Handcrafted Precious Metal and Gemstone Jewellery
Here is some infomation about Silver and how to care for this precious metal:-
Silver was once thought more precious than gold.
Archaeological evidence shows that people have been using silver for at least 5,000 years.
It is referred to as the metal of the moon and some believe it has powers over
emotions, the psychic mind, love, and healing.
Silver has been important throughout history and is widely used in modern day science.
It has many amazing properties, its antibacterial, it possesses the highest electrical
conductivity of any element and the highest thermal conductivity of any metal.
Silver is produced from lighter elements in the Universe through the r-process, a form
of nuclear fusion believed to take place during certain types of supernova explosions.
Pure or Fine Silver is a very soft metal, so it is often mixed with an alloy like copper.
Sterling silver originally was created in an area in Germany called Easterling. So that’s where the word sterling came from. To be sterling sliver, the metal is made up of 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent copper.
Silver is stable in pure air and water, but tarnishes when it is exposed to air or water containing ozone or hydrogen sulfide, the latter forming a black layer of silver sulfide which can be cleaned off .
Wearing your silver often is the best way to prevent tarnishing, however hairproducts, perfumes and creams accellerate the process, so get dressed like your Granny and put your silver on last, or take care to avoid your jewellery.
Chlorinated water, cosmetics, perspiration, rubber, air pollution amongst other things, all contain sulphurs that react with silver causing tarnishing.
Cleaning/polishing regulary with a clean dry cloth wearing in the shower or washing with diluted phosphate-free washing up liquid, also silver cloths that have a cleaner embeded is a great way to keep your silver sparkling.
Warning! Be careful with silver dips, always follow instructions carefully. We dont recommend them. Especially not on pieces with gemstones, enamel or a patina.
When not wearing your jewellery, it is advisable to keep sepearte in a dry, air tight, zip lock bag, to help keep it shiny for longer and avoid scratches.
Storing it with other metals/plastics especially costume jewellery can accelerate the tarnishing. You can buy special anti tarnish storage bags/boxes and paper strips that work for a long while.
If you are wanting anti-tarnish products we recomend 'Town Talk' i use the polish spray and the storage strips at home. Its non toxic and works very well, even on heavily tarnished ancient jewellery you forgot you even had.
If you have any further questions, please dont hesitate to contact us, we are happy to help.
Caring for your Silver :-
