What Is 925 Silver?
Monday, June 1, 2009
925 silver is a standard used by craftsmen and you, as a customer, should know a little about it when you buy a present for someone, and insist that the piece of jewelry you are after conforms to this standard.
Pure silver cannot be used in making jewelry as it is extremely malleable and it can suffer damage easily. It also tends to get very soft, even in conditions of normal temperature. That is why 925 silver is used and not the pure form of the precious metal.
The method craftsmen use to increase the strength of the metal consists of adding other materials to silver. The life span of the jewels made of silver depends on this process, as problems like malleability and softening can make them break apart. By combining pure silver with alloys, the craftsmen make pieces of jewelry that are more resistant to scratching and damage.
One of these combinations is the one known as 925 sterling silver. It is a blending mix obtained from 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Copper is not always used by craftsmen and it can be replaced by other metals or combinations of materials. This is considered the best choice as copper is cheap and the refining techniques have improved during the last years.
By adding copper to silver, craftsmen have managed to obtain a highly reliable alloy that is successfully used in the jewelry industry. The combination is very popular as the silver craftsmen can make earrings, rigs, bracelets and other pieces of silver jewelry, knowing that their work will be resistant and durable.
One may think that by adding other metals to pure silver, the quality becomes lower. But this is not the case with 925 silver. This alloy enhances the jewelry properties and copper is only a very small part in the combination. Sometimes, craftsmen can use a copper substitute for a similar result.
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Discover Silver Facts
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Here are some great silver facts that are fun to know:
- “Argentum” is the Latin word origin of silver. Its symbol in the periodic table of elements “Ag” came also from this word. The country Argentina is named after this metal.
- Silver coins were used as early as seven hundred BC.
- During ancient Egypt and the medieval period in Europe, silver was considered more valuable than gold.
- Though there are songs about the silvery moon, there is very little silver, if any, in the moon’s soil.
- It has been proven that a small concentration of silver can kill harmful bacteria just like antibiotics.
- You can make your own mirror with silver, since this metal can reflect about ninety five percent of visible light. (Aluminum is often used commercially instead — as it tends to be less expensive)
- Aside from the Untied States, Mexico, Australia, Peru, Russia, and Canada are the chief producers of silver.
- To prevent food from spoiling, the Phoenicians used silver bottles to preserve their foods.
- Silver is a great conductor of heat and electricity.
- Just like gold, silver is also a soft metal. An ounce of it can produce eight thousand feet of thin wires.
- Eggs can tarnish silver very quickly.
- You can clean your silver jewelry easily with baking soda, hot water, and aluminum foil.
Properties The chemical properties of silver are not that active. Basically, it doesn’t react on normal temperature, oxygen and plain water.
Uses of Silver Here are the other uses of this precious metal:
- Silver cadium and silver zinc are types of high quality batteries
- A handy weapon against vampires and werewolves.
- In just a pound of silver iodide, we can produce plenty cubic miles of clouds.
- Silver is also very useful in photographic films, dental materials, water purification and even in explosives.
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How to Keep Silver Jewelry Shiny
Saturday, March 14, 2009
The Best Way to Store Silver Jewelry First, we all know that silver tarnishes. It oxidizes. So the key is to prevent this process. Some of the ideas are common sense, others take a bit more thought. Wood and wood products react with silver. That means if you store your silver touching wood, cardboard or paper, it will tarnish faster. Usually, you will see recommendations on keeping your silver in anti-tarnish paper and sealed air-tight plastic bags. This is the reason why. You want to have your sterling silver to NOT be exposed to air as that is why it tarnishes. You also want to be certain you dry your jewelry (with cotton!) first as if there is moisture in the bag your efforts will be in vain. Simple Ordering Change Next, silver and chemicals interact. That means when you put on that hairspray or perfume, it may react with your rings. So always put on jewelry after you apply your makeup, perfume and hairspray and it has fully dried. Conversely, remove your jewelry before removing your makeup as the removal process also has chemicals. [Original]
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Cleaning Silver Jewelry
Friday, March 13, 2009
Silver Jewelry Care (1) Sterling Silver tarnishes from the interaction of silver and sulfides in the air. First the tarnish will take on a golden hue, and eventually, it will turn the piece black. This is a natural process. Higher sulfide levels are associated with humidity and/or air pollution. Remember, the more humid the climate, the faster sterling will tarnish. On a summer day in Miami, Florida, all you have to do is walk out the door and the sterling starts turning black very quickly. (2) Sterling silver will polish up by rubbing or buffing it with a soft cotton cloth. A chemically treated cloth, like a Sunshine Cloth, makes the job a lot easier and faster. (3) Sterling silver dips are fast and easy. However, be careful! Cleaning Liquid Silver Jewelry Liquid silver jewelry is very difficult to clean. You can use a soft cotton cloth or a Sunshine Cloth. Avoid dips. They leave residue deposits between each bead, and make the necklace stiff. A good alternative is to take dry baking powder, and rub it on the liquid silver beads. Then pat and brush the dry powder off. Cleaning Silver Gemstone Jewelry When cleaning gemstone beads or cabochons, immerse them in warm, soapy water, and scrub gently with a soft brush. Then rinse them and lay them on a soft towel to dry. Ultrasonic cleaners only work with hard crystalline stones, like amethyst; for most gemstones, however, we’d suggest avoiding ultrasonic cleaners. When cleaning gemstone beads or cabochons, immerse them in warm, soapy water, and scrub gently with a soft brush. Then rinse them and lay them on a soft towel to dry. Ultrasonic cleaners only work with hard crystalline stones, like amethyst; for most gemstones, however, we’d suggest avoiding ultrasonic cleaners. The big trick is cleaning sterling silver jewelry that includes gemstones within the piece. Sunshine cloths are OK. The chemicals in the Sunshine Cloth won’t hurt the stones. Silver dips should be avoided, however, except with crystalline stones like amethyst. Stones like black onyx, malachite, lapis and the like do not survive long when cleaned with dips. A lot of their shine comes from an oily polish which is dissolved by the dips. Read more info here
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Basic Silver Care Advice
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
1. To avoid damaging your silver, clean it only when you don't feel rushed. I've restored many a candelabrum arm that was broken off in haste.
2. If you have someone clean your silver, choose someone with experience. Ask about methods and polishes.
3. If your silver is tarnished to an extent that it requires a commercial polish, use only polishes made specifically for silver.
4. Cleaning silver in a dishwasher is not advised, as the heat and harsh detergents will eventually whiten the silver, causing it to require professional refinishing. In addition, dishwashers can cause blades to explode out of hollow-handled knives.
5. Silver flatware used on a daily basis will require little or no polishing. Hand wash the pieces with a non-lemon-scented phosphate-free detergent and dry them immediately to avoid spotting.
6. Salt is extremely corrosive to silver; always empty shakers and wash them when not used on a regular basis.
7. When cleaning or inserting a candle into a candelabrum, support the arms from underneath to avoid distortion or possible breakage.Labels: Silver
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Clean Sterling Silver with a Mild Cleanser
Thursday, March 5, 2009
 To create a mild cleanser, mix one pump of a mild liquid soap with a cup of warm water. Allow your sterling silver jewelry to soak in the solution for a few minutes, then rinse off and polish with a soft cloth. Clean sterling silver gently using this method about once a month to keep tarnish at bay.
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Cleaning your sterling silver jewelry
Monday, August 11, 2008
Today’s post will hopefully be useful—how to clean your sterling silver jewelry. When I make jewelry for others, I tell them to store it carefully in a plastic bag to avoid tarnish that naturally occurs with sterling silver. Here’s how
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Silver Jewelry Ultrasonic Cleaning Tips
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Using an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner is one of the best methods of cleaning silver jewelry. These cleaners are based on the concept that when very high frequency sound travels through water, it creates its own path, which results in microscopic bubbles shooting out at a high pressure inside the water. When these bubbles burst due to the pressure put on them by the surrounding water, then very tiny and very powerful jet streams are formed. Using an ultrasonic cleaner is one of the easiest and fastest methods of getting your jaded jewelry to shine just like new.
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Silver Jewellery, Anti Tarnish Jewelry Boxes - Care, Maintenance Box Pic
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Silver jewelry is as popular as it's ever been. Storing and how to care for these pieces can be daunting but, here I'll try to clear up confusion and clarify the truth about silver storage and jewelry boxes. silver is very important. It must be stored in a dark, dry place away from sunlight and heat. Store where each piece has space for itself without other items under or on top of it. Read more information
Some Anti Tarnish Jewellery Boxes Pics:
Silver, Gold Store Boxes - This sturdy box is lined with Static Intercept® inside. Can store silver flatware & holloware, silver & gold jewelry - (Source)
Anti Tarnish Box - A patented tarnish inhibiting additive molded directly into the dividers forms a protective layer around silver surfaces to prevent tarnishing - (Source)
Jeweler's Anti-Tarnish Tissue, Diamond & Parcel PapersAnti-Tarnish Strips - (Source)Labels: Silver
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Silver Jewelry Cleaning by Ultrasonic - Tips, Easiest, Fastest Method
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Using an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner is one of the best methods of cleaning silver jewelry. These cleaners are based on the concept that when very high frequency sound travels through water, it creates its own path, which results in microscopic bubbles shooting out at a high pressure inside the water. When these bubbles burst due to the pressure put on them by the surrounding water, then very tiny and very powerful jet streams are formed. Using an ultrasonic cleaner is one of the easiest and fastest methods of getting your jaded jewelry to shine just like new.Labels: Silver
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Sterling Silver Jewelry Buying Tips, Buying Guide, Advise
Friday, November 9, 2007
Some tips you can get from this post:
* Look for the 925 stamp on any piece of sterling silver. If there is no stamp then it is not sterling silver. * Italian silver will be stamped "Italian 925" or "Italian Silver". * Alpaca silver is not silver it is nickel silver. Nickel silver is named for its silvery appearance even though it contains no elemental silver. * Pendants will snap and rings can become misshapen quickly if it is too thin.
Read more from this article @ Helium
Some useful guides here:
Jewelry Guide : Shopping for jewelry can be fun and exciting, especially when you get to bring home your treasure and show it off to the world. It can get overwhelming, though. With so many pieces to choose from and so many different prices for what seem to be the same piece, getting your homework done before you go shopping can prove invaluable. - (Source)
Jewelry Guide : The understated simplicity of the diamond solitaire necklace has made it a fashion classic. It is truly the little black dress of jewelry, right for a variety of occasions from day to evening - (Source)Labels: Silver
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Peach Collection Sterling Silver Artistic Jewelry, Jewelry Collectible
This astonishing beauty of the Peach Collection will capture the imagination, indeed, as richly as it distinguishes the wearer. Each masterful piece is beyond decorative, each as collectible as it is enchanting when worn. A classic alloy of fine silver, hardened with a trace of copper for durability, Sterling is the precious metal often preferred even over gold, for the clarity of its brilliant white color. Its gleaming surface polishes with wearing, and its deep beauty is easily brought to moon-bright luster with a soft cloth.
Read more from this article @ The Peach Collection Sterling Silver Artistic Jewelry
Some interesting pics:
This Beautiful Handcrafted Necklace,Bracelet & Earring Set features the following top-quality materials: Pastel Floral Glass Beads. Beads have a floral imprint on them. Sterling Silver Seamless Round Beads. Sterling Silver Lobster Claw Clasp And Split Rings - (Source)
Beautiful red and CZ sterling silver pendant set - (Source)
Sterling Silver Set: Soothing White Cat Eye Handcrafted Jewelry w/ Tear Drop Sterling Silver Earrings - (Source)Labels: Silver
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Wholesale Sterling Silver Jewelry, Price Per Gram
Have you seen similar silver jewelry sold at price difference of two to three times from different retailers? Have you ever wondered how retailers mark up the jewelry after they get them from the venders? This post will show you the wholesale trading secrets of sterling silver jewelry.
Read more from this article @ Diamonds world
Some interesting pics:
Wholesale Sterling Silver Jewelry supplies wholesale silver rings, silver earings, and muchs more. Quality wholesale products to choose from - (Source)
18 " inch sterling silver .925 diamond cut chain.. we have the lowest price on genuine marked and stamped .925 sterling silver chain in the jewelry... - (Source)
FN066/3650 High polish sterling silver necklace with 18k gold over silver accent, 18 inches - (Source)
Indian silver necklaces, silver bracelets, silver earrings, silver chain, silver toe rings and silver rings, both with and without semiprecious stones. We add new wholesale jewelry styles and wholesale gift items all the time, so check back often. We will match any competitors price for similar jewelry or other items - (Source)Labels: Silver
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