Sterling Silver Facts and Care

What Is Sterling Silver?

For jewelry sterling silver is by far the most popular silver alloy in the world. Sterling silver, also called .925 silver, consists of 92.5 percent fine silver and 7.5 percent other metals (usually copper). Manufacturers use sterling silver because of its strength and durability. All silver items in MMA International’s Silver Stars Collection are .925 sterling silver.

How Is Sterling Silver Jewelry Finished?

Jewelry is often plated with a thin layer of .999 fine silver. This process is known as flashing, and it gives the item a shiny finish. Some factories will apply a plating of nickel or copper on the jewelry prior to applying the .999 silver plating. Other silver items are rhodium plated, which again results in a bright, shiny finish. Some jewelry items may be gold plated or left unplated depending on the design. Flashing or plating silver jewelry also helps reduce irritation or discoloration for customers with sensitive skin.

How Can I Keep My Sterling Silver Items Looking Great?

Sterling silver is susceptible to tarnish which is a natural reaction the metal has with chemicals. Frequent light polishing with a polishing cloth designed for sterling silver will help minimize tarnish. You can also wash your jewelry periodically with mild dish soap and water. Be sure to rinse well and dry completely before putting your jewelry away.

Minimize tarnishing of items that are stored in a display case by using desiccated silica gel granules that absorb the humidity in the air. Covering the jewelry in your cases with Pacific Jeweler’s Cloth (available at most fabric stores) will also help minimize tarnish. When storing silver jewelry items, keep them in sealed polyethylene bags.

Tarnish can be easily removed when first noticed. However, if left untreated, the color of the tarnish will darken and will become more difficult to remove, requiring professional cleaning.

It is also important to avoid exposing sterling silver jewelry to harsh chemicals like chlorine, cosmetics, hair spray, and perfume, and to avoid extended exposure to direct sunlight.