Silver is a highly valuable and rare chemical element with many uses. Silver can be found in numerous ores and used in jewelry making for ages. Silver is more resistant to corrosion than most metals and can be poured into molds and cast into various shapes directly. Silver is the metal of choice when it comes to jewelry.
If you’ve ever walked down the aisles of a jewelry store, you’ve probably come across a lot of terminology that pertain to the silver variety. What does it mean when the terms “silver filled”, “silver plated”, and sterling silver findings are used? What silver jewelry do you choose if they are unique?
Let us understand the difference between the three different types of silver jewelry. However, to comprehend the distinction, you must first comprehend what an alloy is. An alloy is a combination of two or more metals. You can inject new qualities into these distinct substances by combining them. Fine silver has 99.9% pure silver. The metal is gorgeous in this state and tarnish is minimal, but it’s too soft and malleable for many applications, including creating most jewelry. That is why it is mostly combined with various metals, especially copper, to make jewelry.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is the closest you can come to pure silver without sacrificing durability. Sterling silver is both durable and cost-effective. Sterling silver is generally alloyed with copper and is 92.5 percent pure. The alloy fortifies the metal, making it suitable for jewelry use. You don’t have to be concerned about the silver corroding, and it can be polished back to its former luster whenever you like. It is the perfect option for those seeking long-lasting jewelry that may be passed down through generations. Sterling silver is easy to maintain and may be polished with a gentle cloth and little warm soap and water.
Silver-Filled
Another popular option is silver-filled jewelry. The distinction is that silver-filled jewelry is fashioned by applying a coating of silver to a base of a less expensive metal using heat and pressure. This layer of silver on the base metal is very thick, which allows you to work more deeply, polish more, and even do some minor carving without exposing the base metal beneath. Silver-filled components, such as ear wires and chains, make sense. It keeps them inexpensive, plus they’ll last a lifetime and match sterling silver pendants well.
Kamal Trading Company is a distributor of various sterling silver findings . Check them out in our collection.
Silver Plated
Silver plated jewelry has a very thin layer of pure silver applied to them. The base metal underlying is seen when the silver coating peels or scrapes off. It is the most cost-effective of all the silver options. Since it does not contain copper, it retains its luster longer and does not tarnish as quickly as sterling silver and sterling silver filled jewelry. Silver Plate is the most affordable option. That isn’t to say that isn’t a good option. Silver plated beads and jewelry are available in a variety of quality levels, with some being exceptional and lasting for many years.
Which Should You Choose?
When it comes to the question of what kind of silver jewelry should you have, the answer is what suits you the best. All three variations have their own pros and cons. Depending on the usage, occasion, and the budget, you can select either sterling silver jewelry , silver-filled or silver plated.
Kamal Trading Company manufactures and distributes silver jewelry findings across the world. Contact us for more information!