Silver is an inexpensive, but high-quality metal, which is perfect as a gift for a small holiday, as well as for declaration of love. The most attractive thing about it is the price-quality ratio. Products from this precious metal:

• they look great;

• are distinguished by a pleasant and soft shade;

• shine brightly, if not specially oxidized to create a matte surface for the antique;

• combined with formal outfits and outfits for leisure;

• suitable for all skin tones.

This article will discuss what samples silver has.

What are the samples of silver?

Pure silver is very soft and easily damaged. Therefore, it is often mixed with other metals that improve its properties, especially hardness. Copper is usually added to the white-gray precious metal. Then its purity is determined based on the ratio of silver to copper. Then, a stamp is applied to the jewelry, which numerically expresses the quality of the silver.

In addition to the most common samples of silver 925 and 999, there are also 900, which was previously used for the manufacture of jewelry, 800, used for the manufacture of cutlery, commemorative coins, ingots and medals.

What are the samples of silver?

Sterling silver (925) is a metal alloy that contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% impurities. Most often, added copper creates a slight turbidity, sometimes — a red or purple patina. Silver corrosion is caused by hydrogen sulfide in the air, so jewelry should always be stored safely in a box or jewelry box. Sterling silver is used in jewelry to make rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. 925 is very well known all over the world. All the jewelry you will find in our catalog is made of this silver.

Neusilber, or German silver, is an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc. It is issued without a sample.

Black is an alloy of silver, copper and lead, which is used for enameling jewelry.

Electrum is an alloy of silver and gold with other elements found in nature. It was very popular in jewelry in ancient Egypt.

There are also brass alloys that are covered with a thin layer of pure silver that peels off over time.

Rhodium-plated silver covered with a thin layer of rhodium, a precious metal of the platinum group. It was discovered at the beginning of the 19th century and got its name from the pink compounds it forms (rhodon = Greek roses). In nature, it is usually found in its pure form and together with other precious metals, such as platinum (Urals) or gold (South America).

Rhodium is an all-white metal that is used to coat silver or gold jewelry to improve its properties. It increases the hardness and durability of jewelry and protects it from corrosion. Jewelry covered with this precious metal:

• have a bright shine;

• more wear-resistant;

• hypoallergenic

Rhodium plating protects products from darkening and damage. It gives the products a characteristic slightly matte glow. Their appearance resembles much more expensive white gold. At first glance, silver and gold jewelry covered with rhodium does not differ from those not modified in this way. The difference is noticeable after only a few months of wear. Rhodium-plated jewelry should be regularly inspected every 2-3 years and recoated with a thin layer of the metal.

Oxidized or oxidized silver resembles old classic products. In places, it is covered with a layer of oxides, thanks to which it blackens and acquires a pristine appearance. Jewelry made of oxidized silver will definitely appeal to all lovers of heavy, slightly dark style and antique jewelry.

In addition to the types listed above, gold-plated silver jewelry is produced. They have a decorative surface that better resists corrosion and weather conditions. Gold-plated yellow or pink jewelry is cheaper than natural jewelry. They are hypoallergenic and more resistant to corrosion. The most common method is galvanic gilding, in which the object is suspended in a bath for the production of gold, and the passage of current allows a layer of gold of any thickness to settle on it.

What type of silver is it?

No matter what kind of silver you choose, always remember to check its sample.

Purity is specified by the manufacturer in the branding or spectral analysis department. The assay shows how much pure silver is contained in a particular metal. The most common is silver 925, and in this form the precious metal is used by jewelers in the production of jewelry. This number means that anything marked with the 925 assay number is 92.5% pure.

The purity of silver is indicated in thousands or ppm, for example 0.925, Ag925 or 925/1000. The weight of silver is recorded and controlled in hundredths of a gram, for example, 236.58 m However, in practice whole grams are taken into account.

What are the hallmarks of silver?

Stamping informs the buyer of the authenticity and purity of the ornament or component. Finished jewelry products are marked with special marks called «mark». Marking is done by embossing or laser.

The manufacturer of jewelry can be traced by the type of stamp. Most often, these are 2-3 letters or a specific number with a number. The shape of the stamp shows what metal and purity the product weighing more than 3.49 grams is made of. The exception is small parts, the marking of which with a sign of purity is impossible for technological reasons.

Samples for silver are as follows:

Which type of silver is better? Many believe that high-quality silver is 925. However, on the market you can also find beautiful jewelry made of lower grade silver, the advantage of which is a lower price.

In addition, what is the quality of silver products, pay attention to the shape of the stamp. It means the precious metal from which the jewelry is made:

• knight — gold jewelry;

• woman — silver;

• horse — platinum;

• dog — palladium.

If it is not clear what type of silver products you like, it is quite likely that these are its cheap substitutes. Only a professional can distinguish a fake by appearance. However, after a few days, the difference will become obvious. High-quality silver remains shiny and bright for a long time, while its substitutes will quickly lose their luster, deform and scratch.

The only exception is silver jewelry weighing up to 3 grams. According to the legislation of many countries and states of the world, they are not labeled. But they must have a mark of cleanliness and a manufacturer’s mark.

Knowing about the samples of silver products, you will be able to distinguish real jewelry from fakes. Buy goods only in verified stores, and not from hands and at shadow auctions. The low price should definitely raise doubts. Real silver will always be more expensive than a fake made from another metal. Also, pay attention to the marking applied to the product. If it has the word MET instead of silver, it means that you are dealing only with a silver-plated product. An interesting method of recognizing silver is to apply a magnet to it. If the ornament is attracted, it means that it is made of low-value metal.

SILVERS SILVER JEWELRY STORE