Silver has a simple elegance to it which makes it a very popular choice in accessories. Hand-crafted sterling silver pieces are considered to be the best since they are quite durable and will not lose their finish the way silver-plated designs can. When purchasing silversmith jewelry it's important to first have an understanding of what to look for.
Those who prefer silver to gold often like it better because it is more affordable for one, and also because it is not as flashy which makes it more suitable to wear with more types of clothes. They usually don't irritate those with allergies to metals either. Sterling silver does oxidize easily and needs to be cleaned often to avoid tarnish.
Of the various types of silver that jewelry is fashioned out of, sterling silver is generally considered the standard or best variety. Sterling silver is comprised of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. It is blended with copper because this is a relatively strong metal and pure silver by nature is very soft and malleable. Pieces that are "Silvertone" only have a thin outer layer of silver which usually wears away.
What's good about sterling silver is its added firmness which makes it easier for silversmiths to craft and makes it possible for gemstones to be set in it if desired as well. There are some pieces made from pure silver, but due to its delicate nature they aren't ones which can be worn daily. Oxidized silver is that which has been treated with oxygen to produce an aged look. German "silver" is not in fact silver but a mixed alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc with a silver-plating.
If a silver piece is genuine, it will be identified as such with what is called a "fineness mark". This stamp will read either ster, sterling, sterling silver, or . 925 and will also need to show the manufacturer's signature or registered trademark in accordance to federal laws.
Being able to tell the difference between real and imitation silver is important and can be done simply with a couple of visual assessments. Genuine silver has a very shiny finish, while the imposters are generally duller. Silver weighs more and is softer than other metals, so it will feel heavier and if it is pricked with a pin, it will leave a faint mark.
Silversmiths are craftsmen who produce these exquisite pieces through the centuries-old art of forging silver into jewelry. This metal is highly malleable so it can usually be worked with at room temperature but sometimes a blow torch is used for certain effects. They may use other techniques in their work such as engraving, either by hand or machine, "annealing" which uses heat for reshaping, and polishing with abrasive compounds to create a sheen on the piece. The price of silver jewelry is usually determined by the amount of work and the intricacy of the design.
With the proper care and handling, silversmith jewelry can keep looking great for years. Careful storage is recommended in order to prevent scratches and it should not be permitted to contact bleach, ammonia, or chlorinated pool water. Cleaning it regularly at the first appearance of tarnish with specially formulated silver cleaners is the best way to keep it shiny and clean.
Those who prefer silver to gold often like it better because it is more affordable for one, and also because it is not as flashy which makes it more suitable to wear with more types of clothes. They usually don't irritate those with allergies to metals either. Sterling silver does oxidize easily and needs to be cleaned often to avoid tarnish.
Of the various types of silver that jewelry is fashioned out of, sterling silver is generally considered the standard or best variety. Sterling silver is comprised of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. It is blended with copper because this is a relatively strong metal and pure silver by nature is very soft and malleable. Pieces that are "Silvertone" only have a thin outer layer of silver which usually wears away.
What's good about sterling silver is its added firmness which makes it easier for silversmiths to craft and makes it possible for gemstones to be set in it if desired as well. There are some pieces made from pure silver, but due to its delicate nature they aren't ones which can be worn daily. Oxidized silver is that which has been treated with oxygen to produce an aged look. German "silver" is not in fact silver but a mixed alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc with a silver-plating.
If a silver piece is genuine, it will be identified as such with what is called a "fineness mark". This stamp will read either ster, sterling, sterling silver, or . 925 and will also need to show the manufacturer's signature or registered trademark in accordance to federal laws.
Being able to tell the difference between real and imitation silver is important and can be done simply with a couple of visual assessments. Genuine silver has a very shiny finish, while the imposters are generally duller. Silver weighs more and is softer than other metals, so it will feel heavier and if it is pricked with a pin, it will leave a faint mark.
Silversmiths are craftsmen who produce these exquisite pieces through the centuries-old art of forging silver into jewelry. This metal is highly malleable so it can usually be worked with at room temperature but sometimes a blow torch is used for certain effects. They may use other techniques in their work such as engraving, either by hand or machine, "annealing" which uses heat for reshaping, and polishing with abrasive compounds to create a sheen on the piece. The price of silver jewelry is usually determined by the amount of work and the intricacy of the design.
With the proper care and handling, silversmith jewelry can keep looking great for years. Careful storage is recommended in order to prevent scratches and it should not be permitted to contact bleach, ammonia, or chlorinated pool water. Cleaning it regularly at the first appearance of tarnish with specially formulated silver cleaners is the best way to keep it shiny and clean.
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