Sterling Silver – Important Things You Should Know Before Buying

Silver was once considered the ‘lesser metal’ to gold. The current market says that that has changed. Silver has arrived and has started to crack into gold’s market share.  Silver-based jewelry pieces are now available in the market and ready to compete with gold.  Selections are extensive and will match your desires and requirements. But first, here’s a few words about the ‘silver’ that’s used in most silver jewelry pieces from earrings to necklaces.

Sterling Silver as the Anchor Material

The material used in making your favorite silver necklace is not made from pure silver. Pure silver is soft and malleable, and therefore not ideal for jewelry. To address these limitations, jewelers usually combine pure silver with another metal alloy that is harder and can withstand use and abuse. Sterling silver is the most common alloy, and is made by combining silver with copper. Sterling silver consists of 92.5 percent silver, and the rest copper.

Copper Helps Bring Durability

Other metals can combine with silver, like zinc and nickel, but copper provides the best blend. It makes the alloy more durable without affecting the color of silver. The addition of copper into silver will not influence the overall value of the precious metal. What affects the overall value of silver is the labor and creativity that goes into making it, and the complexity of the design.

Sterling silver is a mark of quality in the jewelry business. It comes with at least 90 percent silver, the remaining being alloys for better durability and strength. This material will also not wear down compared to silver-plated silver jewelry. Next time you spot a great looking silver necklace made from sterling silver, consider it as a valuable investment. It can complete your daily look, use on special occasions, and passed on as heirloom.