Open Heart Slider Necklace
Sterling Silver 18″ Open Heart Slider Necklace With Cubic Zirconia On Cable Chain.
Beautifully crafted CZ and Crystal Earring in genuine sterling
Beautifully crafted CZ and Crystal Necklace in genuine sterling
Beautifully crafted Stone Earring in genuine sterling
Beautifully crafted Fancy Hoops Earring in genuine sterling
Silver is an attractive and sophisticated metal that would make a great complement to any jewelry collection. While real silver does not actually cost much, compared to the likes of gold, there remains a wide market for the sale of sterling silver, particularly among the younger consumers.
Unfortunately, to the untrained eye, comparing fake versus sterling silver can be quite a task — and sellers often take advantage of this lack of knowledge and sell fake versions at the price of the authentic ones. Your goal, therefore, is to find out how not to get duped.
Fake Vs Sterling Silver
How can you tell fake from sterling silver? Here are a few tips:
1. Real silver is stamped with a hallmark.
Like gold, authentic silver comes with a small stamp or engraving which contains information about its silversmith and the date it was made. Whether it is machine engraved or hand engraved is pretty easy to distinguish by just looking at it. A stamp that has ‘EPNS’ on it is an indication that it is sterling silver, as it simply means ‘electro plated nickel silver’.
2. Silver jewelry must be at least 92.5% pure silver.
Silver used alone is too soft to function properly as jewelry. Thus, all silver jewelry should be at least 92.5% pure silver, with the rest made up of appropriate alloys to help it harden. This is normally indicated by a “925″ engraving on the jewelry itself. Of course, the lower this number, the closer it is to being less and less real silver. These engraving can be difficult to spot-look on the back of pendants, on clasps, and on the inside of rings for real silver markings.
3. Watch out for silver plate: Silver colored jewelry may simply be silver plated.
Silver plated jewelry, which is not totally real silver, would usually have an “A1″ stamped on it, along with its makers engraving. When the silver tarnishes or chips off, it reveals the real metal used underneath, which can cause skin problems, like rashes and metal allergies, for some people. Beware of buying items that are simply silver plated, especially if your skin is hypersensitive.
4. Run it through a nitric acid test. A great way to test whether the silver jewelry you have is the real deal is by testing it nitric acid. You can choose to have this done by the local jewelry shop or you may do it yourself.
To do this, select a part of the jewelry that is least noticeable as the site to run your test. Rub this portion thoroughly to cause a break in the plating of the surface. Place a few drops of nitric acid onto the site and wait a few minutes. If the liquid becomes cloudy grey, then it is sterling silver; but if it becomes green, then what you have in your hands is simply silver plated.
Always keep in mind that there is no such thing as silver jewelry that is 100% pure silver. As mentioned earlier, silver has to be mixed with other alloys to make it sturdy enough to serve its purpose. The best way to ensure that you buy only genuine silver pieces is to purchase your jewelry from a trusted seller.
Denise Sanger loves jewelry of all types and is the owner of ButterflyJewelryShop.com Denise is always looking for beautiful new sterling silver jewelry [http://butterflyjewelryshop.com/index.html] pieces including silver heart jewelry [http://butterflyjewelryshop.com/heartjewelry.html] to add to the company’s unique jewelry catalog. Denise is located in Sunny North Florida and may be reached at 877-297-9050
Article Source: Is it Fake Or Real? How to Spot Real Sterling Silver Jewelry
If you’re at a loss of what to get your Sweetie for Valentine’s Day, silver jewelry can bring a smile to the faces of even the most hard-to-please special people in your life; and not break your pocketbook. Whether you are shopping for your spouse, friend, kids, parents or a potential new love interest, you can find virtually thousands of styles and designs sterling silver jewelry to choose from at affordable prices; and find appropriate Valentine’s Day gifts for everyone on your list.
Silver Jewelry Gift Ideas For Women
To impress your girlfriend or show your wife she’s special, heart-shaped designs are always a great representation of love and commitment. However, you will want to choose the appropriate style and design to express the correct sentiment. You won’t want to give your mom a sterling silver ring with two entwined hearts; that represents more of a romantic relationship. But your girlfriend would definitely appreciate such an expression of commitment. For mom, a delicate necklace with a single heart-shaped charm will show her that she’s close to your heart, while she wears it close to hers. To show your daughter, niece or any female youths in your life that you’re thinking of them on Valentine’s Day, try a pair of simple heart-shaped earrings or a charm bracelet.
The key in finding the perfect silver jewelry Valentine’s Day gift for women is distinguishing what is the appropriate symbol of love for the specific type of relationship you have with her. It may sound challenging, but with a little thought you’ll find the perfect gift for any gal on your list. With virtually hundreds of styles to choose from, the affordability of sterling silver jewelry, and the fact that all women love it, you can’t go wrong.
Valentine’s Day Jewelry Ideas For Men
Valentine’s Day shopping for men is typically more difficult than buying for the ladies. Most women will swoon at the mere glimpse of that plush velvety box just knowing that a sparkling new trinket is soon to join the growing population in her jewelry box. But men are different. For the men in your life choose a sterling silver jewelry designs with more rugged and durable styles. The easy part is, that no matter what his age or relationship to you is, you can find a number of men’s silver jewelry gifts that are appropriate for your husband, dad or son.
Try a nice thick silver chain and charm set tailored to his individual style. For a the more conservative fellow with classic tastes, a sleek and simple Miami Cuban link chain is attractively refined. The more burly rugged types may appreciate the tougher look of a thicker silver box chain. Box chains are also great gift ideas for young boys because they are more durable. For the fashion statement-making “bad boy”, a hip and trendy sterling silver mixed ball chain may be just what he needs to accent that “cutting-edge” look.
Once you’ve decided on the best chain for your guy, choosing a charm is the icing on the cake. Pick a design that represents his interests. Though the traditional Valentine’s Day hearts may express your love, a heart-shaped charm will likely spend little time dangling from his neck. If your man is a golfer, choose a golf club or Tee shaped charm. If he happens to be a proud Irishman, a four leaf clover is a great way to honor his ethnic pride (and hopefully bring good luck). And that “bad boy” with the ball chain may love a set of dog tags or a shiny rhinestone horseshoe charm to add a little “bling”.
Contrary to popular belief, silver jewelry shopping for men is easier than for women. Go figure!
Giving silver jewelry as Valentine’s Day gifts is a great way to make everyone dear to you feel special without breaking your wallet. Shop online to find wide selections of sterling silver jewelry designs at wholesale prices.
Article Source: Affordable Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas – Sterling Silver Jewelry