Sterling silver is the most popular silver alloy today. It is 92.5% pure silver, and the remaining 7.5% is usually copper, sometimes nickel, platinum and other metals. Products made of sterling silver are branded with the standard 925 standard for us. The addition of copper most often significantly increases the strength of the metal and makes it harder, without depriving it of the main characteristics: reliability, quality and malleability.
Sterling silver is a dazzling white alloy with a pleasant and noble luster. Initially, it was used in Germany for the manufacture of silver coins, and since 1158 in England, sterling silver has become a raw material for the manufacture of the well-known sterling by the decree of King Henry II.
Silver jewelry
Sterling silver is the most commonly used alloy from which jewelers make numerous jewelry, souvenirs and cutlery. Despite its relativelyinexpensive cost, it is a very popular and beautiful metal. That is why jewelry such as silver chains, bracelets, cufflinks or tie clips are especially popular with men. In addition, the modern jewelry industry has the ability to coat silver items with a thin layer of rhodium, which gives the items a more aesthetic appearance and protects the metal from premature darkening and yellowing.
Semi-precious stones such as topaz, amethyst, chrysolite or garnet look very impressive in silver jewelry. This noble metal, as a rule, does not distract attention from the stone, but only allows it to play even more in the light, creating a decent setting.
Why does silver darken?
Many people think that only low-quality silver products darken, but this is not entirely true. Unfortunately, sterling silver is a metal that oxidizes, so there are several reasons why items, including coins, lose their appearance:
- One of the main reasons for the darkening of silver is the increased humidity of the air and the environment in general. That is why it is not recommended to take a shower and swim in jewelry made of this metal.
- Even if you don't forget to take off your silver jewelry while swimming, it will most likely turn black over time due to your sweat.
- It is believed that silver will definitely darken if it is worn by a sick person. Allegedly, special processes take place in the body of the latter, due towhich blood can change its chemical composition, which is reflected in jewelry. However, this version is a kind of folk omen, which has no scientific evidence.
- To keep your 925 sterling silver jewelry looking like new, all you need to do is take proper care of it and clean it with special products sold in jewelry stores.
Souvenirs and gifts made of silver
Sterling silver is an excellent and very popular material for making gifts and souvenirs. Agree, it is always nice to receive a silver frame for a photo or a water ionizer as a present. A very popular gift has become a silver pen, which can be presented not only to a work colleague, but also to a director or manager. Glasses, glasses, spice sets, car key rings - almost all souvenir and gift products today are made of 925 sterling silver and are very popular and in demand.
