Silver is one of the most popular jewelry materials on the market for a reason. With their refined shine and beautiful cool color, silver jewelry is elegant and timeless. Whether you already have some silver jewelry or are buying something new, it will help you learn a few things about this unique precious metal.
Silver and reasons used for jewelry

You may have heard the term "silver" and wondered what it really means. Sterling silver is an alloy or mixture of metals that gives it certain advantages over pure silver.
Is sterling silver real silver?

Sterling silver is real silver, but it is not pure silver. On the contrary, it is always 92.5% pure silver. Pure silver is very soft, making it a bad choice for jewelry or other applications where an object is touched and used frequently. In order to enhance the durability of the pure silver material, manufacturers add other metals to the silver. These may include copper, zinc and other materials. Whatever materials are added, the final product must be 92.5% silver. If the amount of pure silver is less than or greater than 92.5%, the jewelry can not bear the stamp "925".
What are the advantages of silver for jewelry?

Which is better: silver or 925 silver? It all depends on your requirements. For jewelry, 925 silver is usually the best choice, as pure silver jewelry is easily damaged. Here are some of the reasons why silver is a good and beautiful choice for jewelry:

    Hypoallergenic - According to the Mayo Clinic, 925 silver is hypoallergenic. It is an excellent choice if your skin reacts to other materials such as nickel.
    Durable - Sterling silver is one of the most durable precious metals, which means it is an excellent choice for delicate filigree as well as for parts that are regularly worn.
    Precious - Jewelry made of silver will retain its value, as the metal itself is precious. This may not apply to jewelry made of brass and other materials.
    Cost-effective - Sterling silver is significantly cheaper than gold, platinum and other precious metals.

Silver jewelry
Silver 925 Value and desire

Silver jewelry has an intrinsic value due to its metal content. Regardless of the style of jewelry or its condition, silver itself is worth the money. Silver is a commodity that is always valuable. The current price of silver depends on market conditions. You can check the current market value on websites and it is important to remember that prices can change significantly from day to day or day to year.
Is 925 silver worth as much as pure silver?

The value of silver is not as high as the value of pure silver, but it is not worth significantly less. Imagine you have a pin that is in very bad condition. Although it is not attractive as a piece of jewelry, you wonder how much silver is worth in it. You can compare the value of the pin, which weighs half an ounce, based on whether it is pure silver or 925 silver. Remember, this value will change constantly, so this example only reflects the silver values ​​at a specified point in time.

    If the pin is half an ounce of pure silver, it could be worth about $ 11.50.
    If the pin is half an ounce of sterling silver, or 92.5% pure silver, it could be worth about $ 10.67.

Is 925 silver cheap or good quality?

Whether or not you consider silver as a desirable jewelry material is primarily a matter of personal preference and the other materials with which you compare it. Silver is less valuable than other white metals such as white gold, palladium and platinum. If you are expecting one of these metals and have silver jewelry, you may not be satisfied. However, 925 silver is much higher quality and more valuable than base metals such as nickel or steel.

Silver badges and ID

Silver jewelry almost always has a stamp. Unless your piece is a unique item created by a jewelry artist, it will bear a stamp. This makes genuine 925 silver jewelry easily recognizable. If your item is handmade, it must be accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. If you are not sure about the metal content of a piece, you can take it to a jewelry store for testing.


What are some common silver badges?

Understanding silver signals is important for you to know the value of your jewelry. Sterling silver can be labeled in a number of ways, including:


    "Silver"
    "925"
    "92.5%"
    "925/1000"

Where can you find the stamp on jewelry?

Jewelry stamps can appear in different places, depending on the type of jewelry. Here you can look for a 925 stamp on various items:

    Silver rings will be marked on the inside of the ring, often on the widest part.
    Look for a mark on silver earrings on the back of the earring where it rests on the ear.
    Consider the back of a 925 stamp pin or pendant, as most of these larger pieces are designed in a way that has a side that is rarely seen.
    Silver necklaces and bracelets will have marks on the clasp or on a small metal label near the clasp.
    Silver chains will also have a seal near the clasp. If they do not have a clasp or the clasp is not marked, examine the chain links with a magnifying glass.

Silver jewelry care

Although 925 silver is a great choice for many different types of jewelry, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing this material. Caring for 925 silver in the short and long term can maintain its value.
Understand that 925 silver is soft

Although very durable, 925 silver is prone to scratches. Over time, this can soften the finish. You can have finished pieces to fix it, but many people prefer this look. To avoid scratches, store jewelry in soft cases with individual boxes so that they do not rub against other pieces in your jewelry box.
Learn how to deal with oxidation

Silver can also oxidize or develop a dark coating. Oxidation occurs when 925 silver reacts with air sulfur. Wearing your jewelry regularly protects them from oxidation.
Consider storing your silver jewelry

How you store silver can affect it dramatically. Leaving it outdoors will cause oxidation. Wrapping it in fabric or storing it in a special jewelry box can help reduce the need for polishing and can keep your silver jewelry beautiful for years to come.
925 silver can last for generations

Silver jewelry is classic and beautiful, and silver is a practical choice for many reasons. With proper storage and care, your silver jewelry can last for generations. If you understand how to recognize it and what makes it valuable, buying 925 silver can be a great investment.