Sterling silver is an alloy, meaning a compound consisting of two or more elements with metallic properties. 925 sterling silver, as the name might suggest, consists of 92.5% silver. Silver that is 100% tends to be too soft to be used in jewellery. Therefore, it is mixed with copper, which gives it an alloy whose properties are optimal for jewellery making such as silver chains for men, bracelets and signet rings as well as ladies silver bangles and earrings.

BENEFITS OF STERLING SILVER

Sterling silver is genuine silver and is considered the finest blend in the jewellery industry and also the material from which all our silver jewellery is made. Silver consisting of at least 92.5% silver is counted as genuine silver. 925 sterling silver is a durable material whose value also increases over time, making it a wise investment to buy jewellery made of genuine sterling silver.

For items such as cutlery, candlesticks, and silver trophies, something called “nickel silver” or “830 silver” is used instead – an alloy consisting of 83% silver.

HOW TO IDENTIFY GENUINE STERLING SILVER

1. Rub your jewellery against a soft white cloth – if the jewellery leaves a mark on the cloth, it is made of genuine sterling silver; air causes real silver to oxidize.
2. Drop a few drops of nitric acid on the jewellery – if the jewellery loses its color and turns green, it is made of fake silver. Nitric acid has no effect on genuine silver, instead, it looks more cream-colored.
3. Smell the jewellery. Genuine silver should not have a smell. Silver jewellery that smells contains too much copper and is probably an alloy closer to nickel silver than sterling silver.
4. Do the magnet test. Magnets have no effect on silver. If the jewellery is attracted to the magnet, it is not made of genuine silver, indicating that it consists of a larger amount of another metal, for example, copper.
5. Look for the marking. Sterling silver jewellery will have one of these markings in a hidden place:
   • Sterling silver
   • 925 silver
   • 925
   • S925

HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY SILVER JEWELLERY?

With regular cleaning, you can easily avoid dirt accumulating in settings and structures, scratching, and discoloring your silver jewellery. You can clean silver jewellery at home with simple means, but a more thorough cleaning should be done in store. In our stores, we help you keep your jewellery clean and beautiful.

HOW DO I CORRECT DISCOLORATION?

 

For silver jewellery, there is a specially designed cleaning fluid, which is super easy to use. By placing the jewellery in the cleaning fluid and letting it work for 1-2 minutes, your jewellery becomes clean and beautiful again, regaining its color and shine.

IN SUMMARY

Sterling silver is genuine silver and is considered the finest blend in the jewelry industry, as well as the material from which all our silver jewelry is made. Silver consisting of at least 92.5% silver is called 925 Sterling silver and is counted as genuine silver.