Surely you know what constitute jewelry 875. They can be made of yellow or white metal and have a characteristic sheen. For the most part, this metal was used during the Soviet era, products from it were transferred from our grandmothers to mothers.
It is difficult for an inexperienced person to determine which metal such jewelry and kitchen appliances are cast from - some believe that there is an 875 gold sample. We find out if this is really so.
What it is?
In accordance with the metric system adopted in Russia, gold with 875 breakdown does not exist. But there is silver of the corresponding modification - this explains the origin of jewelry or other products on which the brand 875 is composed.
This is a noble metal, the presence of which the main component is 87.5%, the remaining 12.5% are impurities. In other words, for every kilogram of alloy there are 125 g of ligature, most often copper.
Such a metal is mainly used for making cutlery, while for jewelry they often take a better one, the test of which is 925.
On top of this thing happens gilded, therefore, some unscrupulous sellers give silver products to gold. The sample itself looks like a head turned to the right.
Of particular interest are jewelry, the stamp on which looks like a star - such things were made in limited batches from 1958 to 1994 of the last century. Today they are no longer being released, and therefore they are of some value to collectors.
Many people at least once in their life saw jewelry with a breakdown of 875. Visually, they almost did not differ from gold, which is why many believe that there are gold samples with this value. In fact, this is completely wrong - if a person sees a gold jewelry in front of him with such a stigma, then you can be sure - in fact, before you is nothing but silver with gildingrather than a high-grade noble metal.
Alloy characteristics
Items labeled 875 are an alloy of silver with some other components. They are added in order to increase the operational characteristics of the metal, as well as improve its appearance. Most often, copper is used as impurities, a little less often - nickel and platinum. Some modern jewelry is additionally coated with a layer of rhodium, which helps protect them from scratches and enhance the gloss of the product.
Silver strength 875 higher than that of the alloy, in which the presence of the main element is greater, since silver itself is a fairly soft element. It is to increase the strength and hardness of the composition that some additional components are added.
Application
If we talk directly about the quality of such a silver alloy, then for this parameter jewelers put it in second place from all existing silver alloys. A 925 test holds the palm of the championship - such a metal is considered more expensive, since the concentration of pure argentum in it is much higher. Such an alloy has become one of the most popular in the manufacture of jewelry. If we compare products 875 and 925, the latter will be cleaner and more expensive.
Basically, silver 875 tests are used for the manufacture of cutlery, while quite expensive. Sample alloy 875 lends itself well to any machining, so the cutlery manufacturer can make the most beautiful and unusual items out of it. Particularly attracted by the color and luster of such a metal, which attracts manufacturers of table sets.
In addition, silver 875 is often used to create:
- budget jewelry;
- jewelry;
- any accessories;
- interior items.
Due to its affordable price and high performance, this the material is recognized as one of the most popular and used in industry in various fields.
How to distinguish a fake?
There are quite a few simple, but at the same time fast and effective methods that will distinguish any silver jewelry from a fake.
The simplest is considered ordinary magnetization. Many people remember from a physics course at school that a real Argentum is not magnetized. Therefore, in order to verify the authenticity of the decoration or cutlery offered to you, you only need to hold a magnet over it.
If the product is magnetized, then boldly refuse to purchase, since this is a fake. In the case of authenticity, the magnet simply walks along the surface of the product.
For the second method, no additional devices will be required - only your hands. The fact is that true argentum heats up very quickly even from body heat. You can’t say the same about fake.
Just hold the proposed product in the palm of your hand - if it becomes warm, then this is a real precious metal.
To check, you can use the usual school crayon. If they rub a real silver surface, then it will change its white shade to metallic.
If possible, drip onto the surface a drop of iodine, on real silver, it blackens and it will be very difficult to erase.
In order to distinguish a genuine gold product from a gilded Argentum, you can use some home verification methods. For example, gilded silver reveals lapis pencil which can be purchased at any pharmacy.If you draw a line with a pencil on a silver surface, the strip will darken, while real gold will not react in any way.
In order to be sure of the authenticity of the jewelry you purchase, it is best to shop at trusted jewelry stores.
Special care should be taken when acquiring gold sold abroad, especially in resort areas - here you can often find fake jewelry sold to tourists at the price of real ones.
How to care?
Like any argentum alloy, metal 875 is highly susceptible to oxidative processes in the process of interaction with air and sulfur compounds. Silver is one of the most active metals that interact with elements present in the air. If an item or jewelry made of silver of 875 samples is used for a long time, they will blacken very quickly and lose their original luster and shade. In addition, the oxidized surface of argentum 875 samples sometimes becomes unpleasant to the touch.
In addition to oxidation, with constant use, this the alloy reacts with sulfur, which is present in air in an insignificant amount. In addition, one of the main sources of sulfur is human sweat - if you often use cutlery made of silver of 875 sample or wear jewelry from it, then as a result of contact with the skin they lose their spectacular appearance over time.
However, do not be upset. Nowadays, there are quite a few ways that allow you to quickly clean silver items and restore their characteristic shine and color. If you wish, you can always purchase special fluids, they allow you to prevent and level oxidative processes, however, these funds are quite expensive.
That is why the majority of jewelry owners of this test use folk methods - they need only the simplest ingredients.
In the first case, you will need warm water, soda, and citric acid. If from time to time to lower your products for a quarter of an hour in such a solution, they will retain their shade and quickly return the characteristic shine.
The second method will also require a liquid solution, only instead of a lemon there is regular alcohol in it. It is dissolved in water with soda. Such a solution completely stops or stops the oxidation processes and thereby prevents the darkening of your silver product.
However, only soda solution can be used. To return the surface to its original shade, you need to boil the product in it for 15-20 minutes (do not forget to add a little foil there).
You can use silver to clean toothpaste - for this, it is applied to a soft, fluffy brush and the surface of the product is thoroughly rubbed, after which it is washed and wiped dry.
One of the most effective means for cleansing argentum at home is considered ammonia. To perform the procedure, you need to dissolve the ammonia in water and place the product there for 20 minutes. After such a cleansing, it will quickly return to its aesthetic appearance and shimmering shine.
It is very important to pay special attention to creating storage conditions for your silver products - they should be placed in a dry place with an influx of air, preferably on linen or cotton.
After each use, be sure to Thoroughly wash the cutlery in silver 875 and wipe it dry.
If you become the owner of jewelry made of such an alloy - remove it before going to the bathhouse or pool, avoid wearing it during other water procedures.
The following is a view of jewelry 875 samples.
