Silver is one of the most popular metals in jewelry. It has a bright shine and is a relatively inexpensive metal. Like pure gold, pure silver is too soft for most uses so it is often alloyed. Copper is the preferred additive because it greatly toughens the alloy while retaining silver’s characteristic color. Sterling silver is the most common alloy used in jewelry. It consists of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper.
Care
Avoid exposing your silver jewelry to chemicals (including chlorinated water) and household cleaning products.
Silver naturally reacts with elements in the air thus tarnishing over time. Therefore, it is important to regularly clean the metal to avoid tarnish buildup. For cleaning, use polishes or solutions specifically formulated for use on silver. Visit your local hardware store or craft store for these products.
