samedi 17 août 2013

How To Select And Care For Silversmith Jewelry

By Bernice Terry





Silver has a simple elegance to it which makes it a very popular choice in accessories. Hand-crafted sterling silver pieces are considered to be the best since they are quite durable and will not lose their finish the way silver-plated designs can. When purchasing silversmith jewelry it's important to first have an understanding of what to look for.



Silver is an ideal alternative to gold for accessories since it typically costs less, and it is also more versatile in terms of which clothes it looks good with. It does not usually bother those who are allergic to some types of metal, but it can easily oxidize and look black if not cleaned often.



While there are several types of silver which are used to produce jewelry, sterling silver is respected as the finest of these. It is made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. The resultant alloy has strength that soft and malleable silver alone does not possess. Pieces which are described as "Silvertone" are not the best choice, as they only have a silver coating on them which gradually wears off.



What's good about sterling silver is its added firmness which makes it easier for silversmiths to craft and makes it possible for gemstones to be set in it if desired as well. There are some pieces made from pure silver, but due to its delicate nature they aren't ones which can be worn daily. Oxidized silver is that which has been treated with oxygen to produce an aged look. German "silver" is not in fact silver but a mixed alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc with a silver-plating.



Genuine sterling silver is designated as such by its "fineness mark". This is a stamp which is placed somewhere on the piece proving its authenticity. It may read as any of the following; sterling, sterling silver, ster, or . 925. This stamp must by law, be accompanied by the maker's insignia or registered trademark.



It's a good idea to be able to also recognize fake silver, which can be detected by a number of visual assessments. Real silver has a glistening color, whereas imitations have a duller tone. It is also heavier and softer than these other metals. If the piece is poked with a needle, it should leave a slight mark.



Silversmiths are craftsmen who produce these exquisite pieces through the centuries-old art of forging silver into jewelry. This metal is highly malleable so it can usually be worked with at room temperature but sometimes a blow torch is used for certain effects. They may use other techniques in their work such as engraving, either by hand or machine, "annealing" which uses heat for reshaping, and polishing with abrasive compounds to create a sheen on the piece. The price of silver jewelry is usually determined by the amount of work and the intricacy of the design.



Silversmith jewelry needs to be treated with care in order for it to last for many years. This includes storing it in a safe place to prevent scratches and avoiding contact with household bleach and ammonia, as well as chlorinated swimming pools. It should also be cleaned routinely using a polish which has been formulated for silver, ideally at the first appearance of tarnish.









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