A Survivor's Guide to Jewelry Buying - Silver Pt 1
When you’re working on adding pieces of jewelry to your collection, it’s a good idea to carefully consider your options. Ultimately, you’ll want something versatile, durable, and timeless.
If gold isn’t so much your thing, what other options do you have for jewelry? Several, actually! There’s a vast market of different metals that are perfect for your jewelry, and gold is just one of the options we’ve touched on. Next up is silver.
Silver is one of the most popular jewelry metals with a lengthy list of why. First off, its luster is one of its most outstanding features. Who can say no to that shine? Silver is also more abundant and less expensive than gold or platinum which makes it a great option for those who want quality without quite as hefty of a price tag.
Since silver conducts heat so well, it’s more difficult to work than gold. For this reason, many novice jewelry makers often learn how to solder on silver. Once they’ve gained control of their soldering technique on this highly conductive metal, controlling the heat on gold becomes easier. Smart thinking!
Unfortunately, sterling silver tarnishes easily. The term “tarnish” denotes a layer of oxidation that forms over some metals, including sterling silver, when they undergo chemical reactions. This can leave your jewelry lacking the brightness and charm you fell in love with.
If you want to reduce the amount of tarnish on your silver, care for them by placing them in protective pouches or containers. Also, soap and water goes a long way with a soft brush. It’s effective for many home jewelry care needs, and it can save you in a pinch! If you’re looking for extra care ideas for your jewelry, read our blog about it!
Similarly to gold, silver is soft and easily damaged. Jewelry makers often alloy silver with harder metals, such as nickel or copper, to improve its durability! With these silver alloys, jewelers can make beautiful and strong pieces that are appropriate for daily wear without the risk of easy damage.
Silver is a special metal to work with and wear, and we’re here to answer your questions or concerns about silver pieces. We love to show off all of our designs here on our website, and we’d be more than happy to discuss your custom made jewelry to give you the best selections!
