Silver has a simple elegance to it which makes it a very popular choice in accessories. Hand-crafted sterling silver pieces are considered to be the best since they are quite durable and will not lose their finish the way silver-plated designs can. When purchasing silversmith jewelry it's important to first have an understanding of what to look for.
Silver is an ideal alternative to gold for accessories since it typically costs less, and it is also more versatile in terms of which clothes it looks good with. It does not usually bother those who are allergic to some types of metal, but it can easily oxidize and look black if not cleaned often.
Of the various types of silver that jewelry is fashioned out of, sterling silver is generally considered the standard or best variety. Sterling silver is comprised of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. It is blended with copper because this is a relatively strong metal and pure silver by nature is very soft and malleable. Pieces that are "Silvertone" only have a thin outer layer of silver which usually wears away.
Pure silver can be used to create jewelry, but due to is extreme malleability, it is not well-suited for daily wear. Since sterling silver is reinforced with copper it is actually easier for silversmiths to work with and is strong enough for gemstones to be set in it. German silver isn't actually silver at all, but a blend of zinc, nickel, and copper with a silver plating. Oxidized silver has been specially treated with oxygen to give it an antique look.
If a silver piece is genuine, it will be identified as such with what is called a "fineness mark". This stamp will read either ster, sterling, sterling silver, or . 925 and will also need to show the manufacturer's signature or registered trademark in accordance to federal laws.
It's a good idea to be able to also recognize fake silver, which can be detected by a number of visual assessments. Real silver has a glistening color, whereas imitations have a duller tone. It is also heavier and softer than these other metals. If the piece is poked with a needle, it should leave a slight mark.
The skilled individuals who practice this ancient art of forging beautiful jewelry from silver, are called silversmiths. They can work this malleable metal at room temperature, but will use a blow torch when needed to achieve specific effects. Other techniques involved in the production of jewelry include both hand and machine engraving, "annealing" or heat reshaping, and surface polishing using abrasive compounds. In most cases the price of a pieces depends on how much work has gone into it.
Silversmith jewelry can last for many years if it is properly cared for. It should be carefully stored to prevent scratches and not allowed to come in contact with ammonia, bleach, or chlorinated pool water. Regular cleaning is important so tarnish cannot accumulate. There are specially made products designed to polish silver which are most effective if used when the tarnish first appears.
Silver is an ideal alternative to gold for accessories since it typically costs less, and it is also more versatile in terms of which clothes it looks good with. It does not usually bother those who are allergic to some types of metal, but it can easily oxidize and look black if not cleaned often.
Of the various types of silver that jewelry is fashioned out of, sterling silver is generally considered the standard or best variety. Sterling silver is comprised of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. It is blended with copper because this is a relatively strong metal and pure silver by nature is very soft and malleable. Pieces that are "Silvertone" only have a thin outer layer of silver which usually wears away.
Pure silver can be used to create jewelry, but due to is extreme malleability, it is not well-suited for daily wear. Since sterling silver is reinforced with copper it is actually easier for silversmiths to work with and is strong enough for gemstones to be set in it. German silver isn't actually silver at all, but a blend of zinc, nickel, and copper with a silver plating. Oxidized silver has been specially treated with oxygen to give it an antique look.
If a silver piece is genuine, it will be identified as such with what is called a "fineness mark". This stamp will read either ster, sterling, sterling silver, or . 925 and will also need to show the manufacturer's signature or registered trademark in accordance to federal laws.
It's a good idea to be able to also recognize fake silver, which can be detected by a number of visual assessments. Real silver has a glistening color, whereas imitations have a duller tone. It is also heavier and softer than these other metals. If the piece is poked with a needle, it should leave a slight mark.
The skilled individuals who practice this ancient art of forging beautiful jewelry from silver, are called silversmiths. They can work this malleable metal at room temperature, but will use a blow torch when needed to achieve specific effects. Other techniques involved in the production of jewelry include both hand and machine engraving, "annealing" or heat reshaping, and surface polishing using abrasive compounds. In most cases the price of a pieces depends on how much work has gone into it.
Silversmith jewelry can last for many years if it is properly cared for. It should be carefully stored to prevent scratches and not allowed to come in contact with ammonia, bleach, or chlorinated pool water. Regular cleaning is important so tarnish cannot accumulate. There are specially made products designed to polish silver which are most effective if used when the tarnish first appears.
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