Silver

I only work with 925 sterling silver and some fine silver elements to make my jewellery. Where ever possible, I use 'recycled' 925 sterling silver. It is useful to understand the different types of silver available and how to look after your jewellery.

Types of silver

Fine silver

Also known as pure silver, fine silver is 99.9% silver and 0.01% trace elements (usually copper). I use fine silver in my pieces for bezel setting stones. The fine silver makes up the small strip that holds the stone in place.

925 sterling silver

Sterling silver is an alloy made of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other alloys (usually copper). I use 925 sterling silver in all my sterling silver jewellery pieces.

Silver filled

Silver filled metal is a thick layer of silver mechanically bonded to a base metal (usually brass). Silver filled is more durable than silver plated, however, it is not classed as a precious metal so does not hold the same value as 925 sterling silver.

Silver plated

Silver plating is dipping a base metal into a liquid silver plating solution. The process bonds a very thin layer to the surface of the metal. Used in costume jewellery, this type of jewellery will not withstand regular wear. Although silver plated jewellery is affordable, it is of minimal monetary value as it only contains a small trace of silver.

Benefits of 925 sterling silver

• durable: sterling silver can be worn daily and will withstand the test of time
• hypoallergenic: most people can wear sterling silver without any alergic reactions
• value: sterling silver maintains it's value over time
• recycle: sterling silver is endlessly recyclable and can be reused in many ways

Sterling silver jewellery care

Silver is subject to tarnishing over time, resulting in dull or even black jewellery. Tarnishing occurs when silver is exposed to oxygen and sulphur in the air. It is unavoidable, but, thankfully, it doesn't damage the metal and can be removed easily with cleaning.

How to prevent tarnishing:

1. Wearing jewellery will slow down the process of tarnish.
2. Remove silver rings/bracelets when hand washing. Soap and hand gel residue can dull the surface of silver.
3. Keep your jewellery separate, preferably in an airtight bag.
4. Try not to wear your silver jewellery in humid environments 

Cleaning your silver jewellery:

Specialist solutions or cloths specifically designed for cleaning silver are widely available. A small sample cloth is included with your jewellery. Using the dry cloth, rub gently back and forward until any tarnish is removed and the shine has returned to your jewellery. Do not wash the cloth. 

You can also clean your silver jewellery at home by following these steps:

1. Soak the jewellery in a bowl or warm water and a few drops of washing up liquid for about 10 minutes.
2. Gently clean the silver with a soft, clean brush. Taking special care around any gemstones/beads.
3. Rinse in warm clean water.
4. Leave the jewellery to air dry.