Silver is very
malleable and ductile, and is very easy to work with. However, it is poorly
resistant to pressure and easily bends. For this reason, silver is
alloyed with other metals to increase its toughness and
durability.
Sterling Silver, consists of
92.5% silver, and the remaining part consists of copper , zinc –
mostly copper is used.
This is the reason why Sterling Silver is popularly referred to as
925 Sterling Silver or just 925 Silver.
The reason silver needs to be combined with other metals is that it
is very difficult to make great designs with just pure silver, which
is very soft and malleable. 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.
Vermeil, which is used in jewelry, is Sterling Silver coated
with a thin layer of Gold or occasionally Platinum. It is an inexepensive alternative to those valuable
metals it is coated with.
Silver is notorious for its habit of tarnishing. Fresh Silver has a bright-metallic-white color, but
almost invariably turns yellowish to blackish upon continuous
exposure to air. This is caused by a chemical reaction of the silver
to sulfur compounds present in the atmosphere. The only way to prevent
this effect is to glaze the silver with an anti-tarnish coat.
Jewellery of Sterling
silver
Necklace sets ,
bracelets, Cuffs, Rings, Earrings, Pendants, chains are being made
in sterling silver Jewellery.
Sterling silver
Jewelry along with
gemstones is very popular in Jewellery items
Other artifacts and
utensils are also made. Cutlery and Full Dinner sets are also made
other than regular artifacts of sterling silver.
Idols of god and
goddesses both in solid and Hollow for are also made in sterling
silver.
Most commonly apart
from Glasses, plates, Trays, silver coins in various gramage is
popular for gifting purposes.