WHAT IS 925 SILVER JEWELRY?
Posted by SNEHA MIRIAM KURUVILLA
UNDERSTANDING 925 SILVER JEWELRY:
Silver jewellery has remained a timeless adornment, valued for its shiny appearance and versatility. If you have an affinity for jewelry, chances are you've either bought or perused sterling silver earrings, necklaces, rings, bangles, kada or anklets. Perhaps you've examined jewelry online or in a store, pondering whether it's genuine silver and contemplating the disparity between sterling silver and silver look alike alloy jewellery.
We come across a lot of people with doubts like ' Is silver good for jewelry', ' Does 925 silver tarnish?, 'Is sterling silver and 925 silver the same'. The next time you embark on a jewelry shopping spree, you wont have to be confused as we will explain everything about silver jewellery in this blog
FINE SILVER vs STERLING SILVER
Fine silver is 99.9% pure silver and does not tarnish. However Fine Silver is too soft for everyday use and it is often mixed with other metals to make it a durable material known as STERLING SILVER. Fine silver being soft can be easily bent, distorted, or damaged. Thus it is mixed with alloys such as copper, zinc, or palladium to make it stronger and more durable.
From a manufacturing standpoint, this means that sterling silver can be crafted and re-crafted many times without losing its quality unlike pure or fine silver, which could alter its shape or weaken after multiple uses.
Thus 925 silver stands out as a popular choice for its quality and durability.
WHAT IS 925 SILVER?
925 silver, also known as STERLING SILVER, consists of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy, often copper. This combination enhances the metal's strength, making it more suitable for crafting intricate designs while maintaining its natural beauty. The hallmark "925" indicates its purity, distinguishing it from other types of silver-plated or lower-grade silver jewelry.
WHY CHOOSE 925 SILVER JEWELRY?
1. Quality: It's high purity level ensures quality and durability, making it ideal for everyday wear.
2. Allergy-Friendly: People sensitive to certain metals often find 925 silver more hypoallergenic compared to other alloys, reducing the risk of skin reactions.
3. Versatility: Its elegant shine complements various styles, from casual to formal, enhancing any outfit effortlessly.
4. Longevity: With proper care, sterling silver jewelry can last a lifetime, retaining its shine and beauty.
HOW TO TELL IF STERLING SILVER IS REAL
- Look for the 925 hallmarking: Genuine sterling silver jewelry will be marked with 925 stamp or STERLING or STER.
- Take the jewelry to a jeweller: If you want to know that your jewelry is genuine sterling silver beyond a shadow of a doubt, let an expert test it for you.
WHY DOES SILVER JEWELLERY TURN BLACK?
Sadly, there's no way to completely have a totally tarnish-free silver jewellery. The alloy in the sterling silver will always react with chemicals and sulphur in the air and undergo oxidation, leading to a blackish tarnish. Moreover, the higher the humidity in the environment, the quicker your silver will tarnish.
HOW CAN I KEEP MY SILVER FROM TURNING BLACK?
The cardinal rules are don’t sleep, exercise, swim, shower in your jewelry.
Please follow these steps to ensure your beautiful jewelry lasts a lifetime and make them shine bright like new!
HOW TO STORE 925 SILVER JEWELRY:
Proper storage is crucial to maintain the brilliance and prevent tarnishing of your silver jewelry.
DO NOT store your jewelry in anything other than plastic pouches/zip lock plastic bags
NEVER store them in leather/ velvet pouch/ cloth pouch as it can fasten the oxidisation process
Always wear silver jewellery at the end, after you are done applying makeup, perfumes and so on. Avoid spraying perfume or applying creams directly onto your jewelry.
We recommend removing jewelry when you shower, prior to bed or during sporting activities.
Keep away from extreme temperatures, humidity and sunlight, and avoid wearing your jewelry when using bleach
1. Use Airtight Containers: Store your silver pieces in airtight containers or zip-lock bags to minimize exposure to air, which can cause tarnishing.
2. Anti-Tarnish Strips: Placing anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packets inside the storage containers helps absorb moisture and prevent tarnishing.
3. Avoid Exposure to Chemicals: Keep silver jewelry away from household chemicals, perfumes, lotions, and hairsprays, as these substances can accelerate tarnishing.
4. Separate Pieces: Prevent scratches by storing each piece of jewelry separately or using soft pouches to cushion them.
5. Regular Cleaning: Gently polish your silver jewelry with a soft cloth regularly to remove any tarnish and maintain its shine.
Conclusion:
925 silver jewelry is a timeless and elegant choice, known for its quality, durability, and versatility. Choosing sterling silver ensures not only a stunning aesthetic but also a long-lasting investment in your accessory collection. By following proper storage practices and maintenance routines, you can enjoy the enduring beauty of your 925 silver jewelry for years to come.