Silver has always been one of the most preferred decorative metals and has proved to be popular with individuals from every walk of life. From the Royal family to the man in the street, silver has enjoyed a timeless admiration that continues to this present day.

sterling

There is a peculiar sheen to silver that cannot be found in other metals, and the lower prices compared to alternatives such as gold and titanium have only served to enhance the popularity of this beautiful product.

One of the really appealing features of silver is that it can be mixed and matched perfectly. This means that owning several different set of silver jewellery not only provides a comprehensive choice when trying to match up with daywear, but also provides a stunning range of looks when stepping out in extravagant evening wear as well. Silver can really make the individual stand out from the crowd.

The purest form of silver is far too soft and loses shape and shine after several years whereas sterling silver, which is used for making jewellery, is a much harder and more durable product that can faithfully serve the wearer for many years.

Pure silver is mixed with zinc and copper to produce ornament grade silver. These harder metals are added to make silver much tougher than it is in the pure form. The mixing ratio for ornament grade silver is 92.5% silver to 7.5% hard metal.

Sterling silver ornaments are usually tarnished with rhodium that helps combat the tarnishing effects of light and air.

When buying silver, always make an effort to check the purity first. There really should be a 92.5% silver content, especially as silver will discolour very quickly if it is made up of higher composites of copper or zinc. Always buy silver from a reputable source and check that the prices are consistent with those being charged elsewhere.