Home > Learning Center > Sterling silver jewelry

Sterling silver jewelry

One of the most common uses for silver in the world today is as a precious metal used for making high-value objects such as jewelry. Traditionally, silver jewelry is made from sterling silver, or standard silver. Sterling silver jewelry in the United States must be an alloy consisting of 92.5% fine silver.

Copper is a common additive to sterling silver jewelry and is important to keeping the hardness of the jewelry design. Sterling silver has a lower melting point that either pure silver or copper alone.

Sterling silver jewelry is often plated with a thick coat of fine silver to provide the item with a shiny, pristine looking finish. This process is known as “flashing” and silver jewelry can also be plated with rhodium, for an even brighter, shinier look, or gold.

Sterling silver jewelry | Bracelets | Learning Center | Site Map | Links | Contact | Home

Copyright © 2008