Types of silver. Silver has been a popular material for jewellery making for centuries. Jewellery makers have long favoured silver for its beauty and versatility. However, not all silver is the same. There are several types of silver used in jewellery making, each with unique properties and characteristics. In this article, we’ll explore the three main types of silver used in jewellery making: sterling silver, fine silver, and Argentium silver.
Types of Silver: Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is the most popular type of silver used in jewellery making. It’s an alloy made up of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. This alloy is sometimes referred to as 925 silver or simply “silver.” The addition of other metals makes sterling silver stronger and more durable than fine silver, which is 99.9% pure silver.
One of the benefits of sterling silver is its affordability. It’s less expensive than other precious metals, such as gold or platinum, making it a popular choice for everyday wear jewellery. Sterling silver is also easy to work with, making it a favourite of jewellery makers.
However, sterling silver is prone to tarnishing, which is the darkening or discolouration of the metal caused by exposure to air and moisture. To prevent tarnishing, sterling silver jewellery we need to store it in an airtight container or jewellery box and cleaned regularly with a silver polishing cloth.
Fine Silver
Fine silver, also known as pure silver, is 99.9% pure silver. It’s softer and more malleable than sterling silver, making it easier to work with for intricate designs. However, because it’s so soft, fine silver is more prone to scratches and dents, making it less durable than sterling silver.
Fine silver is less prone to tarnishing than sterling silver, but it can still tarnish over time. we also should store fine silver jewellery in an airtight container and cleaned regularly to maintain its shine.
Types of Silver: Argentium Silver
Jewellery makers have recently started using Argentium silver which is a type of silver alloy. It’s a special alloy that contains 93.5% silver, along with other metals, such as copper and germanium. The addition of germanium makes Argentium silver more tarnish-resistant than sterling silver and more durable than fine silver.
Argentium silver is also hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for people with sensitive skin. Argentium silver is easy to work with and allows for a wide range of jewellery making techniques.
While Argentium silver is more expensive than sterling silver, its properties make it a popular choice for high-end jewellery pieces. In addition, choosing Argentium silver is a sustainable option since it utilizes recycled silver and has a smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional sterling silver.
In conclusion, there are several types of silver used in jewellery making, each with its own unique properties and characteristics. Sterling silver is the most popular choice for everyday wear jewellery due to its affordability and durability. Fine silver is a good choice for intricate designs but may not be as durable as sterling silver. Argentium silver is a newer, more sustainable option that is highly tarnish-resistant and durable, making it a great choice for high-end jewellery pieces. By understanding the differences between these types of silver, you can make an informed choice when selecting silver jewellery.
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