Sterling silver: what kind of alloy

The content of the article

• What is sterling silver
• Structure
• Samples
• Does sterling silver get dark
• How to care
• Price

Sparkling, iridescent silverware has always been in fashion. Sterling silver, which is a special alloy of precious metal with other impurities, was most valued in jewelry, and therefore the price of such things has always been higher. However, without proper care and proper storage, these products will fade, lose their former appearance..

What is sterling silver

For the first time, a new, more durable alloy began to be produced in the 18th century. Then a lot of precious metal was mined, thanks to this in England began to print coins, which were called sterling. Hence the name “Sterling Silver”. Now the mining of white metal is suspended, and silver, which is used to make new jewelry, is obtained after the remelting of any objects.

Structure

In its pure form, metal is very soft, from which products that break very quickly are obtained. After the experiments, jewelers found that alloys with other metals help to give more rigidity and elasticity without changing the noble silver color. Real Sterling Silver has the proportions: 92.5% of the base metal and 7.5% of copper, germanium, cadmium or platinum. Alloys with germanium and platinum are considered stronger, do not darken longer, unlike copper, but the cost because of this increases several times.

Samples

On products made of such silver, special marking is applied. It should be indicated how much pure metal is contained in the silver jewelry. The s925 test indicates that for every kilogram of alloy there is 92.5% of white metal. Near this marking, according to international standards, there should be a trademark of the plant. In some cases, the words “ster” or “sterling” are applied. Jewelry is made of 925 sterling silver: earrings, rings, chains. It is valued no less than other precious alloys due to its brilliance..

Does sterling silver get dark

Jewelry for which the s925 test was used, darken slightly over time. If pure silver has no impurity, then this effect does not appear. White metal in its pure form is chemically inactive, it interacts with oxygen only at high temperatures. However, due to the fact that the alloy 925 contains a small amount of copper, over time it will be covered with a natural patina, which is a silver sulfide.

A slight darkening of silver products is a natural process associated with the aging of metal. In order to save objects from further destruction, an artificial patina is applied to sterling silver jewelry as a protective layer. Patented things are stored much better, so they are protected from destruction with a special coating.

How to care

Silver with the addition of an alloy should be properly looked after so that it does not lose its appearance. If a thing is constantly worn, then it is not affected by moisture and sunlight. If the product is lying idle in the cabinet, then you need to get it from time to time and clean it. Professional jewelers recommend following these silver care rules of this type:

1. To clean the darkened products with tooth powder, with the addition of hydrogen peroxide or ammonia. It is better to use a soft cloth that will not leave scratches..
2. Do not try to clean the plaque mechanically, as this could accidentally damage the coating and damage.
3. Store 925 sterling silver in a sealed box in a dark place.

In order for jewelry made of such silver to retain its unique look longer, it is better not to take care of jewelry at home, but to entrust this procedure to professionals. This work is done by many jewelry stores. At the same time, they use special tools that will help return things to their original appearance without damaging the coating..

Price

Demand for the popular Sterling Silver alloy is constantly growing due to the increase in its popularity, prices also become higher. The cost of jewelry depends on the country of manufacture, originality and complexity of work.