The words silver or sterling silver describe a product that contains 92.5% silver. Silver products sometimes may be marked 925 which means that 925 parts per thousand are pure silver. Some jewelry may be described as silverplate: a layer of silver is bonded to a base metal. The mark coin silver is used for compounds that contain 90% silver. According to the law, quality-marked silver also must bear the name or a U.S. registered trademark of the company or person that will stand behind the mark.

How To Buy Silver Jewelry?

Silver has been used to make jewelry since ancient times, but the exploration of continents in the western hemisphere uncovered more productive silver mines than Europeans had ever seen. More silver has been mined and used since the late 1700's than in all prior centuries combined.

What is Sterling Silver?

Silver is a soft metal in its pure form, too soft to be used for jewelry and other items, so it's mixed with other metals to make it more durable. A popular silver mixture, called an alloy, is known as sterling silver.

The US Federal Trade Commission, the FTC, stipulates that jewelry sold in the US cannot be marked or described as silver, solid silver, sterling silver, sterling, or using the abbreviation Ster. unless it contains at least 92.5 percent pure silver.

The minimum silver content can also be stated as 925 parts per thousand of pure silver, so you might see the figures 925 or 92.5 used to mark silver content.

Any item that is silver plated must be labeled as "silver plated," "silver coated," or "plated with silver." In addition, the silver plating must be of sufficient thickness to ensure durability. Vermeil must have a sterling silver base and a plating of at least 100 millionths of an inch of karat gold. Only items meeting this definition can be labeled "vermeil."

Look for the manufacturer's trademark or hallmark on silver items. In addition to the quality marks described above, trademarks and hallmarks give you information about your silver purchase. Your professional jeweler can explain all of these markings to you in greater detail. Silver jewelry is priced based on their precious metal content, design and craftsmanship. A price based solely on weight and metal content does not reflect the work that has gone into the piece. Each piece of silver jewelry is unique and, if cared for properly, can last a lifetime.

When purchasing a piece of silver jewelry or a silver gift item look for quality construction. Inspect the piece carefully. Pay special attention to fasteners or clasps, making sure catches work easily but are secure. Pin backs and earring posts should be strong and firmly attached to the piece with no visible marks. Lay silver chain flat to make sure the links don't kink or bend. For gift items, make sure that hinges, locks, picture stands and other items are securely attached and function properly. If you're purchasing silver-plated items, inspect the piece to ensure that the plating is of the appropriate thickness and covers the entire piece.

Tips on buying silver jewelry

1. You should see mark "925" at siver. Silver is a soft metal and cannot be used in its pure form. It is usually mixed with other metal alloys in order to make it sturdier. Sterling Silver is silver with a purity of 92.5 %. Good quality silver jewelry will always be made form sterling silver.
2. Choose by made. Silver jewelry can be machine made or hand made. Machine made silver jewelry items usually show a better overall finishing. Handmade silver jewelry can be much more expensive than a similar item that has been made by a machine, or in other words, mass-produced. Usually the handmade item will cost much more.
3. Silver jewelry requires regular cleaning and polishing to maintain its sheen. Silver jewelry will tarnish over time. This is because the alloys used in the silver react with the air and create deposits that tarnish the surface of the item.

There is no such thing as higher quality silver that can be used in making "expensive silver jewelry". Sterling silver has the same cost everywhere subject to some basic differences due to local duties or levies. The only justification of a sterling silver item costing significantly more than another of similar weight can be that it is "hand made".

Cleaning Your Sterling Silver Jewelry

1. Clean sterling silver with a phosphate free detergent. A low abrasive cleaner, such as 3M Tarni-Shield Silver Polish, is a good choice for removing light tarnish. Some people use toothpaste to clean their sterling silver, but most silver experts caution against it because they feel toothpaste is too abrasive and leaves dulling scratches.

The beauty of sterling silver jewelry and gifts is part of this metal's ageless appeal. Properly caring for your silver collection is a sure way to keep sterling looking its shining best.

As with any fine jewelry or gift item, each piece of sterling silver should be stored individually, either in its own soft pouch or in a separate compartment in a jewelry or storage box. If you toss your jewelry into a dresser drawer and allow pieces to rub against each other, scratches will result.

2. Keep your silver in a cool, dry place. Sterling silver, like other precious metals, can oxidize with time. It is a good idea to store silver in a tarnish-proof cloth or in drawers lined with tarnish-resistant strips. If sterling does become tarnished, it is easily restored to its original gleam by using a paste, liquid polish, or a treated polishing cloth intended for use on silver. Or you may simply wash the jewelry or silver object with warm water, rubbing in a little soap or toothpaste, rinsing and then patting dry with a fine soft cloth. Avoid using tissue paper or paper towels as they can scratch silver. Your professional jeweler should be able to provide you with silver-cleaning materials as well as directions for their proper use.

3. The best way to prevent tarnish is to actually wear your sterling jewelry or use your silver items often. However, don't wear sterling silver in chlorinated water or when working with household cleaners such as bleach or ammonia. Treat your silver well and it will actually develop a lush patina and will reward you with a lustrous look.