Sterling Silver
Whats the difference between silver and sterling silver?
Ive seen stuff on the internet that says silver and some they say sterling silver. Which is better for jewelry
They are the same, almost all 'silver jewellery' is actually sterling silver.
Pure silver (aka 'fine silver') is way too soft to be used for jewellery, as it can be softer than lead when freshly annealed. Sterling Silver is a silver alloy mixture. It is by weight 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper. It was invented in the 12th century and got it's name in England, where it was used as currency. Sterling silver has its drawbacks; unlike pure silver, it tarnishes and is subject to firescale. A few of the newer alloys (like Argentium) use germanium in place of copper, to acheive a brighter, tarnish free appearance.
Sometimes silver is plated to prevent tarnishing. Quality silver is plated with rhodium, a metal similar to platinum and completely resistant to tarnishing. Rhodium is the most expensive precious metal (about $175 per gram) and it costs about $20 to plate a ring. Cheaper silver jewellery is plated with chromium. Chromium looks good at first, but it often cracks. It is also more difficult to repair as it tends to blister when heat is applied, turn pink in cleaning acids (firescale pickling solution), and is very difficult to remove with most professional chemicals. Most silver jewellery from China is chrome plated, and be careful when buying jewellery off eBay.
In short:
Virtually all silver jewellery is sterling silver, as pure silver is too soft to be practical. Beware of chrome-plated silver, as it will be full of problems in the future.
-James
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 Religious Mens Crucifix Sterling Silver Cross Christ Jesus w chain  US $70.15
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 St Benedict Crucifix Satin 925 Sterling Silver 15 US $37.00
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 St Benedict Crucifix Polished 925 Sterling Silver 15 US $47.00
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 Vintage Danish Sterling Silver Crucifix Cross Pendant Necklace Lords Prayer US $7.50
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 18K GOLD ON STERLING SILVER PAPAL CRUCIFIX ON 24CH NIB US $41.39
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 Crucifixion Sterling Silver Gold Plated US $99.99
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Creative Ways To Wear Your Sterling Silver Pendants
When you think of a sterling silver pendant, you may think of using it exclusively on a necklace. While this is the most obvious and original use, there are a number of ways that you can display your sterling silver pendants with a little creativity.
First and foremost, your sterling silver pendant is a precious metal. It's durable, hard-wearing and this means you can maximize your wear without compromising the quality of your jewelry. With this in mind, consider using your sterling silver pendant as a charm. If you own a rolo bracelet, you can attach your pendant with a simple jump-ring. If you own any type of bracelet that will accommodate the bail of your pendant by placing it into the clasp, you will have the instant look of a charm bracelet. Best of all, you can easily remove the pendant and place it back on your necklace and this maximizes your jewelry wardrobe in a way that's truly 'charming.'
If you have pierced ears, you may also be able to use two identical sterling silver pendants as charms by placing them on hoop earrings. Many bails will easily slide over the tube of a hoop earring, which gives you the instant look of earring charms. The most important aspect of this approach is to make sure that the pendants aren't so heavy that they pull the earring down or cause you discomfort. For this approach, a lightweight pendant is the best idea and will give you the best results.
When worn traditionally, sterling silver pendants are beautiful. If you want to enjoy the look of a necklace but desire a more updated look, the task is simple. You can created a multi-strand necklace by threading several chains through the bail and wearing them as one necklace. If you're still in the mood for a different style, consider wearing your sterling silver pendant on a single necklace that measures 16" or 18". You can then frame this ensemble by adding a plain necklace that measures at least 2" longer than the one featuring your pendant. This gives you an updated look that's sure to be on trend and in style.
In conclusion, your sterling silver pendants can provide you with a stunning look in neck wear and they can also offer you versatile options when it comes to other jewelry items. By changing the look of your collection by simply using each piece to its greatest potential, you are truly getting the best value for your dollar.
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