A Guide to Silver Jewellery

Everything You Need To Know About Silver Jewellery

Quality and value is something we take pride in. We want to ensure you can wear your jewellery for years to come, which is why we only use high quality fine metals to craft our jewellery. In the spirit of transparency, we wanted to tell you all there is to know about sterling silver.


What is the difference between pure silver, sterling silver, and silver plated jewellery?

Silver plating is the process of bonding a thin layer of silver to a base metal usually copper, brass, or nickel. The layer of silver used in this bonding process is very thin and therefore inexpensive to make and buy. Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver making it more expensive than plated items but also much higher in quality. Fine silver is composed of 99.9% pure silver, which is too soft to be made or shaped into common items like jewellery and can easily be dented or scratched.

We know how cheap plated-jewellery looks and feels so we never use it for any of our jewellery. We make all our silver jewellery from 925 sterling silver so it can be cherished for a lifetime.


How can I tell whether my silver is sterling or not?

Unless a piece of jewellery is exceptionally small, sterling silver is typically always marked or stamped. Look on the clasp of our sterling silver necklaces and you’ll find the 925 stamp.


Is sterling silver a good choice for jewellery?

Sterling silver is a good choice when you want a selection of high quality jewellery pieces on a budget. Sterling silver is a beautiful metal that looks similar to white gold or platinum without the price tag and without compromising on quality.


Can I wear sterling silver if I’m allergic to nickel?

Our silver jewellery is made from high polished sterling silver and does not contain nickel making it kind on your skin.


Everything You Should Know About Silver Jewellery

What’s the best skin tone for sterling silver?

Cool and neutral skin tones tend to find sterling silver suits them better while gold jewellery suits olive and warm skin tones the best. There’s no reason why you can’t wear both regardless of your skin tone though, in fact, we recommend it; what's the point of rules if you can't break them?


How do I store sterling silver jewellery?

All jewellery is best stored in its original box or in a polyethylene or mylar ziplock bag; make sure to fasten any chains to prevent tangling. Never leave your jewellery exposed, in sunlight or stored in a damp environment, this can cause tarnishing, discolouration, and corrosion.


How do I minimise tarnishing on sterling silver?

Sterling silver naturally tarnishes and the process is caused by moisture in the air reacting with the alloy. To minimise tarnishing, store your jewellery in a dry place and, if you can, keep a silica gel packet inside your jewellery box or storage container. Keeping your jewellery away from dust and grease, wood, rubber, and newspaper will avoid damage and prevent an accelerated rate of tarnishing; remember to remove your jewellery when cleaning, bathing, swimming, or working out. After wearing your silver jewellery, wipe it over with a gentle cloth to remove perspiration and natural oils from your skin.


How do I clean sterling silver jewellery?

Simply wearing your silver jewellery frequently will help naturally buff and shine it as it rubs against your skin and clothing. If you find your jewellery needs a little extra TLC, use lukewarm water, a mild soap, and a gentle cleaning cloth. Don’t use paper towels or scratch at the metal with your nails; if the dirt is ingrained, leave your jewellery to soak for a few minutes to loosen it. After cleaning, make sure your jewellery is completely dry afterwards to prevent water stains or corrosion.


How long will sterling silver jewellery last?

Sterling silver is as tough as it is beautiful. With a little care and gentle cleaning, our sterling silver jewellery will be with you for decades.


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Written by Sophie Davies

Sophie is a freelance writer and full-time jeweller. She has been writing about style and sustainability for over ten years; exploring simple living, sustainable style, and slow travel. She writes for a variety of brands and publications as well as her personal blog, A Considered Life.

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