What is Sterling Silver?

Sterling Silver is the standard for shimmering sterling silver jewelry.  Since 99.9% pure silver is too soft for jewelry and is easily damaged, an alloy is added to the silver making it more durable.  This alloy is usually copper since it enhances durability without affecting its brilliant color.  The standard for sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper, and the minimum is 925 parts per thousand.

Hallmark or Stamp

The hallmark for sterling silver varies from nation to nation (for example, the crown or lion stamped into the jewelry in Britain), but in the U.S., a national hallmark was never adopted, but the words "sterling silver", "ster", "sterling" or ".925" are stamped into the piece of jewelry.

Care

Silver is not very reactive to form tarnish, however, the copper will react with oxygen and water.  There are many commercial products available to clean your silver jewelry including cloths, creams and polishes.  To keep your silver looking as new, clean your jewelry at the first sign of tarnish, and store it in a tarnish free jewelry box.  Wearing your silver jewelry often will also cut down on tarnishing.  To minimize scratching, store each piece in a cloth bag or in an individual padded compartment. Do not wear your silver jewelry in the shower, in a swimming pool, while spraying your hair, and for goodness sake, when going to bed.  As common sense dictates, do not expose your beautiful sterling silver jewelry to harmful household chemicals.

Add sparkle and brilliance to your elegant evening gown with a shimmering sterling silver necklace set.  Whether it be an open neck diamond cut necklace or a highly polished multi-strand sterling silver necklace, it will add pizzaz to your already stunning appearance.