925 Sterling Silver Jewelry: What is it? Myths and Truths

When it comes to jewelry, Sterling Silver 925 is a name that comes up frequently. It is a term used to describe a type of silver alloy widely used in jewelry making. However, what exactly does "925 Sterling Silver" mean, and why is it so highly valued in the jewelry world? If you love jewelry like we do and are curious to unlock the secrets behind this jewelry giant, you're in the right place. 

In this blog post, we will explore the following pointsin detail:

• What is 925 sterling silver? 

• Why is 925 sterling silver used for jewelry?

• How good is 925 sterling silver?

• Does this type of jewelry oxidize? 

• Opinions about gold-plated jewelry.

• Sterling silver plated in 18 carats.

• 14 karat gold plated.

• Vermeil technique.

• Gold plated stainless steel.

• Myths and truths of 925 sterling silver.

Ready? Let's get started! 

What is 925 Sterling Silver?

Sterling Silver 925 is a silver alloy widely used in the manufacture of high quality jewelry. The term "925" refers to its composition, indicating that the metal is composed of 92.5% pure silver. composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of other metals, usually copper or other alloying metals. This specific ratio is what gives 925 Sterling Silver its distinctive characteristics.

Why is 925 Sterling Silver used?

The reason why this alloy is used instead of pure silver is because silver in its natural state is a very soft and malleable metal, which makes it prone to scratching and deformation. The addition of other metals, such as copper, results in a more durable and resistant alloy. more durable and resistant alloy that retains the aesthetic and shiny properties of silver, but with a greater capacity to withstand daily wear and tear.

Is 925 Sterling Silver jewelry good?

Yes, they are of good quality. The number "925" is also an internationally internationally recognized mark of quality. Manufacturers and Jewelry Boxes use this number to assure consumers that they are purchasing genuine 925 Sterling Silver. The mark is usually engraved on jewelry pieces, and is a seal of seal of assurance that the metal used meets established standards of purity..

Discover the collection of 925 sterling silver jewelry for women 

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Sterling Silver 925 is valued for its beauty, durability and versatility. It is a popular choice for making rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings and other jewelry, as it combines the timeless elegance of silver with the strength needed for use in everyday accessories. It also allows the creation of a wide range of designs and finishes, making it a material appreciated by Jewelry Boxes and lovers of quality jewelry alike.

Does 925 Sterling Silver oxidize? 

Silver itself is a metal that has a tendency to react with oxygen and other compounds present in the environment, causing an oxide layer to form on the surface of the silver. Therefore, yes. 925 sterling silver can oxidize over time.

This oxidation process can manifest itself as a darkening or blackening of the silver. 

It is important to note that oxidation on 925 Sterling Silver does not affect its quality or intrinsic value. Furthermore, the darkening caused by oxidation can be easily cleaned and restored. Many people appreciate the aged or patinated appearance that silver acquires over time, as it gives it a unique and distinctive character.

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To keep the 925 Sterling Silver in good condition and reduce oxidation, it is recommended to store the jewelry in a dry place, away from humidity and avoid contact with aggressive chemical products, such as perfumes, creams or detergents.

It is also advisable to clean silver jewelry regularly with products designed specifically for this material, or by using gentle home methods, such as baking soda and warm water. using gentle home methods, such as baking soda and warm water or a jewelry polishing cloth. or a jewelry polishing cloth.

What to do if the jewelry turns green or blackened?

We tell you in detail in the article, how to clean, restore the shine to your jewelry and remove rust..

To learn more about your jewelry, we also recommend you to read the article where we tell you all about waterproof jewelry that won't rust, which materials are more and less waterproofwhich materials are more and less resistant, and we show you our entire collection of waterproof jewelry.

Opinions about gold plated jewelry 

When it comes to gold-plated jewelry, the quality and durability can vary depending on the thickness of the gold plating (the micronage), the type of metal base used and the plating technique. Below, we will mention some common types of gold plating and which ones are considered high quality:

Silver jewelry plated in 18 karat gold: 

18 karat gold is considered high quality due to its higher content of pure gold. It is plated on a quality metal base, such as 925 sterling silverprovides a stronger and more durable gold layer.

At By Lia Jewels we use 925 Sterling Silver as a metallic base, since it is the best option for gold plated jewelry in terms of price/quality ratio.

14 karat gold plated silver jewelry: 

14 karat gold is also a good choice for plating, although it contains a smaller amount of pure gold compared to 18 karat gold. However, it is still a durable and quality choice for gold-plated jewelry.

Vermeil 

Vermeil is a plating technique in which a sterling silver base is used and a thick layer of gold of at least 10 carats is applied. This technique offers greater durability and quality compared to thinner gold plating.

Gold plated stainless steel

Gold plated stainless steel is another option for making gold plated jewelry. The Stainless steel is an alloy of iron, chromium and other metals that is known for its that is known for its durability, resistance to corrosion, rust and low maintenance. When gold plated, it creates an outer layer of gold that provides a shiny, golden appearance similar to that of solid gold jewelry.

In addition to the above, it is important to note that stainless steel is hypoallergenic, which means it is less likely to cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to other metals. This makes it a great option for those who have sensitive skin or allergies to common metals in jewelry, such as nickel.

However, it is important to keep in mind that the gold plating on stainless steel may eventually wear off over time and use. with time and use. The frequency and degree of wear will depend on factors such as exposure to water, chemicals and general jewelry care. It may be necessary to re-plate stainless steel pieces with gold in the future to maintain their original gold appearance.

At By Lia we have a special special collection of waterproof water resistant jewelryThese are stainless steel jewels plated with 1 micron of gold.

925 Sterling Silver Jewelry: Resolving Myths and Truths

Care of 925 sterling silver jewelry 

In the following article we tell you all about how to clean your silver, gold and gold-platedgold and gold-plated jewelry. But here is a brief summary:

• Store your 925 Sterling Silver jewelry in a dry place away from moisture to prevent oxidation. A Jewelry Box is the best option to keep your jewelry always protected.

• Avoid direct contact with aggressive chemicals such as perfumes, lotions, bleach or cleaning products. If you are going to apply makeup or use perfume, try to do it first without your jewelry on and wait a few minutes for the products to dry.
• Remove 925 Sterling Silver jewelry before engaging in strenuous physical activity or tasks that may cause harm, such as sports, cleaning or gardening.

• Regularly clean your 925 Sterling Silver jewelry with a soft, clean cloth to remove dust and dirt.

• If the jewelry is very dirty, you can soak it in warm water with a little mild soap, rub gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinse well.

• If you notice that your 925 Sterling Silver jewelry has lost its luster, you can use specific polishing products for silver, in our article on how to clean jewelry we leave a special product to recover the shine, which is sold on Amazon and leaves your jewelry new, like the first day.

• If you are not going to wear your 925 Sterling Silver jewelry for an extended period of time, store it carefully in a jewelry box. in a jewelry box where they are not stacked one on top of the other, but where each piece of jewelry has its place and space.

925 Sterling Silver Rings 

Discover our entire collection of 925 sterling silver rings, finished in gold or silver.