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About Sterling Sivler Jewellery
By: Kevin Nawani, Wed Sep 23rd, 2009
Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% by weight of silver and 7.5% by weight
of other metals, usually copper. The sterling silver standard has a minimum millesimal
fineness of 925.
Fine silver (99.9% pure) is generally too soft for producing large functional objects;
therefore, the silver is usually alloyed with copper to give it strength, while at the same
time preserving the ductility and beauty of the precious metal. Other metals can replace
the copper, usually with the intent to improve various properties of the basic sterling alloy
such as reducing casting porosity, eliminating firescale, and increasing resistance to
tarnish. These replacement metals include germanium, zincand platinum, as well as a
variety of other additives, including silicon and boron. A number of alloys, such as
Argentium sterling silver have appeared in recent years, formulated to lessen firescale or
to inhibit tarnish, and this has sparked heavy competition among the various
manufacturers, who are rushing to make claims of having the best formulation. However,
no one alloy has emerged to replace copper as the industry standard, and alloy
development is a very active area.
You can make several ornaments using cubic zircon and other synthetic stones such as
Rings, Pendants, Bangles, Earrings, Necklaces, Braclets, Toe Rings, Anklets, etc. using
95.5% silver. The jewelry can also be Rhodium or Gold plated to look like white or yellow
gold.
http://www.jewellery-collection.com is one such place where you can buy 925 silver
jewelry at resonable prices at wholesale prices. custom made desings are also
accepted by them.
Pure silver cannot be used in making jewelry as it is extremely malleable and it can
suffer damage easily. It also tends to get very soft, even in conditions of normal
temperature. That is why 925 silver is used and not the pure form of the precious metal.
The method craftsmen use to increase the strength of the metal consists of adding other
materials to silver. The life span of the jewels made of silver depends on this process,
as problems like malleability and softening can make them break apart. By combining
pure silver with alloys, the craftsmen make pieces of jewelry that are more resistant to
scratching and damage.