Affordable Silver Jewelry

Silver jewelry has been a long-standing favorite type of embellishment which has recently enjoyed an even greater popularity, due to the current trends in the fashion industry and consumers' desire to keep up with the trends. Plus, it is also a perpetual favorite because even high-quality silver jewelry is considerably more affordable that the same design made of gold or platinum. On top of those benefits, silver jewelry can accessorize any style of wardrobe and will attract attention with its dazzling sheen. Giving mens promise rings is a promise to love and cherish. Promise rings are the forerunner of a diamond engagement ring.

Silver has been used in jewelry making, as well as in many different forms of art and functional items for centuries, dating back to ancient times and cultures. Unfortunately, because it tarnishes more easily and eventually will decompose, we do not have as many artifacts made from this metal as we do artifacts that were crafted in gold and other more durable metals.

Of course, in more recent ages, silver has been used extensively for decorative and functional items such as sterling silver frames, sterling silver flatware, sterling tea sets and serving sets. Many such quality silver items have been passed from one generation to another and are treasured as family heirlooms. 

When taken care of through regular cleaning and removing of tarnish, silver jewelry and other items made of this precious metal can withstand use over the centuries. Such treasures from earlier generations are wonderful reminders of bygone eras and are tangible connections to ancestors who lived in very different times.

Vintage silver jewelry is also a very collectible and highly sought-after type of jewelry art that many people are willing to spend a bit extra to possess. One reason for this is that such vintage jewelry products can reach across generations and can give a person a sense that they are wearing a piece of history. Some people also feel a connection to the person who previously owned and wore the vintage piece.

Silver is the most common and most abundant of all types of precious metals that are found but it is rarely used in its pure, or fine, form for jewelry or any type of functional items such as flatware. This is because in its pure state it is too soft which makes it difficult to hold its shape and to resist scratching and marring.

This precious metal is composed of 925 sterling silver combined with 75 parts of another metal alloy. The most common alloy used to produce sterling is copper. When you see the stamp 925 on an item of jewelry, this is an indication that it is a sterling compound which is also an indication of the quality. Mixtures that contain more alloy that 75 parts are not considered to be as high a quality and should not be labeled as sterling.

Silver weighs approximately half as much as gold does and is more flexible than gold, but it is not as malleable. It has also always been considerably less expensive than gold as well. A comparable item of gold jewelry will cost anywhere from four to six times as much as the same design in sterling, depending on the quality of the gold.

With the current fashion trends that favor black and other dark colored clothing, sterling silver jewelry is the perfect accent to add life and sparkle to such a wardrobe. This is another of the factors that has recently come into play in making sterling jewelry art and accessories more popular.

An interesting point to take note of is the fact that it could be said that sterling silver jewelry "likes" to be worn. It actually stays more shiny and lustrous from the movement and the friction of being worn. However, like all precious metals, it needs to be cleaned regularly in order to properly display its best qualities.

 Where to Find the Best 925 Sterling Silver Jewelry