Today, online purchases are very popular. This is especially true for jewelry and decor. Chinese sites offer silver products at attractive prices. Beautiful photos also attract the eye. However, many doubt whether to rely on the integrity of such manufacturers. We will find out what are the features of sterling silver from China, and what you should pay attention to when buying.
What it is?
The history of the name sterling silver is still a mystery. However, many believe that it was such a metal that was used once in the production of sterling (high-quality English coins issued during the time of Henry II). In any case, such silver is highly regarded today. 925 jewelry contains 92.5% pure silver. The remaining 7.5% is another metal. As a rule, it is copper or aluminum. Adding a third-party ingredient does not lower the quality of silver. On the contrary, this gives it additional hardness and strength.
Today, many jewelry is made in Southeast Asia. High-quality silver products of Chinese masters are striking in their sophistication and can easily compete with European models. Moreover, the cost of such goods is lower than analogues from other countries. This is due to the low wages of workers.
Nonetheless buyers are often disappointed to receive a cheap product with a thin coating of dust instead of silver jewelry in the mail. Visually, the difference may not be noticeable. However, the spraying quickly erases, which spoils the appearance of the product. Then it becomes clear that the person became a victim of deception.
There are universally accepted designations that describe the composition of a metal object:
- silver plated (SP) - a product coated with 100% silver;
- sterling silver plated (SSP) - item coated with sterling silver;
- silver on copper or EPC is a silver-plated copper product.
Some unscrupulous manufacturers omit the word plated from the description. Therefore, the buyer thinks that the item is entirely made of 925 metal. In order not to regret buying in the future, before placing an order on the Internet, you should check with the seller what the product is made of. And it is advisable to study the reviews of those who are already familiar with the products of the selected manufacturer. In addition, it is important to understand that, despite some difference in cost with goods from other countries, real silver alloy products cannot be too cheap.
Only low-quality jewelry is sold for a penny.
Composition and properties
As already mentioned, sterling silver is an alloy. The basis is noble silver (92.5%). This explains the numbers indicated on the sample. Copper is 7.5%.
The alloy has a light, almost White color. is he It is characterized by high strength, resistance to corrosion and other negative environmental influences. That is why products made of such material retain their shape, luster and shade for a long time.
Unlike pure silver, which quickly oxidizes and darkens, sterling metal does not lose its beauty and is easy to clean. Therefore, jewelry and other products made of this material can become family values that are inherited. In addition, silver 925 has antiseptic properties.
Where is it used?
The material is easy to process, has ductility and good ductility. Therefore, it is widely used to create exquisite jewelry. These are chains, pendants, bracelets, earrings, cufflinks, tie clips.
Unlike pure silver, whose softness does not allow to produce dishes and decor, Sterling metal is often used to create cutlery, beautiful trays, dishes. Collectors really appreciate exclusive coins 925 tests. Also in stores you can find silver caskets, cigarette cases and figurines. Any of these products can be a great gift.
Care Tips
Despite the fact that the metal is resistant to the influence of the environment, if you hold the product in conditions of high humidity or under direct sunlight, it can darken. Therefore, it is better to comply optimal storage conditions. For example, jewelry can be put in a wooden box. Ideally, if each product is stored in a separate bag of soft fabric. The dishes can be put in a cabinet or a showcase.
As for cleaning, do not use aggressive chemicals, hard brushes, tooth powder and other abrasive compounds. A great option is a tool created specifically for cleaning coins.
If you do not want to go to a specialized store for such a substance, you can use a washing gel designed for dishes. In this case, you need to dissolve a drop of gel in a small amount of warm water. Then, in the container with the obtained liquid, lower the metal products and rinse them carefully.
After cleaning, items should be rinsed with clean water.
Regular care may consist of wiping the items with a soft, dry cloth.. This will prevent the tarnishing of silver. If the thing is of particular value to you, you can take it to the jewelry salon at the first sign of darkening. Most of these places provide services. professional cleaning. So you will be calm for the integrity of the item and you can get it back in the same excellent condition it was in at the time of purchase.
A review of sterling silver from China, see the video below.
