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Sterling Silver is a metal comprised of at least 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy (other metals) including, but not limited to, copper and nickel. Our suppliers obtain jewelry from manufacturers around the world, directly importing from 8 countries. All of these manufacturers guarantee their products to be 92.5% sterling silver quality or better. Finishing Each manufacturer decides how to finish their jewelry. Plating the sterling silver with fine (99.9%) silver is a customary way to finish jewelry in some countries. This process is commonly called "flashing." Often a flashed piece of jewelry will also have a layer of nickel or copper plate between the two silver layers. Additional common plating methods used are rhodium plating, gold plating and anti-tarnish plating. One of the reasons manufacturers plate sterling silver is to restore the even, consistent color lost as a result of "firescale," the discoloration of silver caused by soldering findings and posts onto the jewelry. All of these plating methods give the jewelry a longer, brighter life. However, these items cannot be sized or machine buffed without being re-plated. The following is a general indication of what types of finishes are used today. Countries with "not plated" may plate individual items using one of the methods mentioned above.
Tarnish Silver in its pure form will not tarnish, but is too soft for use in jewelry and giftware. Sterling silver will tarnish. This is not a defect, but the result of a natural chemical process that occurs when sterling silver is exposed to chemicals in the air. Other common tarnish causing elements are wool, rubber bands, and latex gloves. Humid environments will accelerate tarnishing. How should I care for my Sterling Silver? Preventative maintenance is the easiest way to keep your sterling silver looking great. Avoid exposing your sterling silver jewelry to direct sunlight, harsh chemicals like chlorine, cosmetics, hair spray, perfume, and perspiration, and store your jewelry wrapped in a soft cloth in an anti-tarnish bag. If you don't have an anti-tarnish bag, small "zip-loc" style bags work--be sure to squeeze all the air out of the bag before sealing. Store your jewelry away from bright lights or heat. Never immerse your silver jewelry in chlorine, salt water, mineral springs or suntan lotion. (Some household cleaners contain chlorine bleach.) These will cause discoloration and even though this extreme form of tarnishing is only on the surface; it can be very difficult and time consuming to get it off. Washing your jewelry periodically with mild dish soap and warm water is a quick, easy way to prevent tarnishing. Soap and water will also help keep your silver looking good. Be sure to rinse well and dry completely with a soft cloth before storing. For more intense cleaning, use a non-toxic liquid. Dip cleaners are not recommended. If your jewelry contains gemstones, do not immerse in water--this may loosen some settings. Dips and abrasives should never be used on gemstones. Remember not to dry silver off with anything but a soft cloth. Avoid paper towels or tissues. Polish your jewelry regularly using a non-abrasive cleaning cloth. Frequent light polishing with a cloth designed for use on sterling silver will also help minimize tarnish. Tarnish is easily removed when first noticed (generally a yellowish tint) but will become more difficult to remove as it turns brown and eventually black, requiring professional cleaning and/or harsher chemicals that can harm your jewelry. Silver is a highly reflective metal and enjoys a high polish! It is also an extremely soft metal and may scratch or dent easily. But for many, this is what makes silver so alluring! Enjoy your jewelry! BJ's Jewelry featurs Far Fetched bracelets, pins, earrings, keychains, and necklaces. To keep prices down we do not carry a printed catalog. We add new styles all the time. Our goal is to save you money!! |
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