What do you think of when you hear the term "sterling silver?" Grandma's tea set? Napkin rings? Forks and spoons? Well, not anymore! Any savvy jewelry shopper knows that sterling silver is used for a lot more than flatware. With its affordable price, strength, durability, style, and easy care, sterling silver is a precious metal that is highly valued in the fashion industry.



Affordability. The changing economy is having an effect on the jewelry market. The prices of precious metals have skyrocketed lately. Gold is currently selling for about $1,000 per ounce. Platinum is above $2,000 per ounce. The price of silver has also increased, but it is still affordable. For this reason, both economical and fashion conscious shoppers are deciding to purchase their latest fashion jewelry in sterling silver.

What is "sterling silver?" Sterling silver is a precious metal. Have you ever noticed the number 925 imprinted next to sterling silver? In its natural state, silver is a soft, shiny metal. In fact, pure silver is so soft that it would be impractical to make jewelry from it. Sterling silver is made of a mixture of silver and another metal, usually copper. Copper gives sterling silver both strength and durability. Silver makes up 92.5 percent of the mixture, hence the number 925.

Practical and Stylish. Silver has been cherished by humans since ancient times. After all, who can ignore the eye catching shine of sterling silver jewelry? Silver has also been revered for its healing power. Even today, many people wear silver because it naturally contains antimicrobial properties.

The strength and durability of sterling silver allows it to be shaped into any design. The range of fashion sterling jewelry is endless. Rings, watches, bracelets, charms, necklaces, and earrings, set with diamonds, rubies, semiprecious gemstones, and rhinestones-you name it, you can find it in sterling silver. Antique styled silver toned jewelry in white gold and platinum are now in high demand. Why not purchase your next piece in sterling silver? Since a well polished piece of fashion sterling silver jewelry can easily be mistaken for platinum, what's the use in paying more?

Don't let the fear of tarnish taint your experience. Many do not realize that taking care of silver is easy. Tarnish is one of the most common fears people have about fashion sterling silver jewelry. Tarnish is nothing more than a dark film that covers sterling silver as it undergoes the natural process of oxidation. The best way to avoid the dreaded "T" word is to wear your silver pieces often. That's right, the act of handling and wearing sterling silver slows down the tarnishing process and keeps your pieces shiny. For heavy tarnish buildup, was your silver in mild soap and water. Once you are done, pat it dry with a clean cloth.

Yes, sterling silver is more than tea sets and flatware. It has been for years. In fact, fashion sterling silver jewelry is probably one of the best kept secrets in the jewelry industry. After all, if you were just complimented on the beauty of your new necklace or ring, would you tell that your rich look came at such a cheap price?