Jewelry on a Budget: All You Need to Know About Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is perhaps the most sought-after and popular silver alloy for jewelry globally – and for good reason. If you are considering adding spice and sparkle to your jewelry collection, here’s your complete guide to why choosing sterling silver jewelry is a good idea.

This quick guide will help you answer the following questions:

  • What is sterling silver?
  • Why is sterling silver jewelry so popular?
  • What are the advantages of buying sterling silver jewelry?
  • How to take care of sterling silver jewelry?
  • What types of sterling silver jewelry are available to choose from?
  • Where to buy high-quality sterling silver jewelry?

About Sterling Silver

Widely used for making various types of jewelry items and accessories, sterling silver is also referred to as .925 silver because it consists of 92.5 percent pure silver (and the rest is made up of metals like copper).

This 92.5-7.5 ratio of metals gives the jewelry extra strength and luster without affecting its gorgeous white-grey appearance.

Since silver is a very soft metal, it is prone to losing shape and getting scratched easily. While it looks elegant and rich, it might not be the ideal material for items that are used frequently – jewelry, for instance. A silver alloy, like sterling silver, offers the benefits of fine silver in terms of appearance and also serves as a better alternative in terms of strength and durability.

Jewelry manufacturers often use a process called flashing, which involves plating the jewelry pieces with a layer of .999 fine silver, giving the jewelry a glossy finish. Some jewelry makers prefer plating the material with rhodium, nickel, or copper before flashing it with fine silver. One of the major advantages of doing this is that it prevents skin irritation and jewelry discoloration.  

Genuine sterling silver always has a hallmark. There are various versions of the sterling silver hallmark, including a .925 stamp on the jewelry. You might see variants of this stamp, like STER, STERLING, STG or Sterling Silver on some jewelry pieces.

Top 5 Reasons Why Sterling Silver Jewelry is So Popular

If you are wondering why sterling silver jewelry is such a hot favorite in the jewelry circles around the world, here are just a few reasons to get you started:

  1. Affordability

Sterling silver jewelry is relatively inexpensive, making it ideal for people who wish to use it on a frequent basis.

  1. Maintenance

At P&K Jewelry, one of the primary reasons why we love sterling silver jewelry is that you don’t have to worry about maintaining it. Even without a regular cleaning and polishing regime, your sterling silver jewelry retains its sheen and beauty.

  1. Dynamism

Sterling silver jewelry can be mixed and matched with a variety of other metals, including gold and platinum, giving you the option to experiment with your look.

  1. Variety

The massive variety of jewelry designs available in the market (retail and wholesale) makes it a good headache for the buyer! You can find a vast array of makes, shapes, and designs that are unique and fashionable.

  1. Hypoallergenic

Sterling silver jewelry pieces don’t cause allergies or irritation to your skin. Nickel is one of the most common causes of metal allergies, and that is very rarely used in sterling silver alloys.

Caring for Your Sterling Silver Jewelry

Like any other type of jewelry, accessories made from sterling silver are prone to tarnishing. The best way to maintain the sparkle and dazzle of your jewelry is by following these steps:

  • Remove your sterling silver jewelry while taking a shower or going for a swim
  • Avoid exposing your jewelry to chemicals like chlorine, cosmetic items, and perfumes
  • Clean your sterling silver jewelry by using warm, soapy water and a microfiber cloth
  • Make sure your jewelry is completely dry after you clean it (use a soft cloth)
  • Store your jewelry in sealed polyethylene bags or airtight containers to shield it from moisture
  • Visit your nearby jewelry store or seller to get your sterling silver jewelry polished once every year.

Things to Consider When Buying Sterling Silver Jewelry

Here is a checklist that you can refer to when shopping for quality sterling silver jewelry (whether you buy it online or at a physical store):

  1. Always buy your jewelry from a reputable store: Check customer reviews, customer service, variety of options, and experience in the jewelry market.
  2. Check the hallmark: In case you can’t find the hallmark on a jewelry item, make sure you ask the seller about its quality assurance.
  3. Inquire about the after-sales policies: Does your seller take responsibility for the after-sales service? Do they have a convenient return policy? What about warranty and maintenance terms?

Founded in 1995, P&K Jewelry is one of the world’s largest sources for sterling silver jewelry. Seeking inspiration from colors, technologies, and trends, we offer a classy selection of various types of jewelry pieces and accessories. With a high level of personalized customer service and an undying commitment to quality, we are the one-stop shop for silver jewelry (wholesale). We import from all over the globe, including countries like India, Mexico, Bali, Thailand, China, and Italy.

At P&K Jewelry, we offer only the highest quality of sterling silver jewelry, including a wide collection of:

 

Sterling Silver Jewelry: About, Care, and Buying Tips

Silver Jewelry

Sterling silver is an excellent metal appreciated by almost every woman in the world. This adds elegance to feminine beauty with its charm. Initially, raw silver is delicate and not suitable for jewelry. Pure silver is then mixed with copper or nickel or other metal alloys. Therefore, sterling silver jewelry is an alloy that results when copper is added to pure silver to make the resulting bond harder and less soft. Silver can be used in modern styles for work clothes and for everyday use.

In addition to its impressive beauty, the charm of sterling silver jewelry takes the form of an excuse. However, this is one of the reasons why most people cannot understand why the price of silver remains an eternal mystery. There is silver jewelry, having a low price and on the other hand, some pieces of jewelry are as cheap as any ordinary metal in the name of silver. It all depends on the material and originality of the silver.

How to care sterling silver jewelry ?

Daily use can cast a shadow on the quality of the jewelry. This discoloration or deterioration will occur if silver is kept outdoors for a long time. This stain is a natural process that happens due to the chemical reaction in the air called oxidation. That is why it is important to pay attention to his condition and to treat it if necessary.

To keep silver jewelry clean, gently wipe it with a cotton cloth. Rinse the silver jewelry thoroughly in warm soapy water. If your jewelry is looking extremely tarnished and dirty, you can dip it in water for a few hours or overnight to get rid of the dirt. Then gently touch and pour into a soft, clean cloth to dry completely.

Also, keep your sterling silver jewelry away from direct heat sources, water, perfume, deodorants, and other chemicals as they may react with metal. keep the jewelry in their original box or in their cloth bag.

Buying tips – Sterling Silver jewelry:

Sterling silver is the trendiest metal for fashion freaks. Silver offers a wide range of accessories such as bracelets, anklets, rings, and necklaces. When something new is introduced in vogue, you can immediately search for it and the market will be at your disposal with new designs and models.

But the question that people often ask is how to buy the perfect sterling silver jewelry. Here are the basic tips on how to buy sterling silver jewelry:-

1. Occasion

Is it for a party, engagement or daily use? The occasion for which you are planning to buy sterling silver jewelry is really important to be discussed. Make sure it is simple and long-lasting if it’s for everyday use while for an event fancy and heavy sterling silver looks more catchy.

2. Budget

Although the price of sterling silver is quite cheap and affordable as compared to other precious metals. But you should know your budget based on how often you will use the jewelry or is it to gift someone! If your budget is low, check out
wholesale sterling silver jewelry to find the best range of jewelry with amazing designs.

3. Style and designs

You can order customized products with your own individual design or choose from the store’s available collection. Be it a ring, bracelet or necklace; choose the style that suits you better.

Always buy sterling silver jewelry from famous jewelers, they can show you the latest designs and best patterns to choose.

With a wide selection of sterling silver styles and designs, you will certainly find a piece that matches your personal style.

4. Quality

It is important to be careful with the quality when buying sterling silver items to get the most out of them.

Take time to look for visible defects before you buy sterling silver items. Examine various options to get the best jewelry in your hands. If you have sensitive skin, try not to buy nickel mixed sterling silver. Nickel usually causes chemical reactions in the skin.

5. Buying options

It is also essential to browse multiple online as well as offline stores and compare prices before buying sterling silver jewelry. It is advisable to read buyer’s reviews on the jewelry to get an idea about product specifications and quality.

Also, see the post-sales policy. Is the seller responsible for any future defects or not? Is there a free refund, warranty, or support policy? These things are important to consider when you spend a handsome amount of money on silver jewelry.