What standard is sterling silver

What is sterling silver?

Silver is widely used for making jewelry. Since ancient times, jewelers have noticed the extraordinary practicality and beauty of this metal.

Its variety is 925 sterling silver. Few ordinary people have encountered such a name. What is sterling silver? This is a metal alloy containing 92.5% pure silver. This sample 925 is the highest and most common.

The price of such jewelry is reasonable, and purchasing jewelry is affordable for many today. Moreover, this alloy is very durable and high quality.

Sterling silver is used exclusively in the jewelry industry, and in many European countries this standard is considered the highest.

Versions of the origin of the name

One version of the name “sterling” is considered to be the name of an English coin of the 12th century. In those days in England, silver coins served as currency. Money was called the same as the metal alloy - “sterling”.

Another version suggests the following: the name itself originates from Germany. The minting of money was carried out in honor of the noble Easterling family. The coins also attracted the attention of the British, with whom Germany had concluded a trade agreement at that time. Thus, sterling originated in England.

After this, silver was used to mint coins around the world.

The history of the origin of the metal is quite mysterious. Today, sterling silver is popular among jewelry lovers. Prices for jewelry of the highest 925 standard vary. The cost of jewelry depends on the company and country of manufacture. Domestic sterling silver is inexpensive.

The affordability of the price is good news. For example, a ring can be purchased for a minimum cost of $50, the price of all kinds of bracelets and chains starts from $90.

As for the cost of foreign jewelry, the price can be 2-3 times higher, antique jewelry is even more expensive.

Features of Sterling Silver

It is interesting to know the fact that 999 pure metal is not used for making jewelry. This is due to the fact that it itself is not strong. It is necessary to add about 7-10% aluminum or copper to its composition in order to make the structure stronger and the products stronger. Some jewelry is usually coated with a special film called rhodium. Rhodium imparts a rich white tint.

However, it should be noted that not everyone likes such metal processing, even if the decoration is damaged on the outside. People believe that a precious item should look natural. Among the advantages of 925 sterling silver, it can be noted that it can be used to make the finest jewelry that looks very beautiful.

From the above we can conclude that sterling silver is one of the best alloys for jewelry.

Caring for Sterling Silver

It is important to know how to properly store sterling silver and what care it needs. In order for a precious item to remain in its original form for a long time, it should be looked after. Silver should be kept in a dry, dark place if possible. Direct sunlight must be avoided, otherwise the metal will become darker. You can find reviews on the forums regarding proper cleaning of metal. There are many ways to clean sterling silver.

One of which is: rinse the items in warm water with the addition of dish soap, then rinse again with plain water at room temperature and wipe with a soft cloth. Some people write reviews that they often use regular toothpaste to clean products, but you should be aware that this can damage or scratch the surface. Special cleaning products are usually sold in numismatic stores.

Such substances are used primarily for cleaning coins.

Silver is one of the most practical materials. It is used in various fields of activity. With proper use and storage of products, it will be possible to maintain their original appearance for many years.

Source: https://oserebre.ru/proby-serebra/sterlingovoe-925.html

925 sterling silver – time-tested quality

Greetings, friends and visitors to the “Our Secret” blog. Jewelry is popular not only in the modern world. Even primitive people had an inherent desire for beauty, and what can we say about the times of emperors and kings, when jewelry testified to the wealth and social status of their owners.

There are a lot of precious stones and metals, but the most in demand are consistently gold and silver. When choosing earrings, chains or bracelets in jewelry stores, you may come across the concept of sterling silver. You will learn from this article what 925 sterling silver is, how it differs from other similar alloys and what advantages it has.

A little history

In the 12th century in England, silver coins were in use, and trade was carried out in “pounds sterling”, perhaps this is where the name came from - sterling silver. There is also an opinion that sterling silver originates from Germany.

It is worth noting that jewelry and other products are not made from pure silver, since this metal itself is very soft. Therefore, in the manufacture of products, a silver alloy is always used, and most often this alloy has a ratio of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper.

Combination of quality and affordable price

It is this consistency that is called 925 sterling silver. During the experiments, mixtures of other metals were also used, but adding copper in the specified amount turned out to be the most practical and less expensive, which ultimately makes it possible to purchase finished jewelry at an affordable price. At the same time, the quality of the product does not suffer, but on the contrary, it combines visual appeal and practicality.

Quite understandable popularity

Silver has been one of the most popular metals among jewelers for centuries. You can make a real work of art from it, which will be a wonderful decoration for both women and men. The advantages of sterling silver are the strength, durability and beauty of the metal; not only jewelry, but also cutlery and cufflinks are also made from it.

An undoubted advantage is its hypoallergenicity. Only sterling silver can be worn by everyone without exception and not suffer from skin irritation and other unpleasant sensations.

What does Celestial Empire offer?

Increasingly, jewelry lovers are asking jewelers the question: what is 925 sterling silver from China and why is it much cheaper than alloys supplied from other countries. Let us reassure you right away: cheap does not mean bad.

  Simply one of the distinctive features of goods coming from this country is their mass production.

Therefore, when purchasing Chinese silver jewelry, you should not worry about quality (you need to buy from reliable sellers), but given the price, you also cannot count on uniqueness.

It's worth knowing

Due to the presence of copper, the products may begin to darken over time, but this is not a problem. Store your jewelry in a dry and dark place, and if necessary, you can return it to a fresh look using the following procedure.

In a small plate or cup (it is advisable to use enamel dishes to prevent oxidation), you need to pour a glass of warm water and add a couple of drops of dishwashing detergent.

Leave the jewelry for a couple of hours and then wipe it with a soft cloth, carefully removing dirt. It is a mistake to use toothpaste for cleaning.

At first, the product will really sparkle after it, but over time the effect will be less lasting and scratches and other damage may appear on it.

In general, we can say that sterling silver is an excellent alloy for making beautiful, durable, high-quality jewelry that will be kept in the family for many years and even passed on by inheritance.

You can also read articles on the topic of silver jewelry:

Source: http://nash-sekret.ru/sterlingovoe-serebro-925.html

Sterling silver: what does it mean and how to care for the metal

Most people choose silver products, and not only because of their lower cost. Jewelry made from white material looks more sophisticated than yellow or gold. In addition to decorations, it is used to produce tableware, which is very popular among consumers.

Despite all the advantages of this metal, it is practically never used in its pure form in production - it is too soft and easily deformed. Therefore, silver is mixed with elements of other metals, which strengthen it, making it suitable for the jewelry industry.

Of all the alloys used, sterling silver deserves special mention.

What is 925 sterling silver and its origin

To more clearly describe the origin of the term “sterling silver”, you should first refer to the concept of “fineness”. It is the sample that determines the percentage or amount of the precious material itself in the resulting alloy. In the Russian Federation, a metric standard is used - the number of grams per kilogram of alloy.

Sterling silver is an alloy of silver and copper, marked 925, with an amount of precious metal per kilogram of the alloy of at least 925 grams. Copper was chosen after numerous experiments with other metals such as platinum, titanium or zinc. It was when combined with copper that the most durable alloy was achieved, not subject to slight damage, and retaining its shape for a long time.

Analyzing the etymology of the term “sterling”, the first association that comes is associated with the monetary unit of England - the English pound sterling. And not without reason. In the 19th century, silver coins were the currency in Great Britain. It was called "sterling", a high-class currency. She was paid for luxury items or very expensive things.

Counterfeits were checked by weighing. One pound had to contain exactly 240 sterling, otherwise the money was considered counterfeit.

According to another version, put forward in the second half of the 20th century, sterling silver originated in the 11th century in the northern part of Germany. According to this version, it was there that the production of coins called “sterling” and having a special purpose began. They were supposed to pay for goods and services with Great Britain.

Storage conditions and how to maintain decent appearance

The main advantage of sterling silver products is their resistance to external factors. If a product deservedly bears the “925 hallmark” mark, it will not lose its shine for many years. This applies even to those jewelry that is never removed. The alloy of this sample is not affected by fat, sweat, or even dirt.

But it is still advisable to adhere to a certain set of rules regarding storage conditions:

• • It is necessary to store silver items in secluded places where the sun's rays do not penetrate. Special bags for storing jewelry are ideal for this. The storage area must be dry.
• • Any mechanical cleaning is prohibited to avoid damage to shiny surfaces. To clean, items must be placed in a bowl of water at room temperature with the addition of detergent. You can use the same ones as for dishes. To remove plaque, it is recommended to treat the surface with a velvet cloth with a small amount of special liquid. If such a liquid is not available, hydrogen peroxide or diluted ammonia will do just fine. After cleaning, rub until shiny.
• • The best way to extend the life of your jewelry is to coat it with white rhodium. They will immediately acquire a more refined appearance and will become less susceptible to the influence of external factors. The most famous jewelry houses in the world successfully use this technology.
• • For lovers of antiquity, coating silver items with a microlayer of oxidized silver is suitable. This coating visually adds age to them, turning them into a beautiful vintage piece. Often used for cutlery when the concave parts are darker than the convex parts.

If you properly care for your products and store them in a dark place, their appearance will delight their owners for generations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XCbZxErG6s

You should only buy 925 sterling silver jewelry or tableware from reputable stores or jewelry stores. This way the buyer can be confident in the quality of the product, which will have all the relevant certificates. By purchasing 925 silver from private sellers, the likelihood of buying a fake doubles.

Source: https://metropolart.ru/spravochnik-antikvariata/sterlingovoe-serebro-chto-eto-znachit-i-kak-uhazhivat-za-metallom/

925 Sterling Silver: What kind of metal is it?

For many centuries, silver was used as a coin metal, and until the 20th century even more often than gold. But starting from the last quarter of the 19th century, the leading economic powers of the world (the USA and Great Britain) began to gradually withdraw from the world monetary system and acquired the status of a symbolic currency.

Today, silver is the most used element, which is used in jewelry, in the production of tableware and other products. Medicine has also recognized the amazing properties of silver: it is added to ointments, eye drops, healing bandages, and other antimicrobial agents.

The percentage of pure metal contained in an alloy is called fineness. Due to its ductility, silver without impurities of 999 purity is not used for the manufacture of jewelry. Therefore, its alloys are more common in production.

925 silver is called sterling silver. One kilogram of such an alloy contains 925 grams of silver and 75 grams of alloying metal.

The name “sterling silver” comes from the English easterling silver (“silver from the eastern lands”) - a metal that was used for minting coins in northern Germany.

Sterling had significant strength and dazzling shine, while pure silver was deformed and very soon became unusable. At that time, silver coins could be used to buy all kinds of jewelry, household items and other valuables.

Over time, the name became sterling silver and became equivalent to “coin silver.” And in the 12th century, the English king Henry II made a similar alloy the standard of English coins. It subsequently became the prototype of the current pound sterling.

Differences of Sterling Silver

Silver – lat. argentum, Old Slavonic - silver, English. - silver - the 47th element of D.I. Mendeleev’s periodic table - a malleable, ductile metal of a silver-white hue.

Its most significant drawback is the appearance of sulfide deposits under the influence of external factors (for example, hydrogen sulfide, which may be contained in the air). This drawback led to the need to create a metal that is resistant to sulfur compounds.

Sterling silver became such a metal, which is used exclusively in the jewelry industry, for the production of figurines and sets.

Bank bars are cast from 999 silver.

As for industrial use, either 100% silver in small quantities or low-grade alloys are used in production.

The temperature required to mix silver and copper is 1640 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the temperature required to obtain a uniform alloy. Most jewelry, interior parts, and even statues are made from sterling silver.

It is noteworthy that only one metal can be included in the mixture. To increase wear resistance, improve quality and change color, experiments were carried out using other metals.

For example, copper was replaced with zinc, germanium, platinum, and silicon and boron were used as additives. The fact is that such an alloy is relatively cheap compared, for example, with germanium or cadmium, which prevents products from deteriorating, but significantly increases their cost.

An alloy with aluminum will be inexpensive, but the material turns out to be excessively porous. In addition, a significant drawback of such impurities can be an error in proportions, which will lead to early damage to the product, the appearance of a whitish coating and loss of its visual characteristics.

Therefore, one way or another, the material using copper remained the standard.

Physical and chemical properties of 925 silver

Physical properties:

1. Silver reflects about 95% of the visible part of the spectrum , which sets it apart from other metals. It was from silver that several thousand years ago people began to make mirrors, which at that time were very expensive. Analogues of modern glass mirrors appeared only about 600 years ago.
2. High thermal conductivity is another distinctive property of silver, which makes it not entirely convenient to use utensils made from it.
3. The most important property of silver is its high electrical conductivity. At a temperature of +20 degrees Celsius, the electrical conductivity of silver is much higher than that of other elements.
4. Sterling silver is extremely sought after and loved by jewelers. Being a rare element, included in the group of precious metals along with gold and platinum, among other properties, it is also characterized by good resistance to corrosion.
5. This metal is easy to work with , just like pure silver: it is strong and malleable, oxidizes slowly and is easy to clean. It is possible to make the finest openwork patterns from it, adding elegance and unique style to jewelry.
6. Sterling silver is whiter than pure metal and its lower purity versions, making it similar to platinum.

Chemical properties:

1. Like all noble metals, 925 silver is inert, however, it is the most reactive. So, unlike gold and platinum, silver dissolves in nitric and sulfuric acid, mercury, but does not dissolve in alcohol, and reacts with halogens (for example, iodine).
2. When heated, the metal exhibits adsorbing properties in relation to gases - oxygen, hydrogen, argon and others.
3. In addition, silver is extremely sensitive to the action of hydrogen sulfide and easily reacts with it, forming a dark coating on its surface - nothing more than silver sulfide.

Sterling silver prices

An analysis of the precious metals market has shown that over the past few years the demand for sterling silver has been growing. Accordingly, prices for products are rising. Analysts agree that this trend, coupled with a decrease in silver reserves on the planet, will continue.

The cost of 925 silver per 1 gram depends on the company and country of origin, the product itself, the method of its sale and the possibility of subsequent redemption.

So, you can buy 925 sterling silver at a pawn shop at a fairly low price - about 20 rubles per gram. If we talk about purchasing finished products, picture frames, candlesticks or jewelry in a store, then the price of silver will already be about 600 rubles per 1 gram. On the stock exchange, one gram of silver costs an average of 55 rubles.

Thus, 925 silver is quite popular and affordable, investing in purchasing this metal as a long-term investment is quite profitable.

Sterling silver from China

The technology for producing sterling silver is identical in all countries. All manufacturers adhere to the established standard. But the attitude towards rafting is different in different countries.

For example, it is due to the presence of impurities that sterling silver is not recognized in Japan. Therefore, the price for it is very low, since the alloy is not popular. In France, on the contrary, only sterling silver has the highest standard. And jewelry is made from 800-carat silver.

In Russia, bright, shining silver has been used for the production of tableware for several centuries.

The supply of sterling silver from China has increased in recent years. Its quality, at first glance, is not inferior to materials imported from other countries, and the price is lower due to the difference in the value of currencies and the low cost of labor in China.

It is not uncommon for counterfeit copper products to be sold as silver. Stones are also often counterfeited and passed off as precious. But in most cases, misunderstandings occur due to incorrect translation, since the word silver can simply characterize the color - silver.

Therefore, when purchasing jewelry online, you must check the quality certificate, and when searching, add the number 925 to the request. Another method of fraud is labeling. Careless sellers very often try to pass off a fake as real silver.

For example, chains made of 925 sterling silver - only the clasp can be silver, and the rest can be a penny alloy, but this information is hidden, and the marking is assigned to the entire product.

Therefore, before buying sterling silver jewelry, especially online, you need to thoroughly study the information about the seller, his rating and compare the price of the product. Reduced prices usually indicate low quality or counterfeit.

925 sterling silver from China: reviews

Judging by the reviews left by customers on websites selling goods from China, in approximately 80% of cases, jewelry with the wording “ 925 sterling silver China ” corresponds to the declared quality.

The cost of 925 silver products through online trading platforms is much lower than in jewelry stores. The difference can be 233 times with the same quality.

Thus, subject to certain precautions, you can safely buy sterling silver imported from China, since in terms of its characteristics and quality, such metal is no different from its expensive counterparts.

Date: 03/27/2017

Source: https://pro-kamni.com/ukrasheniya/sterlingovoe-serebro.html

Characteristics and Applications of Sterling Silver

Global demand for silver products is growing steadily. However, when looking for the coveted engraving of the quality certificate, many are confused about the difference between the numbers “925” and “965,” and the name “sterling silver” is sometimes even mistaken for “sterile silver.”

What is this seemingly insignificant difference and why is sterling used on such a large scale around the world? Let's analyze the meaning and use of 925 sample point by point.

What it is?

Silver is a soft metal, ductile, malleable and susceptible to external influences. This means that it is easily damaged, it becomes covered with oxide and darkens from sunlight and other external factors. However, a small addition of a diluting metal to the alloy turns it into a standard of beauty and reliability, valued by jewelers for its special qualities.

Over the years, chemists have experimented with adding various cheap metals (zinc, platinum), but nothing has worked better than copper. Today, 925 sterling silver is a white alloy, 1000 grams of which contains 925 grams of silver and 75 grams of copper. It differs from ordinary silver in its durability and resistance to external influences (natural silver is susceptible to corrosion, becomes tarnished over time and becomes covered with a coating of sulfides).

Sterling silver is less ductile, convenient to use and process, does not deteriorate even with daily wear as jewelry and is not affected by sweat, grease, or sunlight.

Both precious items and various decorative items are made from it with equal success. In Europe, the production of tableware - candlesticks, tea sets, cutlery, etc. is especially popular.

All over the world they produce various jewelry - silver rings with stones, pendants, earrings, crosses and personalized bracelets, engraved coins, etc.

However, the properties of silver are not limited to jewelry. As an element of the periodic table, it is used in technology, medicine and other fields. However, its alloy with 7.5% copper in its composition has firmly established itself in the areas of financial and jewelry activities.

Where did the name come from?

It is difficult to give a definite answer. One of the most common opinions is that the name comes from pounds sterling.

The alloy 925 silver has been used for coinage in England since the 12th century, and its percentage has become ingrained in minds as “coin silver.” For centuries, it was valued almost higher than gold and was extremely popular in the global financial market.

In the modern world, its currency value is outdated - banks still store bullion, but their value can no longer be compared with the “gold fund”.

However, gold was not lucky enough to capture another, everyday sphere - the practicality of silver alloys was noted from the period of manual everyday use of coins and the value of sterling silver today is expressed in the huge quantity and variability of stored products.

Another version of the origin of the name is easterling silver, which over time was shortened to sterling. It is believed that the alloy, which was used for minting coins, originally appeared in Germany.

One way or another, such a coin alloy has established itself as durable, easy to use, reliable and has gained worldwide popularity, which has survived to this day. Its financial equivalent retains its value in bank bullion, which is now cast exclusively in 999 fineness.

Jewelry from China - what is it?

Given the growing popularity of online shopping, in particular on AliExpress, the choice of products should be treated with special care. Sterling 925 from China often runs the risk of being counterfeited, especially when the buyer is offered an apparently low price.

Often counterfeits involve jewelry that turns out to be simple jewelry. For example, the 925 mark may be on a silver clasp, while the rest of the jewelry, indistinguishable in appearance, will simply be low-grade costume jewelry. Manufacturers are silent about this fact and act simply - the word silver, which refers to the entire product and is perceived by the buyer as a description of the material of manufacture, is in fact just the specified color of the product - “silver”.

Another forgery is the substitution of the concepts “silver” and “coated with silver plating.” The world standard recognizes 3 types of use of silver in coating a product:

• pure silver coating (SP – silver plated);
• sterling silver plated (SSP);
• silver plating over copper (Silver on copper – EPC).

“Omitting” the additional word plated, thereby concealing the fact of coating is an unfair, but quite common infringement of the client’s rights and awareness. The greater the weight of the purchased product, the greater the financial loss from the difference.

However, it is quite easy to distinguish a fake - just scratch the Chinese sterling silver along the surface in an inconspicuous place and find metal of a different shade under the top layer. In this case, the client has every right to return the purchase - however, some online purchases with delivery do not have such an option, and when ordering, the website immediately indicates the impossibility of returning the product due to violation of quality standards.

If the manufacturer lowers the price, does not provide quality certificates (in China there are mandatory product inspections) and does not leave the client the right to return the purchase within 14 days, it is worth considering whether the “precious” alloy being offered is really genuine? It’s a shame to buy only slightly silver-plated jewelry instead of a silver item.

Prices for this alloy

The world's reserves of natural silver are irreplaceable, which means that its price will only increase over time, like any other limited resource. At the moment, the average price on the world market for 925 sterling silver is at least $0.6 per gram. However, here we are talking about the weight of pure metal - if you add to the cost the work of a jeweler and other components of the cost of the original product, then you should expect at least $4 per gram.

If the proposed cost of the products is lower, then it is worth considering whether you need to buy even a gram of the product if you do not know what grade the alloy is actually, and whether there is a catch here. Perhaps, instead of copper, a cheaper metal was used in the alloy - or the amount of silver is much less than the required 92.5% of the mass. The price for a pure alloy may be more than 60 cents - the cost is not fixed and depends on the country of origin, the complexity of processing the product, etc.

Product care

In order for the noble alloy to retain its valuable properties for a long time - pure white tint, shine, unclouded and undamaged surface - appropriate measures are required. Sterling silver jewelry requires attention and care, because even excellent original qualities cannot resist a lot of sun, rubbing, and pollution.

A few simple rules will help you take care of your products:

1. Do not perform mechanical cleaning. Even with permanent metal additions, silver still remains malleable and soft, so you can accidentally leave a scratch on it, damage the surface and permanently ruin the appearance of the product.
2. It is better to store unused silver in a protected place. It is better to wrap jewelry that will not be worn in the near future in a thick, soft cloth (for example, a velvet bag) and place it where it will be protected from direct sunlight. It is recommended to do the same with utensils used strictly on holidays.
3. For cleaning, use a soft cloth and special cleaning compounds. This can be either a ready-made jewelry napkin, pre-impregnated with the necessary substance, or a piece of fabric, which is used to rub silver until it shines after treatment with a mixture of tooth powder, ammonia and hydrogen peroxide. This method is convenient for silverware when a large percentage of the surface needs to be cleaned.

In cases where it seems impossible to get rid of blackening or contamination at home, it is better to seek help from professionals. In a certified jewelry showroom or workshop, silver will be cleaned efficiently without compromising its quality and appearance.

Source: https://VseoMetallah.ru/serebro/sterlingove-serebro

Sterling silver

Sterling silver has excellent consumer characteristics. It was used to mint metal means of payment, produce cutlery, make interior items, fittings and accessories for clothing. The metal is especially revered in jewelry.

Selecting a ligature is not an easy task

What is 925 sterling silver, and why was it even created? In the 17th century, pure silver was mined in significant quantities, which exceeded gold in value. However, the metal darkened in air and was quite soft. It was decided to find a composition that would be characterized by mechanical strength and resistance to atmospheric conditions.

Only one metal was allowed to be introduced into the composition. Scientists tried to get rid of blackening, reduce porosity, and increase wear resistance. Initially, copper was introduced into the alloy, then it was replaced with zinc, platinum, and the mixture was adjusted with boron and silicon. The addition of germanium eliminated the darkening of silver, platinum provided an increase in the strength parameter, but the final cost of the alloy increased significantly. Cadmium “helped” make silver more expensive than gold.

Manufacturing process

Sterling silver is produced by mixing “pure” argentum and copper, heating the mixture to 893.4°C. The resulting material, after cleaning and chemical brightening, retains a shiny surface appearance for a long time. Jewelry created from it in the past can be stored for centuries and passed on to future generations in the form of family rarities.

925 sterling silver – what is it? An alloy containing 92.5% 999 fine Ag and 7.5% copper. In a weight interpretation, this means the following: to obtain 1000 parts of the alloy, 925 parts of Ag and 75 parts of Cu were taken along with other impurities.

Advantages of modified Argentum

• Corrodes when exposed to light and humid air for a long time.
• Has high strength.
• It retains antiseptic properties, therefore it has a positive effect on the body.
• It is forged well and takes the desired shape, which is valuable in jewelry.
• It is durable during storage and practical in use.
• Easy to clean.
• Due to its low price, it is available to most people who want to purchase jewelry or other products.

Recommendation

Excess air moisture and active sunlight can change the color of the metal. A similar result is formed upon contact with chemical media. It is advisable to store products in the dark. We recommend wrapping each type of decoration in natural fabric and placing it in a common storage place. The ideal option is a tightly closing wooden box.

Where is such silver in demand?
 

925 sterling silver has found use in the jewelry industry. It makes lightweight openwork rings, necklaces and earrings, finely woven chains, elegant pendants, designer bright tiaras, and attractive bracelets.

The alloy is in demand in the manufacture of tableware items: forks, spoons, glasses, cups, knives, saucers, trays.

Collectible coins are minted from hardened metal.

As a raw material, it is excellent for making accessories: brooches, men's tie pins, cufflinks, cigarette cases, hairpins, watches, piercing elements.

Silver candlesticks, figurines, picture frames, etc. are used in decorating the premises.

In the online store you will find a lot of jewelry, ranging from classics to Pandora. For those who like loyal prices, we recommend taking a look at the “Discounted Products” section.

about this theme:

Source: https://silvers.in.ua/sterlingovoe-serebro.html

What is 925 Sterling Silver

Silver is a precious material that is widely used and loved by many consumers. In ancient times, this metal was used in its pure form, was very rare and was more expensive than gold. After a while, they learned to use it in alloys.

Sterling silver originated in the early 17th century and was used for jewelry and coins.

At the moment, silver mining has been temporarily stopped; sterling silver is in use. Not everyone understands what we are talking about, so we will try to understand what 925 sterling silver is.

History of origin

The appearance of the alloy is explained by several versions:

1. According to the first, the name comes from an English coin that was in use in the 12th century. Its name is sterling. Authenticity was checked in this way: 1 pound - 240 coins. Based on this feature, it was easy to expose the scammers.
2. The second says that sterling silver originated in Germany, which paid with coins to England. The King of England, having tested the strength and reliability of the coins, considered it expedient to introduce the same monetary instrument into use.

Sterling silver was previously used for minting coins; due to its quality, it is still used to this day for the production of jewelry.

Composition and alloy of sterling silver

The popularity and demand for this type of silver is due to the following qualities:

• sterling composition of 92.5 percent pure silver and 7.5 percent copper;
• smelting requires maintaining a special temperature;
• the alloy is characterized by durability, quality, strength, and therefore has been entrenched in jewelry for a long time.

The question often arises: what is 925 sterling silver and what does it look like? This is silver of the highest standard, which was used for minting coins, which later found its use in the jewelry industry. In modern times, sterling silver is used to make:

• interior details;
• jewelry;
• picture frames and statues;
• silverware;
• candlesticks.

For the ligature, many aggregate impurities and metals are used in order to assign various qualities to the metal; these can be:

• platinum;
• zinc;
• gold;
• copper;
• palladium;
• aluminum;
• titanium.

Source: https://SerebroExpert.ru/proby/chto-takoe-sterlingovoe-serebro-925-proby.html

Difference Between Sterling Silver and White Gold

The main difference between Sterling Silver and White Gold is that Sterling Silver is an alloy of silver with copper , while White Gold is an alloy of gold with nickel, silver, palladium and platinum.

Silver and gold are very valuable chemical elements that are very popular in making jewelry and many other products due to their non-reactive nature and shiny appearance. There are very few alloys of these elements. Sterling Silver is a silver alloy containing small amounts of copper, while White Gold is a gold alloy containing white metal such as nickel, silver, palladium and platinum.

1. Overview and main differences
2. What is Sterling Silver
3. What is White Gold
4. What is the difference between sterling silver and white gold
5. Conclusion

What is Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver is an alloy of silver. The majority of this alloy is silver (about 93%), while the other element is usually copper (about 7%).

925 Sterling Silver Bar

Pure silver is very soft, but this alloy is relatively hard and durable due to the presence of copper. However, it tarnishes easily. This occurs due to oxidation of copper when exposed to air.

Sterling Silver Ring

Additionally, silver sulfide (black) can form when exposed to airborne sulfur compounds. To reduce tarnish in a silver alloy, metals other than copper are used. Some examples of these metals are: germanium, zinc, platinum, silicon and boron. This alloy is used to make forks, spoons, knives, surgical and medical instruments, musical instruments and even coins.

What is White Gold?

White gold is an alloy of gold with white metal alloys such as nickel, silver, palladium and platinum. The properties of this alloy depend on the proportions of each white metal used with the gold. For example, the addition of nickel produces a high-strength alloy. But if we use palladium with silver, they produce a soft and malleable alloy.

White gold wedding rings

In addition, we can add some copper to increase the ductility of the alloy. The most common use of this alloy is in jewelry making. These jewelery pieces are further plated with rhodium to enhance its strength, durability and give it a shiny appearance.

What is the difference between sterling silver and white gold

Sterling Silver is an alloy of silver and White Gold is an alloy of gold. That's why Sterling Silver has silver and copper, while White Gold has gold alloyed with white metals such as nickel, silver, palladium and platinum. This is the main difference between Sterling Silver and White Gold.

Additionally, Sterling Silver tarnishes easily due to copper oxidation and the formation of silver sulfide, unlike White Gold, which does not tarnish but may eventually yellow if not plated with rhodium.

 Uses of these two metals: Sterling Silver is used to make items such as forks, spoons, knives, surgical and medical instruments, musical instruments and coins, while White Gold is used to make jewelry.

Alloys are mixtures of metals. To obtain the desired properties of metals, they are mixed with each other. Sterling Silver and White Gold are very valuable alloys. The difference between Sterling Silver and White Gold is that Sterling Silver is an alloy of silver with copper, while White Gold is an alloy of gold with nickel, silver, palladium and platinum.

Source: https://raznisa.ru/raznica-mezhdu-sterlingovym-serebrom-i-belym-zolotom/

Features of sterling silver and modern products made from it

For many years, silver was considered the best metal for making coins, but when humanity began to use paper to make money, it gained similar popularity in jewelry.

Today, silver is used in medicine and cosmetology; it is used to make dishes, decor and all kinds of jewelry, but not in its pure form. The most commonly used silver in jewelry is 925 sterling silver.

What a sample is, how this alloy differs from others and why it is called this is described below.

History of the name

Pure silver is very ductile and easily deformable, so the alloy is more suitable for making coins.

The alloy from Germany was distinguished by its amazing strength and shine, so it received the name easterling silver in England, which means “Eastern silver”. Over time, the name was shortened to sterling silver, and later became the standard alloy for coins in England. It was believed that 240 sterling silver coins should weigh exactly a pound. It was from that moment that the history of the modern English pound sterling began.

Silver sample

The sample of silver, like gold, determines the amount of precious metal in the alloy. Auxiliary metals give alloys additional strength, wear resistance, shine, shade and many other characteristics. The fineness of sterling silver can only be 925. This means that 1 kg of alloy contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy. Today the auxiliary metal used here is exclusively copper.

To obtain a uniform combination of silver and copper, the metals are heated to 893°C.

Physical properties of metal

Today, sterling silver is highly sought after by jewelers for many reasons. First of all, this metal is distinguished by its special reflective properties. The first mirrors were made from silver.

Metal also conducts heat well, so it never causes discomfort when worn - products made from it always have the owner’s body temperature and quickly heat up after being outdoors.

It is also important that silver is resistant to corrosion and oxidizes slowly. Thanks to the ductility of this metal, it is easy to work with, even when making very small patterns.

Alloy demand

The popularity of sterling silver is growing every year, and, according to experts, this process will not stop. The fact is that sellers always try to earn as much as possible on popular goods, and silver reserves on the planet are dwindling.

If you want to buy a product made from such an alloy, you should be prepared for the fact that prices for it can differ tens of times at different points of sale. So, in a pawnshop, for 1 g of sterling silver they can ask for only 20-50 rubles, and when buying a new product in a jewelry store, it will cost at least 500 rubles.

Chinese silver

Despite the fact that the technology for producing the alloy is identical in all countries of the world, products from China that have been gaining popularity recently often turn out to be of poor quality. The thing is that unscrupulous sellers often pass off ordinary costume jewelry as pure 925 sterling silver (what is written above).

There are also situations when only part of the jewelry is made from the declared alloy, but the seller is silent about the nuances.

Since when buying products online, it is impossible to independently check their quality and verify their authenticity until the very moment of receipt, you should be careful and not make transactions with sellers who have low ratings and bad reviews.

In fact, according to statistics, approximately 80% of silver from China fully corresponds to the declared quality, and the low price is due to cheap labor and the absence of the need to pay salaries to a large number of employees and pay for rent of premises.

Sometimes the difference in price, when compared with domestic jewelry stores, can reach up to 200(!) rubles per 1 gram, so most buyers are still willing to wait for delivery and take risks.

The guarantee of receiving a quality product here is only the responsibility of the seller, which is confirmed by numerous positive reviews, high ratings and long operating time.

Source: https://FB.ru/article/29137/sterlingovoe-serebro

Sterling silver and its features

Many jewelry connoisseurs are interested in what 925 sterling silver is and where it is used. Silver jewelry: earrings, pendants, rings are very beautiful. Compared to gold or platinum products, they have an optimal price.

Sterling Silver is used to create jewelry and other things for the home, and what it is needs to be considered in detail. It will also be interesting to know the properties of the alloy, methods of application, and what is the average price per gram.

What is sterling silver: the history of the origin of the alloy

To understand what sterling silver means, you should start with the history of the origin of the alloy. There are different opinions on this matter, but there are several popular hypotheses.

The most common version is that the metal was created specifically for minting pounds sterling and only later began to be used in the manufacture of jewelry. Silver coins were popular for some time and served as payment for purchased items. 1 pound corresponded to the weight of 240 such coins, so it was very easy to determine the authenticity of the money.

Such an alloy was a sign of reliability; coins were used to pay for expensive purchases.

Such things were an attribute of luxury and prosperity

The second assumption about the appearance of the metal is that the alloy began to be called so in honor of the oldest German family of Easterling, but was used specifically for minting silver coins after the agreement on joint work between the Germans and the British was signed.

There are several other hypotheses that are also worth talking about. For example, the historian Pinchebeck believed that the metal got its name from the combination Easterling Silver, which was used to designate the German 925 silver alloy. The mass was particularly hard and was used for melting money. Therefore, the name was later changed to Sterling Silver (coin silver).

Another researcher from Oxford believed that this was the popular name for the Norman penny, on which small stars were used - sterlings.

Each version has the right to exist and only one thing can be said for sure - the metal was used to make money and was hard enough for this.

What additives are included in the composition

Sterling silver has a special hallmark “925”. This combination means that the alloy contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% impurities consisting of other metals. Copper was often used as an additive, and sometimes aluminum. Thanks to impurities, the finished metal acquires special strength and becomes resistant to mechanical stress. At the same time, the presence of a small amount of additives ensures the value of the alloy.

The difference between pure silver and sterling

Due to this composition, the alloy is easy to process and is often used in jewelry. Mixing of the base material with additives occurs at a temperature of +1640 °F. Sometimes platinum, germanium, zinc and titanium are added to the composition, which ensures long-term use of the metal without darkening.

The most expensive is considered an alloy of silver with cadmium, since the latter metal is more expensive than gold. A cheaper one is an alloy with aluminum, but the surface of the manufactured jewelry is too porous.

What industries use silver?

The most common way to use sterling metal is jewelry making. Silver in its pure form is not used due to its low strength, but an alloy with additives is an ideal option.

Another advantage is that the metal is significantly cheaper than gold, which makes it accessible to most of the population. Often, jewelry companies use silver bases, gold-plate them, and sell such items at a lower price than gold ones. For example, you can find such accessories at Tiffany.

Tiffani silver products

The alloy is also used to make other things, for example, cutlery or collectible coins, jewelry boxes or decorative elements. Sterling silver makes good cufflinks, cigarette cases and tie pins. The scope of use of metal is not limited, and every year many different variations of its use appear.

Technical and physical capabilities of metal

A detailed description of their properties will allow you to form your own idea of ​​​​the differences between sterling silver and ordinary silver. The alloy is characterized by the following:

• White color;
• increased density and strength;
• resistance to external factors;
• rarely causes allergies due to low impurity content;
• not deformed. Many jewelry retains its shape, and there are practically no scratches or other damage on its surface;
• is not subject to corrosion and is durable in use;
• practically does not darken, but with proper care.

The alloy compares favorably with gold in its characteristics and is valued on the world market.

What care should be provided for sterling silver items?

Despite the fact that the alloy cannot darken due to its composition, the possibility of such a problem still exists. To avoid this, you should properly care for the product and provide favorable storage conditions.

There are a number of recommendations that you should definitely follow:

1. Silver is sensitive to humid environments and direct sunlight. Due to such exposure, the metal quickly loses color and darkens. To avoid this, you need to place your jewelry in a dry and dark place.
2. It is better to place each decoration in a separate canvas bag, and the most preferable option is to use a wooden box.
3. It is necessary to avoid cleaning products using aggressive chemicals. Some people recommend using dishwashing gel for this purpose, which gently cleanses.

These tips will help keep your products looking attractive.

How to clean silver

Approximate prices

We should separately discuss how much 925 silver costs. Here, a lot depends on how many and what additional components were used to create the alloy. For 1 g of such silver, the buyer will have to pay at least 35 rubles.

The current exchange rate influences prices. When the value of the dollar or euro increases, the price of silver also changes upward. Additionally, we note that the appearance of the product and the addition of other metals and coatings (gold, platinum) can increase the cost.

Thanks to the original approach, Pandora bracelets are unique and bright jewelry

Reviews

Some buyers are stopped by the cheapness of the products offered, since a quality product cannot be cheap. If you read the reviews of people who bought such products, there are a lot of positive comments and enthusiastic remarks about this or that decoration or accessory.

But there were also negative reviews of goods purchased on Aliexpress. Below are some of them posted on the portals alitrack.ru and otzovik.com.

“I can’t say that there are significant differences from the original. But in the place where the metal is often third, a slightly pinkish alloy began to be seen slightly, of course. But it’s a shame that it was stated - silver)))”

“I ordered a bracelet for 4 dollars, I was also interested in what would come for that price))! It was written 925 silver!)))))) I received a silver plated one, of course, I won’t give you a link, since the store no longer exists. But there are a lot of identical products on Ali.”

“Real sterling silver and high-quality work are now expensive on Ali, it has become easier to buy on promotions in Pandora stores, at Ebay auctions, and people like me, mixtants, buy the charm beads they like in other jewelry stores, for example in Adamas.”

“On the popular Aliexpress website you can find a lot of charming “jewelry” made from supposedly 925 sterling silver. In most cases, there is silver in these jewelry, but only as a coating. Such jewelry can retain its original appearance for 2-3 months, after which scratches and abrasions will be clearly visible on the product, and the copper or brass interior will begin to show through. But for the money they serve well and look quite attractive.”

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Source: http://home-gid.com/poleznoe/chto-takoe-sterlingovoe-serebro.html

Where does the name “sterling silver” come from?

There are several theories about the origin of the name. The most correct version is considered to be that the expression Sterling silver comes from Easterlingsilver (silver from the eastern lands). In northern Germany there was an area of ​​five cities where 925 silver coins were issued. The British called this area Easterling, hence the name Easterling silver.

According to another theory, 925 silver gets its name from the sterling, a silver coin that existed in medieval England. The pound sterling is still the national currency of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Great Oxford Dictionary offers its own version of the origin of the name: the Scandinavian peoples had a coin - a silver penny with small stars, which the British called steorling.

How to care for sterling silver jewelry?

To prevent sterling silver from tarnishing over time, it should be carefully cared for. Store jewelry in a dry and dark place, preferably in a special box. Avoid direct sunlight - this causes the metal to become darker and lose its matte shine.

If you need to clean your sterling silver item, wash it in warm water with dish soap. Then rinse the jewelry with clean water and wipe with a soft piece of cloth. Do not use toothpaste for cleaning - it may scratch the surface! Special products for caring for silver can be purchased at jewelry and numismatic stores.

Source: http://metall-discont.ru/informacziya-o-zolote/sterlingovoe-serebro.html

925 sterling silver - what is it: reviews, price, silver from China

Silver jewelry is no less popular than products made of platinum and gold. The main advantages of the metal are its ability to disinfect the environment and its reasonable cost.

Its unique qualities and availability make it possible to use it not only for the manufacture of jewelry, but also cutlery. The most popular alloy is sterling silver.

Historical information

There have been various rumors regarding the name, but the most reliable is the fact that this particular metal was used to make pounds sterling. Silver coins were used as money and served as a means of making purchases.

According to another version, the name comes from the surname of the German noble family of Easterling, in whose honor coins were minted in Germany. After the conclusion of a profitable cooperation between the British and Germans, money made of silver alloy began to be issued in England.

Compound

The composition of sterling silver contains 92.5% pure material and only 7.5% other metal. Copper or aluminum is used as an additional component. The resulting alloy has sufficiently high strength and resistance to mechanical stress.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uw5QB3Bn7tE

However, sterling material can be easily processed, so jewelers often use it to create their masterpieces.

Manufacturing technology

The peculiarity of the 925 alloy manufacturing technology is to mix silver and copper (or other component) at a temperature of 1640 degrees Fahrenheit. The following additives are used: platinum, germanium, zinc, titanium.

Pure silver tends to oxidize and darken, hopelessly losing its appearance. Sterling metal is purified and brightened. Rare jewelry and valuable items can be easily inherited by several generations.

Properties

What is sterling alloy? This is a white metal, characterized by high strength and resistance to external factors.

It is not subject to corrosion and is durable. Jewelry perfectly retains its original shape. It is considered one of the most popular and in demand in all countries of the world.

Where and how to apply

Sterling silver is classified as a precious metal, so its area of ​​application is mainly in the jewelry workshop.

The alloy is made from:

• jewelry (chains, rings, earrings, pendants, etc.);
• cutlery (spoons, knives, forks, trays, saucers, cups);
• collectible coins;
• boxes, figurines and other decor;
• cufflinks, cigarette cases, tie pins.

Metal is no less in demand in the manufacture of various accessories.

Price

The cost of 925 silver depends on the additional components used and the manufacturer's markup. For 1 gram of metal, the average price is 35 rubles.

Depending on exchange rates, the cost of sterling alloy jewelry may vary.

Advantageous qualities of the alloy:

• has antiseptic properties;
• versatile scope of application;
• has high strength;
• care does not require the use of complex technologies and expensive products;
• amenable to any type of processing;
• has good malleability;
• affordable price;
• durability.

Flaws:

• darkens from exposure to a humid environment and sunlight;
• under the influence of chemicals it may lose its appearance.

Care

In order for sterling silver jewelry to delight you with its beauty for a long time , you should provide proper care and ensure favorable storage conditions.

The alloy is sensitive to moisture and sunlight; from their influence, silver loses color (becomes darker). Therefore, it is recommended to store products in a dry and dark place. Each decoration should be placed in a canvas bag.

A natural wood box is ideal for storage.

Among the large number of methods for cleaning silver, there are many that cause the metal to tarnish or become dark.

To avoid an unpleasant surprise, you should use special products designed for cleaning coins.

You can also ensure gentle cleaning of products using dishwashing gel. It is enough to dissolve it in a small amount with warm water and rinse the silver jewelry in the solution. After cleaning, all that remains is to rinse them under running water.

What is a sterling silver dinner set

A cutlery set made of sterling silver is cutlery of the highest standard 925 (not counting 999, which is not suitable for the manufacture of solid products, but only serves to coat them for maximum shine). 925 silver is safe because it does not contain harmful impurities, and is called “sterling”.

The standard that defines silver as sterling is 925. What does this actually mean?

This means that the noble metal alloy contains 92.5% pure silver (the remaining shares should ideally be copper, as the safest metal for human health, which gives fragile silver sufficient ductility for casting a full-fledged product).

Why is 925 purity considered the highest?

Because pure silver (in bars or granules) .999 is not suitable for any method of production, making silverware or jewelry. This is due to the fact that it itself is not strong.

In order to impart ductility, and in some cases additional shine and strength, to the composition of brittle pure silver, 7-10% of copper, aluminum, and some or more metals are added, which make the structure stronger and give the product more strength.

Reception jewelry, unlike silverware and cutlery, is in some cases covered with additional film. It is called "rhodium plating". It gives a special white rich tint, approximately the same as plating a product with 999 silver, but less natural.

Among the advantages of 925 sterling silver, it can be noted that it can be used to make the finest jewelry that looks very beautiful. From the above we can conclude that sterling silver is one of the best alloys for jewelry.

The glory of 925 sterling silver is of exceptionally high quality and durable, so that devices made from it will last a long time and will not deform (the latter can only happen due to the too thin parameters of the product, a few millimeters thick and the pressure of the weight of the leg of the human body). Therefore, sterling silver enjoys well-deserved popularity in the jewelry industry, and in most European countries 925 is accepted as the highest standard of silver.

Pictured: Sterling silver cutlery set (knives and forks). Origin: England, 1900-1920s.

 Where does the name "sterling silver" come from?

The most famous version of the origin of the name “sterling” is the name of an English coin of the 12th century, known to everyone from novels. Since these coins then served as the main means of monetary circulation, their name was transferred to the rest. – All English money began to be called, like the silver alloy from which they were made, that is, “sterling.”

There is also a lesser known version, according to which the name “sterling” has roots in Germany. The Easterlings were a noble family that minted silver coins that appealed to English trading partners. An international trade agreement was concluded for the production of high quality German silver coins. This historical fact determined the name and origin of the English sterling. After which, the minting of similar silver coins began all over the world.

Cutlery sets and dishes, according to the quality standard of sterling silver, have definitely begun to be produced, according to the decree of the English monarchy. Before this historical moment, silverware and cutlery were not always produced to a high quality. That is, sometimes alloy impurities could cause serious harm to the health of the user of silver, sometimes reducing the cost of silver utensils to an insignificant amount, since the noble metal turned out to be too “diluted” with cheap impurities.

After the adoption of the royal decree, silver cutlery and dishes gained a stable high value and began to be considered a reliable investment (like silver coins).

Somewhat later, in Russia, Catherine’s imperial decree also introduced a single “sterling” silver standard for the manufacture of dishes and cutlery.

Source: http://www.kabiri.ru/stati/chto-takoe-stolovyij-nabor-iz-sterlingovogo-serebra.html