Types Of silver & Its Characteristics. How To Clean Silver Jewelry
Silver jewelry and objects existing on the market usually contain different types of silver alloys with elements that give them hardness or shine.
In its natural form, silver is a very malleable metal, so it needs to be combined with other metals to give it value, hardness, and elegance. Silver is considered a precious metal with many special properties for the human mind and body.
In this article, we will talk about the types of silver available on the market and their characteristics, so that you can differentiate between them and decide which is the most suitable for you.
Types Of Silver
Silver "999"
This is the purest form of silver used in jewelry making. Set to 999, this means that it holds only 0.1% distinct but insignificant elements in its composition.
This type of silver is usually used for shaping fine details on jewelry.
Being easy to shape but very sensitive to scratches or knocks, 999 silver is mainly used to make earrings or necklaces.
Silver "925"
Silver "925" is the most resistant type of silver with increased purity and is the variant of this precious metal with which most types of jewelry are made.
Silver "925" has copper or nickel in its composition in reduced proportions, is much more resistant, and has a much brighter hue than silver "999", which tends to be rather more greyish, without a particular shine.
Also known as "sterling silver", silver "925" is highly prized in jewelry making precisely for these properties.
Fake Or Tribal Silver
Although it does not contain any actual silver, tribal silver is another example of commercial silver that is extremely affordable. It is also found in the jewelry category under the names Tibetan silver, German silver, or other such names. In reality, it is just a variable alloy made up of different types of metals whose final appearance is extremely similar to silver.
Although jewelry made from tribal silver is not as valuable as silver "999" or silver "925", it does have aesthetic value and can be just as attractive. It is worth noting that these jewels do not have a label or a leaflet to determine their composition. Thus, they may contain materials dangerous to human health, such as lead.
Specifically, the types of silver that can be used to make jewelry or smaller accessories differ mainly according to the purity of the metal. High-purity silver will always be softer and easier to shape, which is why it is not very common in jewelry, but sterling silver is sure to be among your favorite items, plated with "925".
Based on this information, you will now be able to choose the right silver accessories for you.
How To Clean Your Silver Jewelry At Home
Being a soft and fine metal, silver is quite easy to clean. A mixture of warm water and dish soap or baby shampoo can be enough to restore the shiness of silver jewelry.
Most of the pieces are created in alloys, usually with 7.5% copper, making the jewelry stronger than those containing 99.9% silver, but they have a higher risk of tarnishing.
So, if soapy water isn't enough to clean your jewelry, you can try one of the methods below, using products you usually have in your household.
1. Mix one part baking soda with one part water, then use the resulting substance to gently rub the silver jewelry. Rinse and wipe gently with a microfiber cloth. Bicarbonate can also be replaced with cornstarch, keeping the proportion.
2. Dilute a pinch of toothpaste in water, then use a soft-toothed brush to clean the silver. Make sure, however, that the toothpaste is not for whitening and that you don't use this method for cleaning silver-plated jewelry.
3. Mix olive oil and lemon juice - 50 ml lemon juice with one teaspoon of olive oil. With a clean washcloth dipped in this mixture, wipe the silver until it regains its shine. Rinse and leave to dry.
4. Mix 50 ml of wine vinegar with two tablespoons of baking soda. Leave the silver jewelry in this mixture for 2-3 hours. Rinse well, then wipe with a dry cloth to give it a shine.
Silver rings are worn frequently, so the passage of time is taking its toll on them. If the silver jewelry you want to clean contains pearls, turquoise, or other porous stones, it should only be cleaned with liquid soap and water, as substances such as vinegar can damage them.
Silver necklaces, pendants, or bracelets can blacken more easily, as they are more exposed to sweat or perfume. To clean them, you can use a mixture of liquid dishwashing detergent and water in a 1:1 ratio.
Hot To Keep Silver Jewelry Safe To Prevent It From Blackening
Silver jewelry should be stored in unique bags in a dark, dry place, free from moisture. Some people put a piece of chalk, charcoal, or silicate gel in the bag to prevent moisture. Also, excess moisture is a good reason not to leave your silver jewelry in the bathroom.
It is recommended that you remove your silver jewelry before showering, swimming, or going to the sauna. In addition, it is preferable to wait a few minutes after applying body lotion or perfume before putting on your silver jewelry.
Silver jewelry should be cleaned after each wear, as sweat and environmental factors can accelerate the degradation of silver. Avoid contact of the silver jewelry with onions, wool, onions, or household cleaning solutions.
Silver is among the most mysterious metals, exuding a magical allure charged with fairytale. When buying or gifting silver jewelry, you should also consider the health benefits of silver.
