconomic to have silver items hallmarked although many will carry a ‘925’ stamp usually applied abroad during the manufacturing process to indicate Sterling Silver.

Due to it’s very nature silver is prone to tarnishing with prolonged contact with the air or the chemicals found on the surface of many people’s skin. Tarnish can easily be removed by gentle polishing with a silver cloth or commercial silver dip available in most jewellers and supermarkets. However, these solutions are often unsuitable for silver jewellery inset with stone or composite jewellery so make sure to read the instructions properly before use.

Although some people will swear by more abrasive cleaners, even using something like toothpaste, this will usually simply dull the shine over time by leaving small scratches in the silver.

An alternative to occasional cleaning with specialist cleaners is simply a more regular cleaning in warm soapy water and a soft sponge or cloth. Once cleaned this way jewellery should be thoroughly dried.

Elizabeth Brodie is the owner of Silver Jewellery World an established online jewellery store from the UK specialising in quality designer silver jewellery.

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Shopping category

  • Unique Corporate Gift Ideas - By: Angelique Ellerman
    Looking for unique corporate gift ideas? With so many choices out there it's hard to know which item would not only be appropriate, but proudly displayed and appreciated as well. Following is a few ideas to help narrow the decision down a little.
  • Engraving - An Ideal Way To Make One-Of-A-Kind Gifts For Men - By: Jnet Verra
    When giving gifts for our beloved ones, we tend to think of more special ideas. One thing that can make a gift special is by engraving it.
  • Individuality pays the price for high street cloning - By: Paul McIndoe
    With fewer independent retailers on our high streets, are the standardised products we buy from the big brand companies making us lose our sense of individuality, or are we looking elsewhere to find products with personality?
  • Ultimate Gift Ideas For Dad - By: Jnet Verra
    Generally, gifts for dad are of wide choices to choose from. It can be a simple thank you card, out-of the-box present or personalized items.
  • Wholesale, Closeouts and Liquidations Guide You Can Benefit From - By: Joel Mclaughlin
    When you are a consumer or small business that sells product, you must familiarize yourself with three things that can help you succeed immensely with your shopping for products. Wholesale, Closeouts and Liquidations are 3 sales approaches that are often used by companies. Understanding these three terms can help you to find great deals online for products of any kind.
  • Holiday Gifts For Professional In This Coming Christmas - By: Jnet Verra
    Most of us struggle when finding holiday gifts for our beloved during Christmas, most especially the best gifts that are intended for professionals. Read on for tips.
  • Please Your Ears with an MP3 Player - By: Isla Campbell
    Listening to your much loved melodies, watching music videos, tuning in to your favourite radio station and even viewing photographs; modern age MP3 players are much more than just music players.
  • Wedding Day- Most Important Days Of One's Life - By: Elizabeth Gray
    A person's wedding day is going to be one of the most important days of their life and it is certainly not something that should be taken lightly. If you're planning a wedding in Surrey, or anywhere in the world, there are certain things that need to be taken into consideration.
  • Plan The Wedding - By: Elizabeth Gray
    There are a lot of things that need to be taken into consideration whenever you're planning on getting married. After all, it is going to be one of the most special days of your life and it is not something that should just be thrown together at the last minute.
  • Sports Posters-Its Game Time on the Walls! - By: Patrick Arden
    Sports is one of the most significant category in posters these days. Be it cricket, baseball, tennis or any other sport, posters is the best way you can express your admiration for your favorite sports star.