SILVER

HISTORY

From the ancient worlds of Byzamtium and Egypt 4,000 year ago, to the New World mines of Mexico and Peru during the 17th and 18 th centuries, silver's qualities have fascinated kings and innovative designers due to its affordability and malleability

Durability

Silver is a naturally soft metal and is alloyed with other metals, most commonly copper, to increase its strength and durability. While sterling jewelry can tarnish or darken in color, it will never rust. And the bright reflective luster of sterling is restored with regular polishing and cleaning.

Purity

Only jewelry that is at least 92.5% pure silver can be called "silver," "sterling silver" or "sterling." Sterling silver jewelry may also be marked with a 925, .925, 92.5 or "Ster" on the inside of the jewelry piece.

Whai is 'Vermeil'?

Sterling silver jewelry is often electroplated with karat gold. When the thickness of the karat gold plating is at least 100 millionths of an inch thick, it is referred to as "vermeil," pronounced "vermay." Vermeil jewelry is an affordable alternative to jewelry made completely with karat gold.

Care & Cleaning

Unfortunately silver does tarnish when exposed to oxygen, which leaves a dark, black buildup. To combat this, you can store silver jewelry in an airtight ziplock bag. To slow the process down, there are tarnish prevention strips you can purchase and store with you silver jewelry.

Regular polishing will easily remove the tarnish. Silver jewelry should be taken to your local jeweler annually for cleaning and to remove tarnish.