Sterling Silver - a source of delicate beauty

Silver was used in jewelry in ancient times. A large-scale production of the precious metal began in the 18th century in Europe. Until that time it was mined in small quantities due to the fact that at that time was not enough known deposits. Sterling silver in form has a white color and an amazing brilliance that romance is often compared with the glow of the moon. Most likely, this comparison goes even from ancient times, when it was considered a symbol of the moon silver, while the symbol of the sun was gold.

Sterling Silver - a source of delicate beauty

Interesting facts about silver

The highest strength alloy jewelery is a very practical and durable. He is on a par with white gold and platinum.

Sterling Silver - a source of delicate beauty

Production of such silver have their own markings. Today, this alloy serves as the absolute leader in popularity in the production of a variety of ornaments made of valuable breeds. Silver refined, beautiful, durable and, most importantly, hypoallergenic. But not all people understand what a sterling silver. But this is just an alloy of copper and silver. At very high temperatures (over 1500 °) metals are mixed to thereby obtain quite durable material capable of long save its excellent external beauty. From this metal made tableware, cufflinks, jewelery, tie clips, religious affiliation and more.

Sterling Silver - a source of delicate beauty

In its pure form this precious metal is never used for the manufacturing of products, as it is too easy and rather bland. Therefore, it is added for strength of other metals, which have valuable properties, germanium, platinum, nickel, copper and zinc. Percentages in this case is generally represented as follows: 7, 5 and 92 percent copper, 5 percent silver. Incidentally, these proportions are used for the manufacture of an alloy which has the name 925 sterling silver.

How to care for sterling silver

Unfortunately, the fact that the alloy is copper, leads to

Sterling Silver - a source of delicate beauty

browning and tarnish products when in contact with air. But the decoration can return the old original shine and color, if not forget it in time to clean. A store sterling silver is necessary in fabric bags or closed containers, in a cool dry place. Very seldom, but the metal needs to be purified from the hot water used to wash dishes. After such a cleansing product should be rubbed with a soft cloth. But if you still managed to darken decoration, then entrust it needs professionals. We jewelers have a huge arsenal of various means by which the products can be returned to its original shine.

Sterling Silver - a source of delicate beauty

925 sterling silver is composed of a standard weight of silver. It amounts to 925 parts of the precious metal alloy 1000 parts. It is also interesting that, according to the British sterling silver contains 48 grains and 11 ounces of the precious metal.

The history of the noun "sterling"

The name of the alloy was due to family Easterling, who lived in the XIII century in the north of Germany. Edward the First gave the family the right to coinage of silver, it was then and there was a noun "sterling". This is not the only one, but the most beautiful version of his origin. As beautiful as a precious and very precious metal.