| What is this precious metal called silver? In its pure | | | | rings. These are typically made up of two to three |
| form, it is extremely soft. Therefore, to make it suitable | | | | separate pieces that fit together in only one way to |
| for jewelry, other metals, usually copper, are added to | | | | form a design. |
| strengthen it. | | | | And of course, the fingers are not the only |
| This creates an alloy that is commonly known as | | | | appendages that can be adorned with jewelry. Toe |
| sterling and is what jewelry and tableware are made | | | | rings are super hot and really dress up the feet. This is |
| of. It is common to see pieces stamped with a "925." | | | | a hot weather trend when the sandals come out. |
| This simply means that there is 92.5% pure silver and | | | | Make sure to have a pedicure for a finishing touch! |
| 7.5% copper in the piece. | | | | Cleaning and Storage |
| The most abundant suppliers of this precious metal are | | | | The copper that is added to the mix oxidizes when it |
| found in North and South America. The bulk of the | | | | comes into contact with sulfur and hydrogen which is |
| supply comes from Mexico and Peru. Smaller deposits | | | | abundant in the air. To prevent tarnishing, it is good to |
| are found in parts of Europe, Asia and Australia. It is | | | | store pieces in a specially designed container for |
| the cheapest of the precious metals at less than $20 | | | | sterling jewelry. |
| per gram- gold is almost $1000 per gram. This is why it | | | | Tarnishing is going to happen eventually so regular |
| is such a popular material for making silver wedding | | | | cleaning is important to keep it from irreparable |
| rings and other jewelry. | | | | damage. There are many cleaners, cloths and creams |
| Cool Trends and Classic Styles | | | | that are formulated for cleaning sterling and bringing |
| Craftsmen have used this precious metal for hundreds | | | | back that polished shine. |
| of years in their jewelry and artwork. Silver Claddagh | | | | Men and women alike enjoy the cool luster of this |
| rings are classic and the style has been a popular gift | | | | precious metal. From chic to quirky, there are ring |
| of love, faith and loyalty between couples. | | | | styles to fit every personality and taste. Because they |
| Combining the precious metal with stones and gems is | | | | are so affordable, it is easy to have a different look |
| also a tradition. Silver pearl rings are delicate, lovely and | | | | everyday depending on mood and outfit. Sometimes |
| make sentimental family heirlooms. | | | | gold just doesn't go and when that is the case, sterling |
| But, designers can have some fun too because of the | | | | is ready to add shine to any outfit from casual to |
| affordability of the metal. A cool trend that might | | | | elegant. |
| possibly have roots in ancient history is silver puzzle | | | | |