Sterling Silver Chains UK – Understanding Sterling Silver

There is a beautiful simplicity and understated elegance to sterling silver that makes it the first choice metal for many jewellery enthusiasts. However, outside of the jewellery trade few understand the creation of the metal used in sterling silver chains UK, or why pure silver just doesn’t have what it takes.

Sterling silver is made from more than one metal. High quality sterling silver jewellery is a mix of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals. These metals can be zinc, germanium, platinum, or most commonly, copper. Alloys are needed to make the silver more suitable for use in jewellery making. Pure silver is very malleable, but it is also very soft, and this leave it open to damage and thus it makes it difficult to use pure silver to create solid objects, such as earrings that can withstand daily use. Adding alloys to the silver also enhances its ability to withstand tarnishing and helps it to keep its shine for longer. However, one of the problems with a sterling silver chain containing alloys is that these metals can cause rare reactions. Silver, in its pure form, is a non-reactive metal. However, some people do react, particularly to copper, if the jewellery is worn next to the skin in hot weather. This is why you should always check the alloy percentage in your accessories. One of the reasons why sterling silver has been so popular throughout history is its availability and price. Silver is mined in around 60 countries across the world and while the price fluctuates, it is generally cheaper than gold.

To ensure that you only buy the highest quality sterling silver chains UK you need a jeweller that you can trust. Think Positive Antonio Marsocci Ltd ensure that all of our silver jewellery, from earrings to pendants, reaches the standard you would expect. Find out more at http://www.think-positive.co.uk/ today.