The very first silver jewelry appeared in ancient Egypt around 5000 BC. In its pure form, the metal was extremely rare, so it was endowed with magical and mysterious powers. Often jewelry was worn instead of personal amulets. Today, silver rings are not only a sign of luxury, but also an exquisite addition to any wardrobe.
Silver samples
Pure argentum is a very soft metal. Its plastic properties make it possible to produce the most intricate weaves and the thinnest plates. Normally sterling silver jewelry is not made.
The softness of the metal makes it impossible to produce large objects from it. Even for the manufacture of small filigree products, it can bend with little physical impact. Therefore, as a rule, alloys of silver and other non-ferrous metals are used in jewelry. In most cases, jewelry is made from a silver-copper combination. The percentage of noble and additional metals is called breakdown.
There are six international metric samples.
- 800 silver is characterized by 80% noble metal, 20% copper and other impurities. This is the lowest quality alloy. Cutlery is made from it.
- 830 assay is characterized by 83% silver and 17% copper. The color of the alloy almost does not differ from the metal of 800 samples. But still, in terms of quality, it is of higher quality and is used in the manufacture of decorative jewelry.
- 875 silver contains at least 87.5% of the precious metal. Applicable in the manufacture of household and jewelry, as well as in industry.
- 925 sterling silver has a capacity of 92.5% silver. It is one of the highest quality white metals. Sometimes it can even be confused with platinum. Such silver has anti-corrosion properties, that is, it is not subject to rust. 925 alloy is used in so many pieces of jewelry that it has been recognized as the silver standard. Also, high quality coins were made from metal - sterling.
- 960 sterling silver contains 96% precious metal. It practically does not differ from pure argentum. The alloy is soft and ductile. Decorative enamel easily falls on jewelry made of 960 sterling silver. Jewelry made from this metal is distinguished by its subtlety and filigree.
- 999 proof is actually pure silver. This is the highest quality grade of noble metal. 1000 samples in nature does not exist. High-quality jewelry is made from this metal,bank bars, collectible coins, etc.
Types of silver
Depending on the sample and finish, there are several grades of noble metal:
- Sterling Silver - 925 quality alloy. It is one of the leading jewelry materials.
- Table silver is used in the manufacture of cutlery. This is usually 875 metal.
- Matte silver is treated with a special coating that protects the metal from corrosion. For this purpose, “white” boiling is used, that is, heating the alloy in sulfuric or hydrochloric acid. This procedure reduces the amount of copper in the upper layer of the alloy. The acquired roughness of silver gives beauty and sophistication to products.
- Pure silver is used in the manufacture of finest jewelry and miniature electronic components.
- Black silver rings are very popular today. They are original, elegant and very beautiful. Jewelry is made from blackened silver or “northern black”. Thanks to the ancient treatment with a composition of lead, sulfur and copper oxides, the products acquire elegance and originality. The main advantage of blackened silver is that the metal practically does not need to be cleaned.
- Rhodium-plated silver is highly wear resistant. To increase the resistance to the influences of the external environment and mechanical influences, the products are coated with an ultra-thin layer of white rhodium (platinum series metal). Jewelry made from this metal is very popular withbuyers.
Features of silver rings
Argentum is the most popular metal for jewelry production. High quality, fineness and delicacy, combined with low cost, make the products very attractive.
Today men's and women's silver rings are frequent guests in private treasuries. Each buyer selects a product according to his taste preferences and financial capabilities. In addition to beauty and brilliance, silver also has cleansing properties. As a result, silver rings are often considered personal amulets against physical and spiritual negativity.
Types of silver jewelry
Depending on the purpose, appearance and other factors, there are the following varieties of Argentum rings:
- Plus size rings for ladies of Balzac age.
- Petite dainty jewelry for young girls.
- Men's seals.
- Silver rings with stones.
- Products with patterns and engraving.
- Amulet rings with Christian inscriptions ("save and save").
- Silver wedding rings.
Women's silver rings
Ladies' rings made of precious metal have recently become more and more popular. Well-known brands compete with each other to create the most original and elegant jewelry. Modern technologies make it possible to decorate ringsprecious and semi-precious stones, multi-colored enamel, other types of metals (gold, bronze, etc.).
The current women's silver rings look more elegant and sophisticated than their ancient relatives. They are a great addition to an evening dress and business suit. Silver rings are appropriate in everyday wear.
It is recommended to select a piece of jewelry in accordance with the characteristics of women's hands. All models and types of rings are suitable for long and thin fingers. For women with short and thin fingers, it is better to choose sophisticated products. The triangular shape of the ring is able to optically lengthen full and short fingers.
Rings for men
Today, jewelry stores provide a wide selection of precious metal rings for the stronger sex. Products emphasize the masculinity and status of the owner. The main types of silver rings for gentlemen are:
- Regular ring from jewelry to a product with a stone.
- Wedding ring.
- Massive rings with large stones, emphasizing the high position of the owner.
- Prints featuring a flat front with a pattern or insert.
Types of stones for silver jewelry
Precious metal products are suitable for almost all finishes and inlays. In particular, semi-precious and precious stones are a good complement to silver.
Gems depending onvalues are divided into four main categories:
- First order includes diamonds, rubies, blue sapphires, emeralds and alexandrites.
- Second order - dematoids, pink and yellow sapphires, black noble opals, noble spinel.
- Stones of the third order are aquamarines, beryls, fiery white and fire opals, tanzanites, pink topazes, tourmalines, chrysoberyls, chrysolites, zircons.
- Fourth order includes almandines, amethysts, smoky rose quartz, wine and blue topazes, citrines.
A separate category are stones of organogenic origin - pearls and amber.
Today, the term "semi-precious stone" is practically not used. It was replaced by the name "ornamental stone". These are the minerals that are not rare. At the same time, they are quite durable and beautiful. These stones include various types of quartz, corals, mother-of-pearl. Semi-precious stones also include amethyst of all shades, morion, cubic zirconia, chalcedony, lapis lazuli, garnet, turquoise, pearls and others.
Silver items with precious stones
Most women prefer alternative products to gold rings. "Moon metal" is characterized by tenderness and sophistication. A silver sapphire ring is a good gift for a luxurious lady.
A win-win option for a present for a man for all occasions is a silver ring or signet. A beautiful cut in combination with a precious stone will emphasize the status and image of the owner.
Forengagement is best to pick up silver rings with topaz or ruby. And for a young charmer, a similar jewelry with a delicate alecandrite or a small diamond is suitable.
Jewellery with semi-precious stones
Ancient Slavs preferred rings with natural semi-precious minerals. Turquoise, amber, river pearls emphasized the elegance of the product and endowed it with magical properties. Often rings were used as amulets and amulets and were worn around the neck. Rough stones reliably connected man with nature.
It was believed that red minerals are a symbol of passion and indefatigability. Purple stones develop the magical abilities of a person.
Silver ring with cubic zirconia - a transparent mineral, endow the owner with clean energy and emphasize his crystal honesty. In addition, such a ring is a good gift for a girl, as it symbolizes innocence and naivety.
Silver rings with semi-precious stones are purchased by people who are confident in their abilities, but who want to receive some magical amulet against ailments and problems.
How to care for silver jewelry
Unfortunately, Argentum products tend to darken over time. This occurs, in particular, due to the oxidation of the metal. In order for the rings to always have an attractive appearance, they need to be cleaned from time to time. This simple procedure can be done at home.
- Simple dirt (sand, dust, cosmetics) can be removed with a hot soapysolution. Sometimes dishwashing detergent may be suitable. After soaking the product for some time in a container with a solution, you should clean it with a soft brush.
- Rings without stones can be brightened with a 10% solution of citric acid or ammonia.
- Silver rings with garnet, amber, pearls and other stones are recommended to be given to a specialist. However, with slight contamination, the product can be placed in a potato mixture. To this end, pour raw potatoes grated on a grater with water and lower the ring into this liquid for several minutes. After that, it is necessary to polish it with a woolen cloth to a full shine. Also, the potato mixture can be replaced with a decoction of tubers.
Proper care of silver items will keep their original appearance for many years.
