Category: 925 SILVER_w Swarovski Crystal

925 STERLING SILVER
Understand the product you buy & Caring tips
While sterling silver can be placed at number four in the list of expensive jewellery metals starting from top as the most precious metal that can be used in jewellery making, to the least expensive of them all, the value of sterling silver still makes it expensive.
Fine silver, for example 99.9% pure silver, is relatively soft, so silver is usually alloyed with copper to increase its hardness and strength. A bit of hardness has to be introduced, by adding other metals such as copper. That’s why jewelers are capable of making the most intricate and complex designs with 925 Sterling Silver.
Sterling silver is prone to tarnishing
Unfortunately, a lot of retailers take advantage of a lack of consumer knowledge when it comes to the cost and quality of silver. In order to avoid being duped, you need to learn the warning signs to look out for.
When you’re shopping for pieces like these, you need to consider more than just the style. You need to make sure they’re genuine, too.
This is because many sellers attempt to pass off silver-plated jewellery as sterling silver. In order to avoid being duped, you need to learn the warning signs to look out for.
This is especially important if you’re allergic to nickel as fake jewellery can cause you to break out in a rash.
HYPOALLERGENIC JEWELLERY
Unlike pieces that are made of inexpensive nickel, or other base metals, which can irritate your skin, sterling silver jewellery doesn’t contain metal additions that can cause an allergic reaction.
People who are allergic to metals such as nickel and or brass can wear sterling silver jewellery without much worry.
HOW TO CHECK THAT JEWELRY IS GENUINE .925 STERLING SILVER
THE “HALLMARK” TEST
Inspect your silver jewellery all around for a mark known as a “hallmark” (you might need a magnifying lens for this). An imprint of the numbers “925” indicates that the jewellery piece contains 92.5% of pure silver.
Let’s say you pick up a .925 sterling silver earrings. If it’s the real thing, all genuine sterling silver jewellery will have the .925 sterling silver stamp.
Real sterling silver is also prone to tarnishing. This is because of the copper the silver is mixed with to keep it hard and durable. The copper reacts to oxygen, moisture, and sulfur in the air. That’s why you need to regularly clean real silver to keep it looking shiny and new.
If you see any signs of tarnishing when shopping for jewellery , it’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, when it comes to sterling silver, it’s a sign that it’s real. Look out for dull patches or small black marks on any piece before you buy it.
Sterling silver rings that are real are especially prone to tarnishing on the inside where they may have come into contact with skin.
Tarnish is simply the result of a chemical reaction with oxygen or sulfur particles in the air. With a few easy-to-follow tips, you can take care of your sterling silver jewellery and make it last for years to come!
TRY MAGNETS
Magnets have little to no effect on genuine sterling silver. This means that if you have one handy, you can use it to perform a very simple test. If you find that your magnet creates a strong attraction to the jewellery you’re testing, walk away. This is a clear indication that it’s fake. You can use this test to identify real gold, too.
HOW DOES IT SMELL?
This may sound like a strange way to test your jewellery but it works. Real sterling silver rings, bracelets, and necklaces shouldn’t have any odor at all. Simply give them a sniff. If you get a strong or distinct smell, it likely has a high concentration of copper or some other alloy.
CHECK THE PRICE
Lastly, you should consider the price of a piece of jewellery before buying it. That’s a dead giveaway. Real sterling silver doesn’t come cheap. You get what you pay for, and if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Steer clear of cheap, knock-off jewellery and buy from a reliable retailer at a price that makes sense.
PURCHASE YOUR NEXT BEAUTIFUL PIECE
Follow these guidelines, and you won’t be fooled into buying anything less than .925 sterling silver. Now that you know what you’re looking for, you’re ready to go shopping. Check out our amazing real sterling silver collection.
Additionally, we are open to all kinds of lab tests as a proof of our quality transparency.
JEWELLERY CARE
Our pieces are handcrafted costume jewellery, designed to last with love and care.
Proper caring and maintenance are necessary for any fine jewellery.
If you follow these recommended tips, sterling silver care is incredibly easy! These methods will help prolong the longevity (and beauty) of your sterling silver jewellery years to come!
Here are the tips on how to take care your jewellery.
– Take off all jewellery before bed
– Avoid contact with water, chemical, alcohol or oil (e.g. perfume, lotions, hair products and household cleaners)
– Do not store in damp conditions and avoid wearing in the shower, pool or sea
– Avoid wearing while cleaning, gardening or performing sports activities or during activities which may cause sweating.
– Store in a cool dry place and always store each piece separately to avoid scratching.
– Wipe or clean with warm water. Dry each piece with a soft cloth.
Interesting fact: pure water by itself doesn’t damage sterling silver, but most of the water we’re exposed to in our daily lives is not purified. Chemicals and contaminants in the water can result in tarnished and dull-looking silver, so it’s best to know what’s what when it comes to water.
• Shower. It’s not a great idea to shower with your jewellery on, but once in a while isn’t going to do any lasting damage. Just make sure to dry it after.
• Swimming Pool. Take your silver off. Chlorine is a pretty harsh chemical, so if you accidentally forget to remove your silver jewellery before hopping in, make sure to rinse and clean it afterward.
• Hot Tub. Same idea as the swimming pool, but there’s even more chlorine in the hot tub and the heat can accelerate the chemical reaction.
• Hot Springs. The sulfur in natural hot springs will wreak havoc on your silver. Unless you’re going for that “dark oxidized” look, avoid at all costs.
• Bonus Tip: Chemicals in lotions and perfumes can also cause your jewellery to tarnish. Apply them first, let them dry, and then put your jewellery on. This alone can make a HUGE difference in your silver’s luster.
MAINTAIN PROPER STORAGE
Air exposure can wreak havoc by tarnishing your delicate silver. Don’t just leave it lying on your nightstand or in an open jewellery chest. And, don’t just leave it in your purse or drawer!
▪ Do not store in paper, cardboard, or cotton-filled boxes: these boxes may contain traces of sulfur which will contribute to tarnishing.
It’s best to store silver in individual, air-tight bags with anti-tarnish properties. These types of bags keep air exposure out and keep the shininess and brilliance intact.
Unclasp and unhook the jewellery to avoid potential scratching. Do NOT bunch several pieces in the same bag to save time or space. This can create tangling, scratching, tarnish, and that is exactly what we are trying to avoid here!
For additional preventative efforts, silica gel packets provide anti-tarnish protection. Throw one in each bag for extra care.
KNOW WHEN TO TAKE OFF YOUR JEWELLERY
Strong chemicals, sulfur, sweat and perspiration, chlorine, and harsh sunlight can tarnish and corrode the brilliant shine you love in your silver.
It is optimal to remove jewellery during the following times:
• Household chores, such as dishes, laundry, and when using cleaning supplies
• When exercising, at the gym, or playing contact sports
• When showering or bathing
• Swimming, hot tubs, or saunas
• Very hot places (such as when lying out at the beach or pool)
• When getting ready (i.e: putting on lotion, makeup, hair products)
• Outside chores or tasks, such as gardening
Preventative care is ALWAYS easier than aftercare!
HOW TO POLISH & RESTORE SHINE OF 925 STERLING SILVER JEWELLERY
– Use Silver polish cloth to rub the tarnish jewellery parts (for mild tarnished condition)
– Use silver polish solution to rub the tarnish jewellery part (for severe tarnished condition)
Shake well, pour a few drops of solution on the cotton, rub the tarnished parts. Wait a minute, use clean soft tissue to clean the powdery surfaces. The jewellery is ready to wear.
– Bring to the nearest jewellery shop with cleaning services to polish your silver jewellery.