Silver(Ag) is a white, ductile and malleable metallic element which occurs both uncombined and in ores and has the highest thermal and electrical conductivity of the metals. It is highly valued for jewelry, tableware, and other ornamental uses.
Sterling silver is 92.5 percent true silver the remaining 7.5 percent is comprised of an alloy which is usually copper and zinc, but not always.
Sterling silver does tarnish. It is a simple fact of nature. Silver tarnish is caused by a reaction between the silver and oxygen and sulfur. It is also caused by swimming while wearing your sterling silver jewelry, using hair spray while wearing your sterling silver jewelry.
Products with Silver
Silver jewelry is highly prized for its brilliant luster and its ease of fabrication, properties that it shares with gold, a precious metal also used extensively in jewelry. Pure silver, also known as 999 fineness, is quite tarnish resistant, but it is too soft for use in jewelry. Silversmiths often alloy it with other metals, such as copper, to harden it. Sterling silver, for example, is 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent copper. Sterling silver is a standard in many countries for silver jewelry and has been since the 14th century.
Common cleaning methods include warm water and mild dish soap. use a soft toothbrush or cotton swab. Frequent hand polishing with a soft cloth is also helpful.
Recent News:
Silver Marketing International--whose company had been appointed by the Silver Institute to develop and manage the Silver Marketing Initiative (SMI)--said in a media release that his team appointed a "Silver Search Party" during the Las Vegas jewelry shows to independently identity 10 to 15 designers for consideration.
The latest designers to receive the designation are Cynthia Gale, Gurhan, Konstantino, Lois Hill, Robin Haley, Saundra Messinger, SeidenGang and Somers.
The latest inductees join the inaugural group of designers announced in late 2008: ELLE Jewelry, Leslie Greene, Paz Collective/Courtney Brown, Robert Lee Morris, Robin Rotenier, Scott Kay, Slane and Slane, Steven Lagos, Thistle and Bee, and Zina.
Other companies of note include:
Sterling Reputation Inc.
