Silver Selections
For thousands of years silver has been one of the most desirable and used metals for jewelry. Today, it is prized in part for its affordability but there have been cultures in the past that considered it more valuable than gold. Nearly every woman has a few items of silver in her jewelry box. Designs can range from inexpensive earrings to settings with diamonds. But there are different types of silver and varying qualities found on the market. Here’s a chance to brush up on what you know about this precious metal.
Sterling Silver
Let’s start with sterling silver because it is the most common “real” silver used in jewelry. Most of your good silver jewelry is likely sterling. Sterling silver is an alloy- a mix of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of other metals, usually copper or nickel . It is the addition of these metals that makes the silver more durable. The downside of these added metals is that they make the piece more prone to tarnish. While considered “hypoallergenic” for most people, there is enough nickel in sterling that super-sensitive skin can react. This type of silver is usually stamped 925 or stg.
Fine Silver
This is the purest silver available- 99.9% pure. Because it does not have the added base metals of sterling, fine silver is much softer, making it easier to damage. And without those other metals, fine silver is more tarnish resistant. The softness of the metal also makes it easier for designers to mold it into intricate shapes; however, it is more appropriate for earrings and necklaces that are not subjected to the rougher wear of rings and bracelets. Also, without the other metals mixed in, it is a better choice for those with allergic reactions to other silvers. This silver is stamped 999 or FS.
Silver-Filled
Silver-filled jewelry is created by bonding genuine silver over a base metal. The fusing process creates a better quality product that “silver-plated”. It is a relatively new option on the market. However, gold-filled which is created by the same process, has been available for decades.
Silver–Plated
Silver-plating involves coating a very thin layer of silver over a base metal; very little silver is used in the coating . Silver-plating is not as durable as silver filled and often the finish will crack, flack, and wear off in time. This is used for fashion or costume jewelry.
Non-Tarnish Alloys
A less common find in silver jewelry is the non-tarnish alloys. These are basically sterling silver with a bit more silver and often germanium added in; they’re in between sterling and fine. They resist tarnishing more than sterling and are stronger. Common brand names include Argentium and Sterlium.
Silver
You’ll frequently find jewelry on the market simply labeled “silver”. Consider this an adjective rather than an indicator of the metal quality. An item can be labeled silver and not have a trace of genuine silver in it at all. Nickel silver, Tibetan silver, tribal silver all are alloys of various metals, none of which are real silver.
How Do You Identify Silver
Jewelry made today is required to have a quality marking as long as there is enough surface space for such a stamp. Since these stampings can be super tiny, most pieces have them. Even chains can have the mark on their clasp, requiring a magnifying glass to read. Honest jewelers want their customer knowing what they’re buying. Older pieces of jewelry however, were not required to have such marks so if you have an antique silver ring, don’t panic because it doesn’t have a hallmark. It wasn’t required when the piece was made. An item purchased now, though, should be marked appropriately. If it’s not, then you have reason to question its quality.
