Sterling Silver Product Information

everything you need to know

What is Sterling SIlver?

Sterling silver (SS) must be at least 92.5% silver. The 7.5% alloy in SS is made up largely of copper (there might be a bit of another proprietary metal formula that the manufacturer uses to make it stronger, but we are not privy to the formula). It does not contain nickel in the 7.5% alloy that makes up 925 silver.

The addition of copper to pure silver serves several purposes. First, it increases the strength and durability of the metal, making it more suitable for everyday use – it is relatively soft and malleable, so the addition of copper enhances its structural integrity. Second, the copper content helps prevent tarnishing, which is a natural process that occurs when silver reacts with sulphur compounds in the air.

Will Sterling Silver Tarnish?

Yes, it can tarnish over time. Tarnish is a natural reaction that occurs when silver comes into contact with air and certain compounds, primarily sulfur. It forms a dark or dull layer on the surface of the silver, giving it a tarnished appearance.

Although SS is less prone to tarnishing compared to pure silver, it can still tarnish under certain conditions. Factors that contribute to tarnishing include exposure to air, moisture, humidity, chemicals (such as those found in perfumes, lotions, and cleaning agents), and even the pH level of an individual’s skin.

However, it’s important to note that the tarnish on SS is usually superficial and can be easily removed. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help keep your SS items looking their best. Various methods can be used to clean and polish tarnished silver, including specialized silver cleaning solutions, polishing cloths, or home remedies like baking soda and aluminum foil.

Additionally, storing your SS items in airtight containers or using anti-tarnish strips can help minimize tarnishing and slow down the process. After a show or work day. Gently wipe down all your sterling samples to keep them clean and bright. 

By taking proper care of your SS items and cleaning them regularly, you can maintain their shine and minimize the effects of tarnish.

Things that can cause quickly developing, dark tarnish:

Pools and hot tubs. 

Cleaning products.

Beauty products. Most notorious is products containing sulphates. Ie: acne creams and dandruff shampoos.

The personal pH of the wearer. 

Check out our FAQ for more product knowledge.

 

How Do I Clean Sterling Silver?

Regular cleaning and maintenance can help keep your SS items looking their best. Various methods can be used to clean and polish tarnished silver, including specialized silver cleaning solutions, polishing cloths, or home remedies like baking soda and aluminum foil.

Additionally, storing your SS items in airtight containers or using anti-tarnish strips can help minimize tarnishing and slow down the process. After a show or work day. Gently wipe down all your sterling samples to keep them clean and bright. 

By taking proper care of your SS items and cleaning them regularly, you can maintain their shine and minimize the effects of tarnish.

Can someone be allergic to Sterling Silver?

All our SS .925 is considered Hypoallergenic. We guarantee that there is no nickel, cadmium or carcinogenic in any of our jewelry pieces.

However, there are so many types of metal sensitivities. There are people who are simply allergic to SS or GF. Often these people can only wear high carat gold (smaller percentage of base metals in the mix). If your customer is very sensitive to copper, they may have a problem with SS. If your customer is very sensitive to brass, they may have a strong reaction to GF (the core is brass).

Can Sterling Silver Chains, Charms and Connectors Stretch?

Yes, precious and demi-precious can stretch, bend or break. The higher the gold of silver content, the softer the metal.

The finer the wire link in the part, the higher the chance of stretching. Saying this, the finer links are ideal for PJ as for security and safety reasons, you want it to stretch and pop apart if caught on something. You will find that those who are very active- like runners will have more occurrence of stretching or breaking or metal abrasion. You will find that your chains may stretch more on anklets simply because there is so much more movement on an ankle vs wrist. Lots of tendons, muscles, socks and shoes to contend with!

Simple things like getting the bracelet caught in a blanket when sleeping, pulling the bracelet when taking off gloves/shirt or simply that you touch/tug at the bracelet often, can cause a bit of stretching. With anklets, boots and socks can get caught. With necklaces taking off shirts and scarves can cause this as well.

Although precious metal is the preference for PJ, the metals still require care. We call it Permanent Jewelry, but it is not indestructible! Even more so when being worn 24/7.

Don’t forget that if a piece of jewelry is caught and has been tugged, the jewelry with stretch or break at the weakest “link” of the design. This may be the fine wire link of the chain, the jump ring, or the added connector. This does not mean there is a manufactures defect! 

Jewelry making parts are designed for no specific jewelry design. Some items are more durable than others. If you are offering PJ, your jewelry will be worn 24/7, not just for a few hours here and there like traditional clasped jewelry. Make sure to provide your clients with as much product knowledge as you can!