Silver Jewelry – Scoring Points

We’ve already spent lots and lots of time discussing the different ways that silver jewelry can be utilized in one's wardrobe, but we haven't had much in the way of discussion as to what makes certain items of silver jewelry higher quality than others.

Most jewelry today is comprised of a metal alloy; this also includes sterling silver jewelry. Certain silvers carry with them a defining numerical code that gives some insight into the quality of that silver. In most cases, your sterling silver jewelry will probably carry a point value that equals the number (commonly .924). Basically, .924 simply refers to the given numeric ratio of the amount of silver versus the amount of extraneous metal in the alloy.

However, some silver jewelry is called a "fine" silver jewelry and carries with it a point code of .999. Often times, silver that carries a code of .999 is considered ‘special occasion’ jewelry. Most of the time this special occasion silver is available only through customization. All this really means is that these pieces, have been specially handcrafted and will likely only been worn on truly special occasions. Most of the time, the silver that is considered to be ‘fine’ and is used to customize jewelry will have a tendency to turn and tarnish more rapidly than will a less ‘fine’ quality of sterling silver.

If you're planning to purchase silver jewelry that carries a .999 rating, you should consider questioning your jeweler about the care that will be required for maintaining the brilliance of that particular piece of silver. In some cases, the fine piece will need to be isolated from other metals and kept solitary so as not to turn, tarnish, or become weakened by the transferring oxides.

Don't get us wrong, we are huge fans of all silver jewelry. However, if you're searching for silver jewelry that will be durable and strong enough to allow for everyday wear, we recommend a higher ratio (i.e. .924). Consider shopping online for some of the most wearable and attractive pieces of silver jewelry available. You will find that silver goes with almost any ensemble and can be worn almost any occasion. Why spend hard-earned money on a piece you'll absolutely adore if you can only wear it on special occasions? Unfortunately, not many of us get the opportunity to experience a special occasion all that often!