Sterling silver is still primarily silver. However, it is commonly alloyed with copper to make it strong enough for everyday wear. Other metals may be used instead, depending on the desired results and appearance.
Silver is extremely popular in jewelry because it is easy to shape into just about any design. In appearance it is quite similar to white gold or platinum, although people familiar with these metals can notice a difference in most cases. Sterling silver often has a warmer appearance.
Sterling silver jewelry costs significantly less than similar jewelry in gold or platinum. It is also more likely to have CZ rather than diamonds used for large stones. However, you can find sterling silver jewelry made with many lovely genuine gemstones.
This makes sterling silver a great gift when you're on a tight budget yet want to give fine jewelry. You can find truly lovely jewelry that is sure to fit with any person's style. Designs can be whimsical, traditional, professional and so forth.
Silver can require a little bit of special care, but it's not terribly difficult. Many times all you need to care for your silver jewelry is a silver dip cleaner. A few swishes around and the silver is clean. However, make sure that the cleaner is safe for any stones set into the jewelry. Pearls and opals can be particularly sensitive to cleansers.
But if that's a problem, a polishing cloth can work wonders. You do not want to use the same polishing cloth on silver as on gold, as silver tarnish is very hard to get off of gold, but the same type of cloth can work on both. Rubbing the jewelry down with the cloth is fairly easy, although highly detailed pieces can be challenging.
Perhaps best of all is the fun you can have with sterling silver jewelry. The relatively affordable price tag means that you can afford to show your most creative side with it. Even though the jewelry will last for years (a lifetime if you take care of it), people do not tend to view silver jewelry as the investment that gold jewelry is, and so find it easier to wear more unusual pieces. It's a great chance to show off a sense of fun.
When it comes to jewelry, women love to add new pieces to their collection. In some cases, this means out with the old and in with the new. If you own some sterling silver jewelry that simply has gone out of style, you don't wear as much as you thought you might or you just want the extra cash to put toward new pieces, you will be glad to know that there are plenty of ways to turn your sterling silver jewelry into cash.
Thanks to the internet, the options are virtually limitless as to how one could sell their jewelry. One of the quickest ways to earn cash for your collection is to place it up for bids at an online auction and allow other collectors to place bids. You will have the option of either starting your auction at a low opening bid, setting a reserve price that buyers must meet in order to win the auction or even set a fixed price that will allow your item to be purchased immediately. If you plan to list your jewelry at an online auction, make sure that you get a quality photo using either a computer scanner or digital camera.
For those who don't want to wait for their cash, it may be possible to sell your collection to a local jeweler. Many small businesses advertise their desire to purchase fine jewelry and/or gemstones, but be ready to negotiate on the price. Depending on the business, you may get less than your jewelry is actually worth. Unlike a pawn shop, however, local jewelers who buy private collections will likely pay more than 'scrap' prices.
If you prefer to sell your jewelry locally but don't have a jeweler in your area who's in the market to buy private collections, consider advertising your jewelry in the local classifieds. To be safe, you may want to print your cellular phone number or possibly an e-mail address for inquiries as opposed to your home phone. If you have an interested buyer, meet in a public place to allow him/her to view the jewelry and make the purchase. In any transaction, it's often recommended that sellers accept only cash or money orders, especially if the amount of the sell is significant. In order to prevent confusion, it's a good idea to discuss payment options with the buyer beforehand.
Now that you know how to turn your existing sterling silver jewelry into cash, you can start thinking about the new pieces that you want to purchase. Every woman likes to spruce up her wardrobe, whether it be clothing or jewelry, on occasion. If you're looking for a new collection, consider shopping online for a large selection and competitive prices that you may not necessarily find at your local jeweler. From earrings and rings to anklets, necklaces and bracelets, you are sure to find something to suit your style and budget. Not only can you sell your jewelry online, but you can also find some of the best deals and discounts with the click of a mouse.
Both Stephanie Foster & Mitchell Carmel are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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