Sterling silver, an amalgam of silver, has captivated human hearts for a long. Their durability, beauty, affordability, and versatility never fail to impress. This alloyed form of silver is made from 92.5% of silver and 7.5% of other metals, often zinc or copper.
The identity of sterling silver pieces is its 92.5 or 925 sterling silver mark. While this is a clear indication of its authenticity, many fail to understand whether the jewellery is genuine or not. So, let us understand how you can check and care for your sterling silver jewellery pieces.
Checking the Genuineness of Sterling Silver Jewellery
A lot of people fail to recognise authentic sterling silver jewellery. As a result, they often end up buying the fake ones. Some ways you can identify authentic pieces are:
The Smell
Silver or sterling silver is smell-free. So, if your nostrils alert you, you can think that the jewellery you are smelling is not real. Sterling silver is comprised of copper; however, it is not enough to produce a smell.
Quality Mark
The easiest way to determine if the sterling silver jewellery is real is to look for the hallmark. The authentic articles will have 925, 92.5, S925, SS, STG, or STER labels.
The Bell-like Sound
When tapped, sterling silver exhibits a high-pitched sound similar to a bell. The sound lasts for around 1 to 2 seconds. If tapping does not make a ringing sound, the jewellery is not sterling silver. Tap the item carefully, protecting it from any sort of dent.
The Flexibility or Adaptability
Silver is a malleable or soft metal. If the jewellery bends easily, then there is a chance it is made of pure silver. If it doesn’t, the piece is probably made of sterling silver.
Well, well, these are some tips you can use to identify whether sterling silver jewellery is genuine. The next concern many jewellery enthusiasts face is caring for their jewellery. Let us look into it briefly.
Caring for your Sterling Silver Jewellery
Maintaining 925 sterling silver jewellery for long is no rocket science. All you need to do is care for the pieces. Some ways to do that are:
Keeping them Dry
Sterling silver will lose its charm quickly when exposed to water or moisture. So, remove it before entering the shower, pool, or other areas with high water exposure.
Store Appropriately
Sterling silver is best preserved when kept in an airtight container away from moisture. It is highly recommended to keep it in a zip lock bag or a jewellery box. It is also advisable to store pieces separately to prevent unnecessary damage, discolouration, and scratches. For best results, you can store sterling silver pieces with anti-tarnish strips.
Avoiding Harsh Chemicals
Sterling silver jewellery should be protected from exposure to chemicals like lotions, perfumes, shampoos, or soaps. If exposed, the chemical reaction can lead to discolouration, reducing the lifespan of your favourite pieces.
Polishing your Favourite Pieces
To keep sterling silver jewellery in its pristine condition, frequently polish it. You can use a simple soft microfiber cloth to wipe the pieces off clean. Remember not to use the cloth in a circular motion since it can lead to discolouration.
Cleaning
Cleaning your sterling silver pieces is an excellent way to preserve them. You can use the following hacks to do this.
Baking and Water Soda
A baking soda and water mixture is often used to clean sterling silver pieces. You can use a gentle cleaning brush or an old toothbrush to clean gently in circular motions.
Dish Liquid and Water
Create a mixture of water and dish liquid. Rinse the sterling silver in the solution and dry the places immediately after.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
To create a mixture, take two tablespoons of baking soda and half a cup of vinegar. Soak sterling silver pieces in the mix for a few hours and rinse them to get shiny jewellery.
Conclusion
Sterling silver jewellery is a fantastic way to have a unique and extensive collection. These trendy, durable, and versatile pieces make them a worthy investment. You only need to care for these pieces and choose real sterling silver beads when shopping.
The product information mentioned in this blog is both accurate and up-to-date, some information may be subject to change.