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Silver
925 Silver
Silver possesses similar qualities to gold but can achieve the most brilliant polish of any metal. To make it durable for jewellery, however, pure silver (999 fineness) is often alloyed with small quantities of copper. In many countries, Sterling Silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper) is the standard for Jewellery and has been since the 14th century. The copper toughens the silver and makes it possible to use silver 925 for decorative and fashionable jewellery.
Silver is second only to gold in many respects. It has good working qualities being malleable, easily tempered, rolled and beaten and bends without cracking. It is also light, yet possesses great strength and is resistant to many corrosive substances. Above all, silver is a most attractive metal widely used in the jewellery trade
Silver Production
Most silver is a product of lead mining. The main silver mining areas of the world are South America, the USA, Australia, and the former USSR. The greatest single producer of silver is probably Mexico, where silver has been mined for almost 500 years.
History of Silver
The Egyptians and the Sumerians were the first recorded users of this precious metal, followed by the Romans who obtained their ore from mines of Spain and Thrace. In the middle ages, Germany and Bohemia supplied European Silversmiths. Much silver also came from Mexico and Southern America during the Spanish conquests and in the nineteenth century lodes were discovered in the US and Australia.
As early as 700 B.C. Mesopotamian merchants used silver as a form of exchange. The ancient Greeks minted the drachma, which contained 1/8th ounce of silver. And let's not forget the English shilling "sterling", originally denoting a specific weight of silver, and now has come to mean excellence.
Silver has always been surrounded by mystery. The Incas of Peru called it "the tears of the moon" because they were awed by silver's strange gleam, and the Chinese believed that a silver locket hung around a child's neck would ward off evil spirits.
In the earliest Egyptian records, it was considered more precious than gold. Interestingly, with all of Silvers magical power, owning silver at various times was restricted, especially if it was in the form of jewellery. Throughout history, wearing silver jewellery was often a social privilege.
Silver Jewellery Today
Today's most creative and innovative designers are attracted to sterling silver due to its low price, because it is soft and malleable and can be shaped into infinite forms.
At a time when everyone seems to be cutting costs yet, in need of giving their spirits as well their wardrobes a lift, retailers around the world are stocked with a wide selection of the "hottest" silver 925 looks at prices guaranteed not to break the bank. Unlike costume jewellery, sterling silver endures and can be enjoyed for a lifetime, and is more affordable than other precious metals.
To be assured you're buying the real thing; always look for the stamp 925. All Silver Jewellery supplied by Keola is stamped with the 925 hallmark.
With today's anti-tarnishing processes, as well as easy cleaning techniques, caring for sterling silver jewellery is simpler than ever. Add to this silver's value, durability, fashionability and consistent quality, and it is no wonder that it has retained its popularity over time.
Silver Jewellery Cleaning
To keep your beautiful piece of jewellery looking that way then we recommend treating it with care and respect.
Silver is a white malleable metal. The majority of Keolas jewellery is polished to a high shine finish that is reflective and lustrous. Over time, the knocks and scrapes of every day life begin to show on the surface, particularly bangles, bracelets and rings as they more often come into contact with other surfaces.
If you are worried about silver tarnishing then we recommend that the best thing to do is to wear the item regularly. Otherwise a quick wipe with a Keola jewellery polishing cloth will take away tinges on the jewellery. Jewellery cloths are permeated with an anti-tarnish polish which in the long term helps protect the finish of your jewellery. A quick rub over with a polishing cloth also keeps the shine on your jewellery.
To keep your silver tarnish-free, frequently clean your silver in a mild dishwashing liquid diluted in water. Thoroughly dry your silver jewellery after exposure to water. Store silver jewellery in a dry container; a jewellery pouch or a plastic bag with anti-tarnish paper (Keola polishing cloths contain anti tarnish paper for storage use).
Costume or Fashion Jewellery
Costume jewellery is jewellery made of less valuable materials such as base metal, glass, plastic, beads and synthetic stones in place of more valuable materials such as gold, silver, platinum and precious gem stones. These items are usually, but not always, inexpensive, and often flashy.
Today because of technical advances in production methods and supply of products a huge range of styles are available and as popularity increases the market becomes more dynamic, inventive and affordable.
Costume jewellery is very current, trendy and suitable for all age groups it can be made into a variety of pieces including, bangles, bracelets, brooches, pendants, rings, necklaces and body jewellery.
History of Costume/Cocktail Jewellery
Sumptuary Laws in C13th Medieval Europe came into force and capped luxury in dress and jewellery. Townspeople in France were not allowed to wear jewellery or adornments made of pearls, gemstones, gold or silver. Similar laws existed in England.
After 1760 the production of fake jewellery spread to London steel which was produced easily during the industrial revolution was used for settings for marcasite and jasper ware cameos. Glass and Wedgwood porcelain paste cameos were made in English factories and were very popular too.
In the C17th a woman always donned her earrings whether dressed or undressed. By day fake pearl earrings and paste earrings to coordinate with clothing were acceptable. Fine diamond jewellery was kept for evening.
In the 1920s Lalique designed good mass produced quality glass jewellery. Fake, or costume jewellery was sometimes then called Cocktail jewellery. It was greatly influenced by Coco Chanel (1883-1971) and Elsa Schiaparelli (1890-1973). They both encouraged clients to use costume jewellery and to mix it with genuine gem pieces they already owned. Both designers offered imagination and fun and both often sported fabulous fakes.
The Second World War in Europe halted production of fine jewellery when metals were rationed. Fine precious metal and gem jewellery was simply not available. Quality costume jewellery which was flourishing in America became much more acceptable and was a real alternative to fine jewellery.
And so the trend continues
Tips for caring for Jewellery
With proper care, precious jewellery should last for decades and bring years of pleasure.
These tips are designed to show you how you will get lasting pleasure from jewellery:
1. Beauty products can affect jewellery. That little spray of perfume or hairspray can discolour silver and gold or make pearls turn yellow. Put jewellery on after you have used your cosmetics and sprays.
2. Take off your jewellery especially rings when doing household chores or gardening. They could become damaged by knocking out stones or coming into contact with abrasive materials, which discolour metal.
3. Settings can get clogged up with soap and hand cream. Take them off before washing hands and using cream.
4. Heat and hot water can loosen settings where an adhesive has been used. Pearl rings, earrings and pendants have this type of setting be careful with them.
5. Don't wear too many chains at any one time, they will tangle and rub off one another causing damage.
6. Wear jewellery as much as possible as this keeps the metals bright.
7. Clean your jewellery periodically. An old soft toothbrush is ideal to get into any difficult nooks and crannies with warm soapy water or purchase jewellery cleaning fluid from your jeweller. See heading under Cleaning for detailed information.
8. Ideally, store your silver jewellery in a sealed plastic bag in a soft lined box or pouch. Try to keep pieces apart, so that they don't rub together or tangle up.
9. Never go swimming in your jewellery, chlorine in swimming pools can cause damage.
10. When dressing always put your jewellery on last.
11. Strung necklaces and bracelets should be wiped with a soft damp cloth to maintain the lustre. |
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