Sterling silver is 925 parts silver to 75 of copper
Silver has been used since ancient times, but has not survived as well as ancient gold because it tarnishes and decomposes. There have been times, however, when silver was “in”; we are going through such a vogue today.
Silver is the commonest of the precious metals. Fine silver is pure silver, which is seldom used for jewelry because it is too soft. Sterling silver is 925 parts silver to 75 of copper, the alloy most often used. Silver weighs about half as much as gold, has greater flexibility, but is not as malleable, it has always been less expensive as well. A comparable piece of gold jewelry might cost four or five times that of a piece of sterling silver jewelry.
The current fashion trend toward black clothing has made silver jewelry more popular than ever. Silver likes to be worn; it stays cleaner & shinier through movement and friction. So sterling silver is a perfect accessory for today’s fast paced lifestyles. Much like gold, sterling silver needs to be cleaned.
Costume Jewelry Collector Tips
While searching for precious antique pieces, you should keep these tips in mind, since they can be difficult to fix, make sure the pin clasps function properly and avoid pieces that are turning green. You should also avoid pieces that are missing their stones, since they are not easily replaceable. Some of the best places to look for vintage costume jewelry include flea markets and antique fairs and garage sales, since they generally turn up some very interesting pieces at good prices, sometimes even unbelievable deals. Another interesting place to find great deals on such pieces include rummaging through church bazaars, since you may be able to find jewelry that has been packed away by someone’s dear old aunt or grandmother.
