Silver (Ag)

Like Gold, Silver has been popular throughout history because of its versatility, luster, and rarity. Silver has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of all metals, proving itself useful in solar panels, smartphones, and other technologies. It’s bright white metallic colour is only one of the many reasons it is used in Jewellery, it is also more affordable than gold while having favourable characteristics for Jewellery. Similar to Gold, Silver in its purest form is too soft for Jewellery, therefore it is mixed with other metals (usually copper) to prevent scratches and distortion. Its purity is not rated by karats, yet one can understand its purity through their associated terms. “Fine” and “Sterling” Silver represent the highest purities, however “Fine” Silver is less commonly used for Jewellery.

Silver Purities:

• .800 Silver: At least 80% Silver & no more than 20% copper or other metals.
• .925 Sterling Silver: At least 92.5% Silver & no more than 7.6% copper or other metals.
• .950 Sterling Silver: At least 95% Silver & no more than 5% copper or other metals.
• Fine Silver: 99.9%

Silver Silver remains stable in pure air & water, however it’s brilliant silver finish can tarnish as it has very little resistance to contact with other elements. Silver is vulnerable to tarnishing when exposed to sulphur, hydrogen sulphide and other naturally occurring elements in the ozone. This natural tarnishing of metals is called oxidization.

How to Care For Your Silver Jewellery

Through the proper cleaning & care, your Silver Jewellery can be preserved for the future generations to come. Store pieces individually so that they don’t knock together and scratch. Don’t wear sterling silver in chlorinated water or when working with household chemicals.

• Most Silver Jewellery is safe to clean in a solution of warm water and soap. With the help of a soft bristled toothbrush, you can intricately clean your Jewellery without any visible harm. For more stubborn dirt, you can use a cleaner designed for silver use. If the piece of Silver Jewellery is severely tarnished, it is recommended to have it Professionally Cleaned by a Jeweller.
• Do not use anything other than a polishing cloth when rubbing Silver as cloths with harsher fabrics will scratch your Jewellery.
• It is recommended to store Silver Jewellery in a cool, dry place. It is best to keep it in a tarnish-preventative bag, or wrapped in a soft piece of felt or cloth to limit the metals exposure to air and light during storage. This exposure plays a vital role in Silver’s tarnishing.
• In order to maintain Silver’s brilliant colour, it is best to avoid unnecessary exposure to moisture, peroxide, and household chemicals. One should also refrain from swimming in chlorinated water with their Silver Jewellery.