| |
History
Sterling silver has become very popular in today's society since humans discovered the versatility of the metal. The ancient Byzantine, Phoenician and Egyptians created beautiful silver jewellery. The ancient Egyptians wore silver jewellery to protect against bad luck and evil, or with religious worship and symbolism. According to ancient mystic lore, silver can ward off werewolves and other demons, even some claim it can enhance psychic powers.
Nowadays, sterling silver jewellery has become part of everyday dressing. Due to the affordable price, the beauty of the metal, the trendier and contemporary designs, it has become popular and particularly attracts younger people. It also appeals to men and women of all age and fashion tastes. It is an alternative to the expensive metal; white gold or platinum.
Sterling silver jewellery has been used to represent the wearer to symbolise their religion and interests, such as their favourite hobbies, pets, family and feelings. Some might use it for special events, such as birth, baptism, wedding, graduation, anniversaries and etc.
Mexico, Peru, Canada, the US and Australia are the highest producing mined silver in the world.
Silver Types
There is a difference between silver and sterling silver. Silver is at its natural state 999/1000 pure. It is too soft to hold its shape very well, so that it is difficult to mould into everyday products. Sterling silver had been developed. It comprised of 92.5% is pure silver and 7.5% alloy which usually comes from copper, zinc or nickel but not always. The name of sterling silver comes from the Easterling area of Germany where the original silver craftsmen developed the sterling silver alloy. It is also called 925 and usually people look for the hallmark 925 to mean the 92.5% purity of silver for the items or jewellery.
Care
Sterling silver does tarnish due to its nature. It can tarnish with time, wear and misuse. Tarnish is caused by a chemical reaction between the silver, oxygen and sulfur. Good caring is essential to maintain good condition of the items for many years. The following tips will help you to keep your pieces at their best
- When the jewellery not in wear, keep in a cool and dry place, and store separately to avoid scratching. It would be best to store in an airtight container with soft materials. The less air exposure will slow down the oxidise process.
- To remove the silver jewellery when bathing, swimming or undertaking manual work.
- Do not ever sleep in any of the fine jewellery. They will tug on sheets and clothing, which bends the prongs and allows movement of the stones, so it will become easy to loose the stones.
- Common cleaning methods include warm water and mild soap. To use a soft silver cloth to clean the sterling silver jewellery and avoid abrasive polishes, silver dips or scrubbing tools, such as steel wool, because it will potentially damage the protective coated finish and gemstones. The silver jewellery will become more likely to tarnish more easily.
- To avoid contact with chemicals, such as perfume, hair spray, deodorant, household cleaning fluids and etc.
- To gently clean the gemstone or cubic zirconia with mild soapy detergent and a soft brush.
| |
