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F ine silver, in its natural state, is 999/1000 pure. That kind of purity makes it too soft for molding into everyday products. In order for silver to be hard enough and suitable for arts and crafts, alloying with other metallic components is necessary.
Sterling silver is a mixture of 92.5% pure fine silver and other metal alloys. It is the most popular concentration found in silvery items, and a marking of "925" can be visibly noted engraved onto either the backside or the inside of each piece. It is the most ideal percentage for having enough durability without losing much of the natural bright sheen.
Silver plating is when a base metal is covered with a layer of pure silver. This form of production is a popular alternative for more affordable prices. However, it will be necessary to coat the jewelry item with a layer of silver every once in a while to keep the base metal from showing through over time and wear.
Vermeil is sterling silver jewelry electroplated with at least 100 millionths of an inch of karat gold, giving it a nice, sophisticated appearance.
German or Nickel silver is a silvery-white alloy consisting of copper, zinc and nickel. But since many people have allergic reactions to nickel, this form is not as popular in products worn against the skin.
Sterling silver has been used since humans discovered the versatility of the metal. There have been practical uses from flatware to armor, in addition to creating beautiful jewelry in the ancient Byzantine, Phoenician, and Egyptian empires. Today, Mexico and Peru are the highest producing mines in the world. Silver is the most reflective metal, so it can be polished into a higher sheen than other white metals. Silver is also quite affordable and looks beautiful as silver charms, chains, necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, bangles and watches.
The only problem with silver is its tendency to scratch and tarnish over time. Proper care is required to keep it looking beautiful and shiny. It is recommended to store your sterling silver jewelry in a cool, dry place individually in pouches to keep them from environmental harm. But don't be alarmed if your item becomes tarnished, chances are it'll happen no matter how careful you are. Just use a polish solution or a polishing cloth to clean the piece. Sterling silver is the most reflective of all precious metals, so keep it beautiful and it'll capture your heart for a lifetime.
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