Silver is a chemical element listed in the periodic table with the symbol Ag (Latin: argentum). The precious metal has the atomic number 47 and is counted in the series of transition metals. It is readily malleable, yet can be formed into a very strong and durable shape, which qualifies it as one of the most commonly used materials in jewellery making. In addition to the properties that make it a flexible material, this is also due to its handsome bright appearance, which makes beautiful jewellery possible. Silver has the highest conductivity of all known elements and among the metals also the highest value of thermal conductivity. Silver is extracted from silver ores, lead ores and copper ores. The shiny white precious metal is rarely processed into jewellery as pure silver; the numerous alloys are used more frequently. The most important alloys are copper-silver alloys, which make the silver harder but at the same time not brittle. The fineness of the silver represented in the alloy is decisive for the classification of the material. 800, 835, 925 or 935 silver are the known alloys, where the number indicates the fineness in thousandths of a part of silver. This means that in the best-known silver, 925 silver, also called sterling silver, 92.5% pure silver is represented.
Silver jewellery
Silver is a particularly important material for jewellery making because it is very resistant, has an attractive appearance and, of course, a high material value. The 925 silver is the most important silver alloy, as it combines various advantages. Apart from jewellery, 925 silver is used in the production of coins, cutlery and musical instruments. It is mainly because of its higher hardness compared to pure silver that 925 silver is so popular and important. The name is explained by the fact that with this silver, 92.5% pure silver is always combined with other metals to form an alloy. Mostly copper is used here, which gives the material a darker colour than pure silver. 925 silver is also known as sterling silver, which refers to the British currency, the pound sterling. This is because 925 silver used to be used to make the English silver pennies, or sterlings. The silver alloy, with its 92.5% pure silver content, is popular in the manufacture of all jewellery, whether rings, necklaces, bangles or watches.
Silver - versatile
The oldest finds of worked silver are dated to around 5000 BC. In ancient times and the Middle Ages, silver had a higher value than gold. This was mainly due to the use of silver coins as a means of payment. It was not until the 19th century that silver lost its economic significance, as gold was now the preferred currency metal. However, since silver is versatile in form and use and has a high electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, industry discovered the metal for itself. In addition, a large part of it is used in jewellery production. Good to know: Silver has an antibacterial effect and is used in the medical field to treat wounds, as it has the properties of a disinfectant.
In the jewellery industry, so-called sterling silver is mostly used because it is harder than pure silver and accordingly less sensitive to external influences. Sterling silver was used to make the English silver pennies, the so-called sterlings, which is where the name comes from. This is an alloy of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The fineness is therefore 925/1000, which is why it is also called 925 silver. There is always a corresponding silver stamp on our silver articles, which provides information about the fineness of the article.
Coating and Finishes
It is impossible to imagine jewellery without silver and it has always been extremely popular. The noble silver sheen suits numerous styles and looks. However, silver jewellery can be combined in an even more versatile way by using different coloured coatings, which let the respective piece of jewellery shine in modern rose gold or classic yellow gold. Such a coating can be achieved by different techniques. By rolling on a fine foil of metal, by dipping, by welding on or by casting on. Nowadays, the very durable ion plating is particularly popular. In this process, the surface is first cleaned by ion bombardment. An evaporator source vapourises the piece of silver jewellery to be plated with the desired metal. A layer is thus formed on the initial product. During this process, the initial product to be plated is strongly heated. The purpose of plating, apart from the change in colour, is to give the material a higher resistance to wear.
Silver and silver alloys tend to discolour. This is caused by a reaction of the metal with the air, in which hydrogen sulphide is present. The reaction of the silver with the gas causes the formation of silver sulphite, which gives the jewellery a black colour. In order to prevent such a discolouration, silver jewellery is often provided with a protective layer, the rhodium plating. For this purpose, the jewellery is coated with rhodium sulphate in an electrochemical bath. Thus, the silver is tarnish-protected and harder than non-rhodium-plated silver.
Proper care of silver jewellery
The fact that silver changes colour over time is quite normal and not a sign of inferior quality. It is important that silver products are cared for appropriately to prevent the formation of silver sulphide. Here are a few more tips to keep silver jewellery shiny and beautiful for a long time:
- Do not store silver in damp places such as the bathroom or kitchen. It tarnishes more quickly there due to the high humidity. A dark and dry place is best. Storage in an airtight plastic bag in the jewellery box is optimal.
- Cosmetics also favour the reaction. Therefore, care should be taken that the silver does not come into contact with creams or perfumes.
- Silver should never come into contact with rubber (rubber gloves or rubber bands), as this will leave dark stains on the material.
- Polish and clean your silver jewellery at the first sign of discolouration. The less silver sulphide has to be removed, the gentler this is for the metal. There are various ways to do this: rubbing with a silver cloth, cleaning in a silver bath or treating the jewellery with a special care cream.
- Rhodium-plated silver should not be cleaned with silver polish, as this attacks the protective layer.
Of course, you can also get the care products in our shop.
General notes
Jewellery is an object of daily life and therefore exposed to physical and climatic influences. These influences can be transferred to the piece of jewellery and leave marks such as scratches. Previously matt surfaces can acquire traces of shine and shiny pieces of jewellery can appear matt over time. Every material from which jewellery is made can show signs of wear. These are what make the jewellery unique and thus a personal piece of jewellery.
Here you can find our Silver jewellery.