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Fine Silver

Sterling Silver; How to Identify it and Clean it

This guide will help you learn to identify quality in silver jewelry and accessories.

Sterling Silver

Pure Silver, also called fine silver, is relatively soft, very malleable, and easily scratched so it is commonly combined with other metals to produce a more resilient product. The most popular of these alloys is sterling silver, which consists of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Although any metal can make up the 7.5% non-silver portion of sterling, centuries of experimentation have shown copper to best improve the metal's hardness and durability without affecting its beautiful color.

The small amount of copper added to sterling has little effect on the metal's value. Instead the price of the silver item is affected by the labor involved in making the item, the skill of the craftsperson, and the intricacy of the design.

Identifying Quality Sterling Silver

All high quality silver items are stamped with a "Sterling Silver" or "925" mark. This mark identifies the precious metal content of the jewelry.

Silver Alloys

Because pure silver is so soft, it should only be used when malleability is required, such as in handcrafted jewelry featuring weaving and other intricate designs. Sterling Silver is most often used for jewelry and household accessories because of its combination of beauty and durability. Acceptable quality marks for sterling silver include:

v Sterling

v Sterling Silver

v .925

Care

With proper care, your fine quality silver will last a lifetime. To minimize scratches and other damage, store your silver jewelry either in a cloth pouch or in a separate compartment in your jewelry box. Avoid exposing your silver to household chemicals when cleaning with bleach or ammonia, or when swimming in chlorinated water, as these chemicals can damage silver.

Clean your Silver REGULARLY!!!

Care should also be taken to prevent silver tarnish build-up a dulling that naturally occurs when silver reacts with sulfur or hydrogen sulfide in the surrounding air. To clean your silver, use specific formulas to remove tarnish. You can find fine silver polishes, solutions, or cloths designed to remove tarnish. These are available at most hardware stores or specialty craft stores. Tarnish is most easily removed when it first becomes visible! So keep an eye out for it! Although wearing your silver often is the best way to prevent tarnish from building up, regular cleanings of all your silver items will prevent tarnish and keep your silver bright, sparkling, and beautiful.

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Fine Silver Turquoise Ring $313 Fine silver turquoise ring is fabulous and trendy. A smooth, vibrant turquoise stone is set in 18k gold as it sits atop an incredible fine silver band. The band has a slightly freeform shape and hammered finish for a look that is undeniably chic. This piece measures 3/8 inch wide on your finger, and is available in a size 7.

Fine Silver Sauceboat. Philadelphia, c.1785 $39.99 Joseph Lowndes Fine Silver Sauceboat. Philadelphia, c.1785 - Giclee Print

Fine Sterling Silver Concave Ring $124.6 Fine Sterling Silver Concave Ring Fashionable .999 fine silver jewelry brings together the strength and durability of sterling and the high tarnish resistance and pure hypoallergenic qualities of fine silver. Specifications: .999 Sterling Silver, 20mm, Available in sizes 7 & 8

A Fine Khorassian Silver and Copper Inlaid Brass Tray $34.99 A Fine Khorassian Silver and Copper Inlaid Brass Tray - Giclee Print

Fine Polished Sterling Silver Ribbed Cufflinks $270 These fine polished ribbed cufflinks is nicely made of sterling silver. You are exceptionally impressive wearing these Fine Polished Sterling Silver Ribbed Cufflinks.

Fine Polished Sterling Silver Sphere Cufflinks $270 These fine polished sphere cufflinks is nicely made of sterling silver. You are exceptionally impressive wearing these Fine Polished Sterling Silver Sphere Cufflinks.

Amethyst Fine Gemstone Bracelet. $300 Amethyst fine gemstone bracelet. Sterling Silver.

Fine Sterling Silver Black Onyx Ring $263.8 Fine Sterling Silver Black Onyx Ring Fashionable .999 fine silver jewelry brings together the strength and durability of sterling and the high tarnish resistance and pure hypoallergenic qualities of fine silver. Specifications: .999 Sterling Silver, Black Onyx, Available in sizes 7 & 8

Fine Sterling Silver Concave Ring - Size 7 $124.6 Fine Sterling Silver Concave Ring - Size 7 Fashionable .999 fine silver jewelry brings together the strength and durability of sterling and the high tarnish resistance and pure hypoallergenic qualities of fine silver. Specifications: .999 Sterling Silver, 20mm, Size 7

Fine Sterling Silver Concave Ring - Size 8 $124.6 Fine Sterling Silver Concave Ring - Size 8 Fashionable .999 fine silver jewelry brings together the strength and durability of sterling and the high tarnish resistance and pure hypoallergenic qualities of fine silver. Specifications: .999 Sterling Silver, 20mm, Size 8

Fine Sterling Silver Concave Hammered Ring $127.4 Fine Sterling Silver Concave Hammered Ring Fashionable .999 fine silver jewelry brings together the strength and durability of sterling and the high tarnish resistance and pure hypoallergenic qualities of fine silver. Specifications: .999 Sterling Silver, Available in sizes 7 & 8

Fine Sterling Silver Purple CZ Ring $130.7 Fine Sterling Silver Purple CZ Ring Fashionable .999 fine silver jewelry brings together the strength and durability of sterling and the high tarnish resistance and pure hypoallergenic qualities of fine silver. Specifications: .999 Sterling Silver, Purple Cubic Zirconia, Available in sizes 7 & 8

Fine Sterling Silver Pink CZ Ring $130.7 Fine Sterling Silver Pink CZ Ring Fashionable .999 fine silver jewelry brings together the strength and durability of sterling and the high tarnish resistance and pure hypoallergenic qualities of fine silver. Specifications: .999 Sterling Silver, Pink Cubic Zirconia, Available in sizes 7 & 8

Gold and Silver Markers silver extra fine $2.79 Add luster to your writing Gold and Silver Markers mark permanently on most surfaces including glass, photos, plastic, paper, and more. Ideal for crafts.Shimmering metallic colors in extra fine and medium points.

Cushion Style Classic Fine Sterling Silver Cufflinks $135 This great pair of cufflinks is handsomely crafted from sterling silver. You will be power strutting in comfort and style with these Cushion Style Classic Fine Sterling Silver Cufflinks.

Sleek Fine Sterling Silver Stainless Steel Cufflinks $180 These sleek cufflinks are exquisitely crafted from sterling silver and stainless steel. You are highly stylish wearing these Sleek Fine Sterling Silver Stainless Steel Cufflinks.

Super Fine Embossing Powder silver $2.96 Super Fine Detail Embossing Powder is fine enough for your most detailed images The powder is acid-free and non-toxic.Super Fine Detail Embossing Powder is available in 1 oz. jars.

Fine Hedgehog Stiffbar Sterling Silver Cufflinks $150 These fine rhodium plated cufflinks with cheeky hedgehog and white fibre optic glass ball ends is exquisitely made of sterling silver. You are highly fashionable wearing these Fine Hedgehog Stiffbar Sterling Silver Cufflinks.

Paint Markers silver fine $2.77 These valve-action paint markers are oil-drying and permanent. Their quick-drying ink marks opaque and glossy on light or dark surfaces and is fade, water, and abrasion resistant for a long lasting durable mark. Sharpie Paint Markers mark on virtually any surface ? metal, pottery, wood, rubber, glass, plastic, stone, etc. They?re great for art and craft projects as well as industrial applications. The markers are AP non-toxic and xylene free. Sharpie Paint Markers are also available in sets .

Metallic Fine Point silver $1.54 The Sharpie markers you know, but in metallic ink. Fade and water resistant ink further extends multiple project uses. Permanent on most surfaces. Marks on most hard-to-mark surfaces, including dark surfaces.

Fine Diamond Heart Pendant $600 .15 ctw Fine Diamond Heart Pendant. Sterling silver.

Fine Diamond Cross Pendant $600 .17 ctw Fine Diamond Cross Pendant. Sterling silver.

Slick Fine Sterling Silver Stainless Steel Cufflinks $230 A pair of handsome cufflinks is smoothly crafted from sterling silver and stainless steel. You are most distinCarative wearing these Slick Fine Sterling Silver Stainless Steel Cufflinks.

Sterling and Fine Silver Amethyst Earrings $86.64 The rings of these lovely earrings are hand-fused and hammered of fine silver. The earwires are formed of sterling silver with polished ends for comfort, so you can look your best hour after hour. State: Arkansas Style: Dangle Gemstone colors: Purple Gemstone shapes: Square Amethyst measures 6 mm wide x 6 mm high Total gemstone weight: 5 carats Metal: Sterling silver Finish: Hammered Clasp: Hooks Metal weight: 1 gram Earring dimensions: 12 mm wide x 45 mm long This product is part of our 'Main Street Revolution' - a partnership between Overstock.com and small businesses around the USA. What is the Main Street Revolution? Allison Eastman Britt is owner and designer of AEBDesign. She creates each piece in her line by hand, starting with reclaimed fine and sterling silver wire. Shapes are formed, fused in a torch and hammered before adding handpicked gems and pearls. Her work reflects an organic chic style that is both bohemian and elegant. Components from the tiny pins that hold the stones to the earwires are handcrafted, giving each necklace or pair of earrings a one of a kind feel.

1/10 ctw. Fine Diamond Ring $220 10ctw. Fine Diamond Ring Set in Sterling Silver.

Sterling and Fine Silver Labradorite Necklace $56.89 The ring on the pendant of this necklace is hand-fused and hammered of fine silver. With a hand-carved labradorite stone, this piece of jewelry lends you a simple yet elegant style.State: ArkansasStyle: NecklaceGemstone colors: GreyGemstone shapes: PearOne pear-shaped labradorite 6 mm wide x 9 mm longGemstone weight: 1 caratMetal: Sterling silverFinish: HammeredChain: CableChain length: 16 or 18 inchesClasp: Lobster clawMetal weight: 0.5 gramsPendant dimensions: 10 mm wide x 25 mm longNecklace dimensions: 1 mm wide x 16/18 inches longAll weights and measurements are approximate and may vary slightly from the listed information. Treatment code N (labradorite). See Gemstone Treatments for further information.This product is part of our 'Main Street Revolution' - a partnership between Overstock.com and small businesses around the USA. What is the Main Street Revolution? Allison Eastman Britt is owner and designer of AEBDesign. She creates each piece in her line by hand, starting with reclaimed fine and sterling silver wire. Shapes are formed, fused in a torch and hammered before adding handpicked gems and pearls. Her work reflects an organic chic style that is both bohemian and elegant. Components from the tiny pins that hold the stones to the earwires are handcrafted, giving each necklace or pair of earrings a one-of-a-kind feel.

Sterling Silver Fine Lined Letter D Charm $21.84 Plum Island Silver Company is a leading supplier of Sterling Silver Jewelry. We have one of the largest selections of Sterling Silver Jewelry in the world. Our customer service is unexcelled. Give us a try and see why we are America s Favorite Sterling Silver Supplier . 12mm x 10mm.5mm thick. High polish fine lined block letter amp;quot;Damp;quot; charm. This would make a nice personalized gift and addition to a charm bracelet

Sterling Silver Fine Lined Letter C Charm $21.84 Plum Island Silver Company is a leading supplier of Sterling Silver Jewelry. We have one of the largest selections of Sterling Silver Jewelry in the world. Our customer service is unexcelled. Give us a try and see why we are America s Favorite Sterling Silver Supplier . 12mm x 8mm.5mm thick. High polish fine lined block letter amp;quot;Camp;quot; charm. This would make a nice personalized gift and addition to a charm bracelet

Sterling Silver Fine Lined Letter A Charm $21.84 Plum Island Silver Company is a leading supplier of Sterling Silver Jewelry. We have one of the largest selections of Sterling Silver Jewelry in the world. Our customer service is unexcelled. Give us a try and see why we are America s Favorite Sterling Silver Supplier . 12mm x 10mm.5mm thick. High polish fine lined block letter amp;quot;Aamp;quot; charm. This would make a nice personalized gift and addition to a charm bracelet

Sterling Silver Fine Lined Letter K Charm $21.84 Plum Island Silver Company is a leading supplier of Sterling Silver Jewelry. We have one of the largest selections of Sterling Silver Jewelry in the world. Our customer service is unexcelled. Give us a try and see why we are America s Favorite Sterling Silver Supplier . 8mm x 8mm (approximate size).5mm thick. High polish fine lined block letter amp;quot;Kamp;quot; charm. This would make a nice personalized gift and addition to a charm bracelet

Sterling Silver Fine Lined Letter I Charm $21.84 Plum Island Silver Company is a leading supplier of Sterling Silver Jewelry. We have one of the largest selections of Sterling Silver Jewelry in the world. Our customer service is unexcelled. Give us a try and see why we are America s Favorite Sterling Silver Supplier . 8mm x 8mm (approximate size).5mm thick. High polish fine lined block letter amp;quot;Iamp;quot; charm. This would make a nice personalized gift and addition to a charm bracelet

Sterling Silver Fine Lined Letter G Charm $21.84 Plum Island Silver Company is a leading supplier of Sterling Silver Jewelry. We have one of the largest selections of Sterling Silver Jewelry in the world. Our customer service is unexcelled. Give us a try and see why we are America s Favorite Sterling Silver Supplier . 8mm x 8mm (approximate size).5mm thick. High polish fine lined block letter amp;quot;Gamp;quot; charm. This would make a nice personalized gift and addition to a charm bracelet

Sterling Silver Fine Lined Letter H Charm $21.84 Plum Island Silver Company is a leading supplier of Sterling Silver Jewelry. We have one of the largest selections of Sterling Silver Jewelry in the world. Our customer service is unexcelled. Give us a try and see why we are America s Favorite Sterling Silver Supplier . 8mm x 8mm (approximate size).5mm thick. High polish fine lined block letter amp;quot;Hamp;quot; charm. This would make a nice personalized gift and addition to a charm bracelet

Sterling Silver Fine Lined Letter L Charm $21.84 Plum Island Silver Company is a leading supplier of Sterling Silver Jewelry. We have one of the largest selections of Sterling Silver Jewelry in the world. Our customer service is unexcelled. Give us a try and see why we are America s Favorite Sterling Silver Supplier . 8mm x 8mm (approximate size).5mm thick. High polish fine lined block letter amp;quot;Lamp;quot; charm. This would make a nice personalized gift and addition to a charm bracelet

Sterling Silver Fine Lined Letter U Charm $21.84 Plum Island Silver Company is a leading supplier of Sterling Silver Jewelry. We have one of the largest selections of Sterling Silver Jewelry in the world. Our customer service is unexcelled. Give us a try and see why we are America s Favorite Sterling Silver Supplier . 8mm x 8mm (approximate size).5mm thick. High polish fine lined block letter amp;quot;Uamp;quot; charm. This would make a nice personalized gift and addition to a charm bracelet

Sterling Silver Fine Lined Letter N Charm $21.84 Plum Island Silver Company is a leading supplier of Sterling Silver Jewelry. We have one of the largest selections of Sterling Silver Jewelry in the world. Our customer service is unexcelled. Give us a try and see why we are America s Favorite Sterling Silver Supplier . 8mm x 8mm (approximate size).5mm thick. High polish fine lined block letter amp;quot;Namp;quot; charm. This would make a nice personalized gift and addition to a charm bracelet

Sterling Silver Fine Lined Letter Q Charm $21.84 Plum Island Silver Company is a leading supplier of Sterling Silver Jewelry. We have one of the largest selections of Sterling Silver Jewelry in the world. Our customer service is unexcelled. Give us a try and see why we are America s Favorite Sterling Silver Supplier . 8mm x 8mm (approximate size).5mm thick. High polish fine lined block letter amp;quot;Qamp;quot; charm. This would make a nice personalized gift and addition to a charm bracelet