Pure silver has a beautiful white color and luster; it is almost as plastic as pure gold and like it very soft. Silver does not tarnish in natural air, but when it comes in contact with sulfur compounds it readily forms black silver sulfide. The sulfur compounds which act on silver are found in small quantities in the air as a result of burning coal and illuminating gas, while larger amounts occur in vulcanized rubber, wool, and foods like eggs.
Pure silver is too soft to make durable objects that require lightness and stability of form. This defect is overcome by alloying it with a little copper.
An alloy of 925 parts fine silver and 75 parts copper is called 925-1000 fine or what is commonly known as sterling silver. This alloy is used almost universally for jewelry and the best silverware.
Sterling Silver Fashion Trends for the New Year and Beyond
Each year, on fashion runways fromIn the hands of talented artists and designers, sterling silver is constantly "reinvented" to suit the evolving tastes of the women who wear it. But whether as a ring, a necklace, or bracelet, standing alone or presented in combination with gemstones and other precious metals…sterling silver is always in fashion.
Here's a look at what's "hot" this year:
Peace of Silver
Now non-celebrities may purchase the pin in sterling silver pin to demonstrate both their commitment to peace and their fashion sense. The 2005 sterling silver interpretation was designed by award-winning American jewelry artist Henry Dunay to resonate the energy of Picasso's "Dove Of Peace.
Silver Screen
With the enormous popularity of the "Lord of the Rings" series, it comes as no surprise that designers have created jewelry based on the elaborately crafted pieces in the films. Based on the actual pendant worn in the Lord of the Rings film, the Arwen Evenstar Pendant is crafted in sterling silver and comes in a wooden gift box. Measuring 2˝ inches in length with a 18" sterling silver chain and a Swarovski crystal stone, each piece is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, adding long-term value to its other charms.
Works Like A Charm
Charm bracelets are both wonderfully retro and extremely
cutting edge. Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Avril Levigne, Hilary Duff, and other high-visibility
high-fashion celebrities are wrapping their wrists in silver bracelets with the
hip
The "Girlie Charm Bracelet" is adorned with charming femme-friendly charms including a cat, a cocktail glass, and a kitty.
Sterling Silver – Always In Style for Your 25th Anniversary No matter what list you consult – traditional, modern or the now popular "ultra-modern" (which includes items like clocks and appliances) – silver is the 21st Century gift of choice for a 25th wedding anniversary. Whether it's silver's durability, its strength, its flexibility or its unparalleled beauty, sterling silver is an exquisite memento of 25 years of loving commitment between a couple.
Topping the list of this year's "What's Hot" in silver wedding anniversary gifts, women say they want charm bracelets, hoop earrings, and hair ornaments. For wives who would like to present their husbands with sterling silver tokens, the "top of the charts" picks are cufflinks, tie clips, money clips, neck chains, and I.D. bracelets.
But #1 for him AND her – a classic sterling silver Tiffany keyring.
Sterling Silver Jewelry – Classic Simplicity
Sterling silver jewelry is synonymous with class and style in the world of fashion. Its versatility and flexibility make it a welcome and useful addition to any person’s wardrobe. Sterling silver jewelry epitomizes classic simplicity in itself, but as the setting for gemstones or combined with other precious metals, the aesthetic value it lends to the wearer is inestimable.
Pure silver by itself is too soft and would not be practical for jewelry and other ornamental objects. Sterling silver is made when another metal, such as copper, is added to the silver to make it hardy and tough. So while it is not as sturdy as stainless steel, sterling silver jewelry is nonetheless very durable and long-lasting. That is why a wide array of rings, necklaces, bracelets, cuff links, belt buckles, body jewelry and more are made from sterling silver.
All sterling silver jewelry is marked as such, and sometimes the name of the designer or manufacturer is engraved on the piece. It is a highly reflective precious metal whose simple yet elegant look is appreciated by both the young and old, the famous and not-so-famous. Some celebrities adorned with sterling silver jewelry on television or in magazines include actresses Gwyneth Paltrow and Kristin Davis, musician Sheryl Crow, and hotel heiress and budding thespian Paris Hilton.
Certain maintenance measures need to be taken to care for sterling silver jewelry. To prevent unsightly tarnishing, it should be washed with water and a mild detergent after it is worn, and since it is softer than some other precious metals, abrasion and shock to the piece should be prevented to avoid scratching or marring its surface. In the event that tarnishing does occur, sterling silver jewelry can be polished to restore it to its former sheen.
Whether your dress of choice be casual jeans, practical office attire or a slinky, little black dress for a night out on the town, sterling silver jewelry is the perfect accessory. It adapts easily to all fashion trends without sacrificing the wearer’s personal sense of style. Its allure remains undiminished as it continues to evoke the idea of simple luxury.
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