Sterling silver jewelry has always been a sign of affluence and good fortune. Aside from its beauty, it is widely recognized for its durability and flexibility. What is interesting about this eternal fashion detail is that it can be both classy and trendy, depending on the design. It comes in various forms, often seen as earrings, bracelets, and rings. Quite recently, however, sterling silver necklaces have become increasingly popular.

And then there is the pricing factor, which separates sterling silver from its more expensive counterparts. The metal gives jewelry that unmistakable glint and class at the fraction of the cost of gold. For those interested in the mystical, donning silver jewelry is believed to grant protection from evil spirits and mythical creatures. But these days, sterling silver is revered for its ability to give any look that extra oomph, making it the ideal metal for jewelry.

7 Reasons to Start Buying Sterling Silver Jewelry

Sterling silver has indeed been making rounds in the jewelry landscape, as popular designers continue to craft artful pieces from this sturdy metal. This development has significantly contributed to its popularity. However, if you have reservations in purchasing sterling silver jewelry or if you’re simply a gold person, we have compiled the most practical reasons for buying sterling silver jewelry. After reading this guide, you’ll never look at sterling silver in the same way again.

What are the Characteristics of Sterling Silver

This precious metal has earned the title the whitest of all. Sterling silver is made up of 92.5% silver, with the remaining 7.5% being a metal alloy, usually copper. Metal alloys strengthen silver, which is a naturally soft metal. Having more silver content is not suitable for jewelry. The material is too fragile, making it prone to dents. The right ratio enables the second alloy to impart the much-needed stability and durability without losing the malleability and ductility of silver. Since the early days, silver has already been widely used, in fact, sterling silver has a rich history. The word “sterling” came from the word “Easterling,” a form of currency paid by Eastern Germans to the British in exchange for English cattle. After some time, the name for the silver coins was shortened to just sterling.

Despite being harder than gold, sterling silver is very pliable. No wonder it can take different shapes and forms. Silver melts at 1760 degrees Fahrenheit or 960 degrees Celsius.

Is Sterling Silver Good for Jewelry?

Cervantes, a famous Spanish writer, coined the phrase “born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth” to describe someone born in wealth. The elegance exuded by sterling silver made it a great material to embellish dinnerware. In fact, sterling silver was widely used between the 1840s and the 1940s. And, why not? Silver has the power to make anything appear fancier and more sophisticated.

So, how did it make its way to jewelry? How did sterling silver become one of the most popular jewelry material we know today? Long before people have associated sterling silver with fine dining, silver has always been considered as the most suitable setting for precious stones, such as diamonds. Back then, royalties had always adored wearing silver jewelry with various gems. There is just something about how sterling silver enhances the radiance and magnifies the beauty of the stones paired with it. To know what is the best quality silver for jewelry, reading the following should help.

There are other types of silver, such as:

• Fine silver, which is made of 99.9% silver. However, it is too soft for jewelry-making.
• Britannia silver is much like sterling silver, but it contains about 95.84% silver.
• Mexican silver has more pure silver at 95% silver and 5% copper. However, this type is scarce.
• Coin silver has 90% silver, and the rest is copper. This type is used more in silverware.
• German silver contains 80% silver. These are mostly used for decorative accents.

All these types of silver are top-notch. Others have higher silver content, but if you are wondering what is the best quality silver for jewelry, the answer is none other than sterling silver.

Why Should You Start Investing in Sterling Silver Jewelry

Considered as a more affordable alternative to white gold, sterling silver makes a good investment. It can be used to create different types of jewelry, which is why it is regarded as the most popular and the most precious of all kinds of silver these days. Here are but some of the reasons why you should start collecting sterling silver jewelry right away.

They are Hypoallergenic

Certain metals such as nickel and brass are known skin irritants, especially those that are substandard. Those who have sensitive skin will not have to worry about having reactions with sterling silver jewelry because it does not possess any metal additions that damage the skin. Copper has not received flak from eliciting any adverse reactions, which makes them safe for allergy sufferers. This way, you are sure you won’t get itchy and reddish skin after donning a pair of earrings or necklace in sterling silver.

They are Very Durable

The truth is there are tons of materials out there that do not last long despite proper maintenance. With appropriate levels of upkeep, a piece of sterling silver jewelry can stay with you for decades while still looking brand new as ever. Why is some sterling silver more expensive, you ask? The extra cost guarantees its staying power, which is very much worth it. The best sterling silver pieces can be passed onto future generations as heirlooms.

They are Trending.

Let’s just put this out there: keeping up with the trends is hard. One thing everyone loves about sterling silver is that it rarely goes out of style. You don’t need to concern yourself with how “in” it will be the following year because it is always spiffy. Sterling silver has been around for thousands of years. There is no way that people would overlook that fashion fact. It might not always be the season’s hottest trend, but this classic staple is always relevant. The trick is keeping neutral choices of sterling silver accessories in your jewelry box to avoid spending a lot on your jewelry collection annually.

They are Known for Their Versatility

Aside from being timeless, certain sterling silver pieces can be used anytime, anywhere. It does not matter what the occasion or setting is; silver can gussy up any ensemble. Its modest appearance has a subtle yet profound impact on any look. Depending on the design, you can wear your sterling silver jewelry in the office or on a night out.

A big bonus is that its simplicity also makes sterling silver pieces perfect for mixing and matching. You can use them as accents to your more elaborate statement jewelry items or use them with your other classic pieces. Do not be afraid to explore as there is plenty of room to experiment with jewelry, especially sterling silver ones.

There are Infinite Options

The reason for sterling silver’s timelessness is its limitlessness. As mentioned before, the material is very flexible. It is no surprise it’s available in a variety of options. Because of its malleability, any shape and form a jewelry designer imagines can become a reality. You really can’t say the same with other metals.

They are Low-maintenance

Sterling silver jewelry requires no fuss. Silver tarnishes over time, mainly when not frequently used. This fact can intimidate silver newbies. After all, dull or dirty jewelry is never fashionable. An obvious solution to prevent this from happening is to use the item regularly. Apart from that, try learning different cleaning and polishing techniques for sterling silver jewelry at home, instead of paying a professional. Below are common everyday products you can find in the cupboard to get rid of that thin layer of corrosion and have your jewelry looking brand new again:

• Lemon and salt bath
• Window cleaner
• Ketchup
• Vinegar
• Beer or vodka
• Laundry detergent
• Baking soda and aluminum foil

Aside from these home remedies, here are some tips on how to care for your sterling silver jewelry:

They are More Affordable Than Platinum or Gold

Is Sterling Silver cheap jewelry? No, they aren’t. However, they are more affordable compared to gold and platinum for two reasons. Sterling silver is not a pure substance. It needs another metal to make it stable enough to form jewelry. This additional blend renders the material more economical while also reinforcing its strength. Talk about immediate benefits. Pure elements are much more expensive, but for sterling silver, the added metal alloy provides additional value.

Factors to Consider When Getting Sterling Silver Jewelry

Now that we have listed seven solid reasons why you should start investing in sterling jewelry, we will move on to the key considerations to look for when buying the best sterling silver jewelry. There are three factors you need to know about finding the perfect piece that will look good on any occasion.

Budget

We have already established the fact that sterling silver is much more affordable than other precious metals. However, they still come with a hefty price tag. Some items will leave you scratching your head asking, “Why is some sterling silver more expensive?” The cost of a piece of jewelry depends on the manufacturer, the design, and the process. There are many external factors in play, so it is essential to decide on a budget you can stick to. This helps you weed out items you can’t afford and limit your choices.

Function

How are you planning to wear jewelry? In this case, the design is the key player. Most people lean on fine silver jewelry for special events, but many sterling silver designs can do the job. Some more straightforward options are perfect to use every day in the office or even for an evening with friends.

Personality

Fashion is a form of self-expression, and accessories, of course, are no different. When selecting silver pieces, choose options that show who you are. Also, observe if you are into the stone designs in the sterling silver setting. Additionally, platinum and white gold jewelry stack well with sterling silver accessories. Choosing jewelry should be fun. Thankfully with sterling silver, you can’t go wrong. Loosen up a bit and opt for items that suit your taste.

These three factors will help you narrow down your search. However, we understand how easy it is to get intimidated when you do not know what you are doing. Below are some simple tips when getting sterling silver jewelry.

Tips On Getting Sterling Silver Jewelry

If you are planning to purchase sterling silver jewelry, don’t just spend your money on the first shiny thing that you see. There are things you need to consider if you are to make a sound purchase decision. Read on to find out more about them.

Verify the prices of sterling jewelry

Sterling silver is valuable, so it is going to cost you. Initially, research the price of sterling silver in the market to have a baseline idea when assessing jewelry. Compare the prices of the pieces you are eyeing. Exercise caution if an item is jaw-droppingly cheap, it might be low quality or worse, fake. Also, do not forget to inquire about the refund and exchange options when making your purchase.

Communicate with the seller

Online or in person, make it a point to talk to the seller. Ask questions about how the items are priced, where the silver came from, and hallmarks.

Check for hallmarks

Any silver object sold commercially has at least one silver hallmark, which states its purity. Scrutinize the product before you buy one. Is sterling silver good quality? If you want to make sure, look for a “.925” or “STERLING” engraving on the piece to confirm that the piece of metal is genuinely sterling silver.

 Conduct physical tests to check authenticity

There are several ways to make sure that you have the real thing. Use a magnet to check if the silver is magnetic. Silver isn’t. If it attaches to the magnet, it is probably made of another metal. You may need a strong magnet for the test. If you don’t have one, you could try a more straightforward test by rubbing the jewelry with a white cloth. Black marks will appear if the silver piece is legit because of the oxidation of real silver upon air exposure. If you are buying online, you can’t perform any tests. Authentic sterling silver jewelry sellers have at least one physical branch cited on their website. Read customer testimonials and reviews online. Also, the company should have an exchange or refund policy in place.

Get an appraisal

Is Sterling Silver 925 worth anything? Of course! It may not be as costly as other metals, but it can set you back a reasonable sum. If you really are serious about your investment, bring an expert with you when making the purchase.

To Sum Up

And we’re about done here. We hope that whatever is stopping you from owning a piece of sterling silver jewelry is all but gone. But before you dive into a purchase, keep in mind that sterling silver or any other type of jewelry for that matter is only as good as its wearer. Consider your style and occasion before putting on that sterling silver piece. Always remember, you wear the jewelry and not the other way around.

And when looking for a way to start your jewelry collection, there is no easy way but to invest in sterling silver pieces. They are classic as they are stylish. You surely won’t miss.