Beginning over 4,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, sterling silver has traditionally been a prized metal in decorative arts, currency, tableware, and of course jewelry. It is also highly coveted for its use in woodwind musical instruments because of its ability to give a smoother and rounder sound. But what makes sterling silver so popular as a metal to make durable pieces of jewelry?
First, sterling silver is composed of a minimum 92.5% silver with the remaining 7.5% being comprised of an alloy of other metals. Because pure silver on its own is quite soft, making it more prone to scratches and bending, the extra metal is added to increase its durability. Sterling silver jewelry can usually be identified by a small “925” or “sterling” marking (see image below). With the proper care and storage, sterling silver is incredibly substantial and enduring, ideal for everyday wear or use, and can last for generations as sentimental family heirlooms. Its use as kitchen or tableware can be attributed to silver’s natural antimicrobial properties, making it a more hygienic choice in comparison to other metals.
There are other benefits to sterling silver jewelry in addition to its longevity. Since it is softer than gold or platinum, it can be easier to manipulate, allowing for greater creativity in fashioning custom pieces. Not to mention that sterling silver is significantly more affordable than its more luxurious metal counterparts, such as gold or platinum.
Some people tend to shy away from sterling silver because of its tendency to tarnish. This occurs when the metal alloys, copper being the usual culprit, are exposed to air or other chemicals, and the oxidation process begins. Not only does regular wear of the jewelry slow down tarnishing but also regular polishing and proper storage. Keeping sterling silver pieces separate in individual pouches or containers can stave off the acceleration of tarnishing.
If one or more of your pieces is heavily tarnished, we recommend bringing them into our store for a cleaning as certain gemstones cannot be submerged in commercial cleaners due to their fragility. Our ultrasonic cleaner and buffing machine will have your pieces looking brand new again and increase the longevity of your valuable and sentimental pieces. Check out some of our favorite handmade sterling silver pieces below!
