Silver is often used to celebrate milestones, achievements, celebrations, and ceremonies. How much do you know about silver and your silvery jewellery? Here are some things you need to know before you purchase your next silver jewellery. 

1. Common Types of Silver 

Fine Silver - Fine silver must contain 99.9 percent silver, and thus is stamped with 999 to identify its composition. Fine silver is rarely used in jewellery because of its softness. When it is used, it is usually hammered or brushed to help mask evidence of wear over time. 

Sterling Silver - contains 92.5 percent pure silver alloyed with another metal, usually copper. The most popular silver used in jewellery, sterling silver offers better durability while maintaining the metal’s beautiful shine. The addition of the alloyed metal also makes the jewellery more tarnish resistant.

Sterling Silver Plated - Although silver is not as expensive as gold or platinum, jewellery manufacturers will use silver plating to get the shine and beauty of a solid silver piece while using less of the metal to reduce the cost. One form of silver plating, electroplating bonds atoms of silver to a base metal using electricity. This thin coating of silver is durable but will wear over time. 

Rhodium Plated Silver - Rodium is the most expensive metal, even more so than gold or platinum, all these qualities make rhodium perfect for jewellery, but due to the hardness and brittleness of the metal, as well as the exorbitant cost, it cannot be used in its pure form to make jewellery. Thus, it has been used in plating on other metals such as Silver. Rhodium plated jewellery adds an extra layer of protection to jewellery, prevent tarnishing and produces a brighter white than sterling silver similar to white gold.

 

2. Pros and Cons of Silver 

Pros of Sterling Silver  

• A precious metal yet more affordable than gold or platinum.  
• Offers more malleability and versatility  
• Easy to create intricate designs with it  
• Can easily be cleaned and restored to its former glory  
• Can easily be repaired in case of damages  
• Offers a nice lustre for jewellery which can add a touch of elegance to your appearance  

Cons of Sterling Silver  

• More prone to damages like scratches due to its inherent softness  
• Easy to tarnish/react with the air, sweat and sulfur. A black substance will form, making the silver jewellery lose its original luster 
• Requires more maintenance 

 

3. Checking your allergies 

Many people with allergies can wear sterling silver without having an allergic reaction. There is a small exception to this rule, however. We know that sterling silver (S925) is also made with 7.5% of other metals. Most often, the 7.5% is copper, which is also nickel-free. If the other 7.5% is made up of non-nickel-free metals, you could potentially have an allergic reaction to the jewellery. 

 

4. Silver is not appropriate for engagement ring or wedding bands 

Silver is not a good choice for permanent daily wear such as engagement ring or wedding band. Silver is a soft metal that can get scratched easily, and will tarnish over time.

 

5. Silver VS Gold Jewellery 

When buying jewellery, many consumers choose silver or gold pieces. Both are high-quality precious metals and very durable. However, sterling silver and white gold can be easily confused because of their similar colour and appearance.

Gold has unique beauty and warmth that silver lacks. It will never tarnish, so it's always beautiful—even after years of wear! And gold can be mixed with other metals to create amazing designs that are perfect for your style. 

 

6. How to take care of Silver?  

For pure silver, you need to be extra careful with it. Since it isn't very durable and it's soft, you need to make sure not to use them too roughly.   

It should also be noted that as Silver can tarnish over time, they should be stored in a dark place away from air and water exposure. It is recommended to avoid getting your silver jewellery into contact with chlorine, so do remember to remove the jewellery when going for a swim!  

If your silver jewellery is tarnished, you can clean it with anti-tarnish liquids and a soft cloth. Some jewellery shops provide or sell polishing cloths, or even services to clean your jewellery.   

 

 

 

925 Silver Bracelets

925 Silver Hoop Earrings 

925 Silver Small Ball Set (Chains & Bracelets) 

 

References: 

https://www.bogartsjewellers.com/blogs/knowledge/stainless-steel-vs-sterling-silver
https://www.joaciijewelry.com/knowledge-what-are-the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-wearing-silver-jewelry.html
https://news.thediamondstore.co.uk/general-jewellery-learning/metals/what-is-sterling-silver-guide/
https://simonewalsh.com/blogs/handmade-jewellery/all-about-sterling-silver