By Wanda Fitzgerald
The popularity of sterling silver jewelry, and in particular, vintage pieces, is growing quickly and has become a popular collectible category. Because silver is generally more affordable than other precious metals like gold and platinum, the demand from buyers is greater, and so is the incentive for manufacturers to create a wide variety of designs.
The much sought after patina should not be confused with tarnish. Tarnish is created when the silver is exposed to air and sunlight and turns the piece a dark color. This can be gently polished off using a mild jewelry cleaner
. Patina on the other hand is a soft sheen that forms when the metal is worn frequently and rubs against other items. The best way to create patina is to wear the jewelry daily while doing everyday tasks such as washing dishes, bathing, exercising, working, etc.A few things to look for when buying silver jewelry is the mark "sterling" or "925" stamped somewhere on the item. Sterling is an alloy that is mixed from 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. This gives the jewelry the proper strength to last years, if properly cared for. Some silver, notably from Europe, is made from a ratio of .800 or .835 silver.
European silver is also quite collectible and typically is used for small pieces like charms. Some silver pieces are coated with rhodium, which helps prevent tarnishing. The choice of buying rhodium plated silver is a personal preference. Many collectors avoid rhodium coated jewelry as it doesn't develop the patina of uncoated pieces
.
If buying silver jewelry from an internet retailer, make sure all sides of the item are photographed and you can see the hallmark clearly. Also check the seller's references and return policy. Above all have fun collecting silver jewelry. The endless styles and designs make this a delightful hobby. The best part about silver jewelry is that the perfect place to showcase your collection is to wear it every day.
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