You should be able to find several indispensable facts about Silver in the following paragraphs. If there's at least one fact you didn't know before, imagine the difference it might make.
Truthfully, the only difference between you and Silver experts is time. If you'll invest a little more time in reading, you'll be that much nearer to expert status when it comes to Silver.
WHAT IS STERLING SILVER
Silver is a precious metal and much like gold it is too fine to be made in a 100% form. To make it durable for jewelry, pure silver (999 fineness) is often alloyed with small quantities of copper (7.5%), thus comes sterling silver (92.5% or .925). Copper is added to strengthen the silver and make it durable to be use as a decorative or in fashionable jewelry.
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS
Most of our jewelry is 100% solid Sterling Silver (.925). When wrapping your items, DO NOT place them directly in paper, cardboard, or cotton filled boxes, as these contain trace elements of sulfur which will tarnish your silver jewelry. For best results, place the items in a sealed, air tight plastic bag or jeweler's sulfur free tissue (different from standard tissue) prior to boxing and wrapping.
HOW TO CARE FOR STERLING SILVER
As with every product its life span will depend on the care you give it. These are some helpful hints on how to look after your silver pieces.
1. To maintain the original condition of your silver jewelry, polish your pieces regularly using a non-abrasive cleaning cloth.
2. Soap and water will also help keep your silver looking good. Remember do not dry silver off with paper towels or tissues, always use a soft cloth.
3. When you are NOT wearing your silver jewelry, store them in a cool, dry place. Zip-lock bags and individual cloth pouches are ideal for this and will help prevent both tarnishing and scratching by other pieces. What causes silver to tarnish is air, and when it is not in use, the more you can keep it sealed the less it will tarnish.
4. Never immerse your silver jewelry in chlorine, salt water, mineral springs, and suntan lotion. Remember, some household cleaners contain chlorine bleach; these will cause discoloration and also loosen the gemstones.
5. Avoid abrasive cleaners, detergents and commercial jewelry cleaners "dips" especially if the pieces have an oxidized finish. Using harsh polishing cleaners will alter the antique look of your jewelry.
6. Never use an ultrasonic cleaner, ammonia or any chemical solution to clean opaque gemstones, such as turquoise, malachite, onyx, lapis lazuli and opals. They are a porous stone and may absorb chemicals, which build up inside the stone and cause discoloration. Simply wipe them gently with a moist cloth until clean.
7. If your jewelry contains gemstones or pearls, do not immerse in water, as this can loosen some settings. Never use dips or abrasives cleaners on gemstones.
KEEP YOUR ANTIQUED JEWELRY LOOKING GREAT
By allowing the metal to oxidize with a solution, sterling silver becomes "Antiqued" and develops an aged look. With wear, the antique process will fade, and the jewelry will look less "black' in color, becoming a vintage silver shade.
To prolong the dark color of the metal, avoid wearing the jewelry in the shower or bath. Water will remove the finish over time. Do not clean the sterling silver or the antique finish will be removed. Instead, keep your silver in a zip lock bag with the air squeezed out to keep it looking nice longer.
Source: http://www.ArticlePros.com/author.php?Buzz Reed
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