What is Silver?

Silver has been known and used for thousands of years and was believed to have magical properties which could promote healing and bring good luck. In ancient times, silver was used for jewelry, ornaments, utensils, and as a substance that could be bartered for other goods and services. This belief that silver had an underlying "value" led eventually to its use as the basis for monetary systems such as that of the Roman Empire and as a means of paying for international trade.

The discovery during the 18th and 19th centuries of large silver deposits in the New World, however, resulted in the conversion of most monetary systems to the gold standard.
Despite the loss of its status as the basis for the world's monetary systems, the belief in the value of silver remained. Until the Industrial Revolution only the elite were allowed to wear silver jewelry.

In 1990, silver was produced by at least 55 countries. Mexico was the largest silver producing country, followed by the United States, Peru, the former U.S.S.R., Canada, and Australia.
Silver is the most reflective and affordable of the precious metals. Its lower price permits bold, innovative looks.

Sterling silver is the standard of quality for articles containing 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper.
Marks:
General -Sterling Silver;
American - 925;
European - 935;
French - 800;
Russian- 88 or 84.

Care for your Silver Jewelry

Tarnish is a product of oxidation, caused by interacting of silver jewelry or objects with certain elements such as oxygen or sulfur as well as with certain acids. Tarnishing on silver jewelry, when worn on a regular basis, usually does not occur. Wear your jewelry to help prevent tarnish; wearing and handling will slow the oxidation process and keep your silver shiny and new looking. Over time oxidation reactions will occur, especially with sulfur and oxygen, causing silver to become tarnished. Storage for a prolonged time causes silver jewelry to tarnish. Contact with rubber bands may cause tarnish - the sulfur in rubber is a catalyst for tarnish. Taking a medication that changes the acidity of your skin may cause silver jewelry to tarnish.

Cleaning your silver Jewelry

To keep your silver tarnish-free, frequently clean your silver in a mild dishwashing liquid diluted in water. Thoroughly dry your silver jewelry after exposure to water. Store silver in a dry container or a plastic bag with anti-tarnish paper.

To remove tarnish or oxidation film from silver you can use fresh, uncontaminated commercial silver dip liquid, polish paste or polish cloth, available in jewelry suppliers or hardware stores. Make sure there are no loose stones or parts. Limit the gemstone's exposure to silver cleaners - cleaners may harm certain kinds of gemstones. Please read product instruction before cleaning. Thoroughly rinse jewelry after cleaning, dry with a soft cloth until it's completely dry.