How To Buy and Care for Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is actually hardened silver. Since silver is too malleable to be made into jewelry when pure, other metals such as copper are blended in and the end result is sterling silver.

In buying sterling silver, you should take extra care that the product is of high quality. You may consider the following tips about how to make sure you are getting your money's worth from the purchase:

1. The ideal mixture for sterling silver is a combination of pure silver and metal with the respective percentages of 92.5 and 7.5.
2. Manufacturers of sterling silver usually indicate the mixture percentage of their jewelry. Hence if you don't see the figure 92.5 or other markings as: sterling, silver, solid silver and sterling silver engraved on the piece, it means it is of inferior quality.
3. There are new innovations in the manufacture of sterling silver. One of these is the use of platinum as part of the mixture. This combination is tougher and more durable than sterling silver alloy combined with copper or any other metal. Platinum alloy is also less prone to blemishes. It is more expensive but you are guaranteed of more lasting use and durability.
4. Buying sterling silver online is the best option because you will be able to pick from a wider range of choices, which you may not see if you just walk into a jewelry store.

Purchasing sterling silver jewelry is one thing while caring for it is another. Your pieces of sterling silver jewelry need diligent care and cleaning. Here are suggestions on how to care for sterling silver:

1. Use a soft cloth, preferably cotton, in polishing sterling silver. You may also use chemically treated cloths for this purpose. These cloths can be bought in most jewelry shops.
2. Don't use harsh detergents and other strong cleaning aids. When buying cleaning solutions for sterling silver, always read the labels to make sure they are gentle and silver friendly substances.
3. If you worry about damaging your sterling silver jewelry, bring it to a professional jeweler to whom you can entrust the cleaning.
4. Tarnished sterling silver can be restored with mild abrasive cleaners.
5. Another technique in cleaning sterling silver is by soaking it in a mild cleaning solution. However be careful not to over soak it as the jewelry might lose its glow and color. The technique is to quickly remove the jewelry from the solution then rinse with clean water thoroughly. Leave it to dry then polish with a soft cotton cloth. Remember too, that soaking sterling silver in a solution is only resorted to when there are blemishes that can't be easily removed by polishing. Otherwise, wiping and polishing with smooth cloth is enough.
6. You can prevent sterling silver from getting tarnished by regularly applying tarnish shield or lacquer shield. Do this right after purchasing the jewelry. You may also use a transparent nail polish to ward off dirt and discoloration. You can reapply each time the coat wears off.

More and more people are buying sterling silver jewelry because it is easy on the pocket. Also, it is always in vogue and never out of fashion.