It is one thing to decide to buy silver and quite another to figure out the type to buy. Research also reveals that there are several types of silver. It also shows that there is really nothing like 100% pure silver.
There are a ton of varieties of silver that you will find in the market. The most popular ones are:
- Sterling silver
- Pure silver
- Silver plate
Sterling Silver
With sterling silver, you get 92.5% of silver and 7.5 of another metal to form an alloy. The other metal will be either copper or nickel. These metals help to strengthen the silver, make it enduring and add sheen to it.
You will be able to identify it by its hallmark. All genuine sterling silver should have an identifying hallmark. Look for the following:
- .925
- STER
- STERLING
- STG
- Sterling Silver
If you find 800 on it, it is most likely from Europe.
Sterling silver is long-lasting and can be easily restored should it tarnish or get scratches on the surface. Polishing it gives it back its lustrous sheen. You can also get it repaired or resized at pocket-friendly fees. Hence, you can easily maintain your silver heart necklace.
Fine silver
This one is closest to pure silver as it contains 99.9% of silver and 1% of minimal traces of other metals. It is identifiable by the mark .999. While it is as close as can be to pure silver, it lacks the strength of other types of silver. As a result, it is not advisable to use in jewelry as it damages very easily.
Nevertheless, it can be used to make items such as pendants and earring which are unlikely to experience rough wear.
Silver Plate
This is basically a thin layer of silver that covers a base metal such as nickel or commonly, copper. This one has a lot less silver than the other sterling and fine silver. It is also not as valuable. It can easily lose its colour or chip and look unsightly.
Other forms of silver include the following:
- Britannia silver
- Coin silver
- German silver
- Nickel silver
- Tribal silver
- Mexican silver
The percentage of silver varies from one form to the other.
Choosing Your Silver Jewelry
Your choice of silver jewelry will reflect your personal style. You can opt for modern pieces or vintage. Silver is used to craft pieces such as:
- Earrings
- Charm bracelets
- Pendants
- Chains
- Necklaces
- Cufflinks
These can be formal pieces for work and other formal occasions or items that can be worn for social occasions.
Sterling silver can be moulded into hoops and studs for your everyday earrings. These can go well with any casual wear from your indoor leggings to your go-to outfit for a grocery-run. You can also get charm bracelets for the perfect BFF birthday gift.
Silver necklaces and pendants have always been favourites as they can be worn with anything. They are your go-to jewelry when you are not sure what piece of jewelry would go with a particular outfit.
Another major advantage of silver is that it is hypoallergenic. It will not react on your skin to give you rashes or give you an itch. The most commonly used metals in silver are zinc and copper which are also largely hypoallergenic.
Nevertheless, you should check with your jeweler which metal alloys are contained in your choice of silver. Nickel is likely o give you problems. It is rarely used as an alloy but one cannot assume.
Conclusion
In order to get authentic silver, buy from reputable dealers such as Georg Jensen. Check the hallmark for confirmation and enquire about the metals included in the alloy. Also, find out what the dealer’s after-sales policies are.
Also, ask for advice on how to store and maintain your silver to avoid tarnishing and damage. With proper maintenance, your silver will not disappoint you.
