6 Things to Know About Sterling Silver Jewelry

Among all jewelry items sterling silver jewelry has got an enormous popularity due to its lower cost compared to gold, diamond and platinum jewelry. In order to choose the right piece of jewelry you need certain knowledge. Similarly you have got to know the usage and maintenance of this jewelry items. Here are 6 common questions related to how to purchase and use sterling silver ornaments.

How to clean

It is good to use a jewelry cloth to clean the sterling silver ornaments. A jewelry cloth is a two-layer cloth is different colors, which is easily available on any jewelry accessory store. Be careful while cleaning the surface of the jewelry since a paper towel can even create visible scratches on the jewelry. Do not ever use fingernails to rub the dirt off. Silver-dip is a commonly used cleaner nowadays. You just need to immerse the jewelry in the solution for one minute, and then rinse it with clean water.

Where to store

It is very important to store your silver jewelry in the right place when you do not use it. Store in a cool and dry place, which is completely away from sunlight; otherwise the jewelry surface may tarnish pretty quickly. Sometimes, indoor fluorescent lights can turn the color of the jewelry.

Types of silver ornament plating

Since pure silver oxidizes quickly and is prone to discoloration and tarnish, it is plated with another metal to protect it from discoloration. Today, the plating is basically done in two ways, i.e. Nickel plating and Rhodium plating. Nickel plating provides more whitish look, whereas Rhodium plating provides darker look and is more costly than the former method. However, some polished silver ornaments are not plated and some are even oxidized to form a dark antique look of the jewelry.

How to know the purity of the jewelry

Purity refers to 92.5% of silver in the alloy. To test the purity of the jewelry it is sent to a laboratory for scientific testing. Today, most of the sterling silver rings and other ornaments have got a “925” stamp on the surface of the jewelry that indicates the authenticity of it.

Engraving and Resizing

Since sterling silver is ductile and has low melting point, it is relatively easy to engrave and resize the jewelry. However, it requires proper equipment to cut and weld the jewelry, and recoat it properly. Jewelry with stones cannot be resized though.

Is it a suitable jewelry for allergic skin?

If your skin is allergic to nickel, do not use nickel coated or any plated sterling silver ornaments. Instead, use highly polished and pure sterling ornaments that does not use any coating yet provides the proper luster. 

The article comes from China Chang’an stainless steel jewelry manufacturer - A2A, the website is www.stainlesssteelacc.com.