Buyers Guide - Sterling Silver Metal

With connotations of charm, success and luxury, sterling silver has always been a both fashionable and alluring choice in the jewellery industry.

The precise composition of sterling silver is: 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals.

It is due to the small percentage of other metals - such as; copper, germanium and zinc, present which render this alloy slightly harder than pure silver.

Due to the latter attribute, sterling silver has proven to be a most popular alloy in the production of wedding rings, jewellery and flatware.

As well, its bright lustrous colour and ductility render it the ultimate choice for the setting of precious gems and other diamonds.

However, it is worthwhile to note that as time progresses; sterling silver wedding rings and jewellery may begin to oxidise and consequently gain a yellow hue on its surface.

A precautionary measure in preventing the latter would be to store any sterling silver rings in a dry cool place and taking care, as with all the finer things in life, not to drop, bash or scratch.