Sterling Silver 101

What is Sterling Silver

Fine silver (99.9% pure) like most precious metals, is very malleable (easily bent and deformed) and too soft for producing functional objects and jewelry. Bracelets, rings, earrings, pendants, dogtags and other forms of silver jewelry cannot possibly be made from pure silver. Therefore, pure silver is alloyed with copper to increase its hardness without affecting the ductility and beauty of the precious metal. However, as the purity of silver decreases, the problem of corrosion or tarnishing increases, creating the need to find a balance between the percentage content of Silver and the cheaper metal used in the alloy couple.

The solution, as discovered by chemists, is sterling silver: an alloy of silver containing 92.5% by mass of silver and 7.5% by mass of other metals, usually copper. In sterling silver, the metallic structures of silver and copper interweave into an alloy mixture, strengthening each other without reacting or mixing. The silver component within the alloy retains its brilliant sheen, and can be easily recovered via electolysis. The sterling silver standard has a minimum millesimal fineness of 925 (ie: 92.5% purity). Given the high percentage purity of sterling silver, sterling silver is commonly used in the manufacture of jewelry and high grade luxury cutlery used by royalty.

Chemically, silver is not very reactive—it does not react with oxygen or water at ordinary temperatures, so does not easily form silver oxide. However, other metals in the alloy, usually copper, may react with oxygen in the air, tarnishing the overall appearance of the sterling silver alloy. The good news, however, is that tarnish is easily reversible by polishing: a process which removes the surface coat of copper oxide obscuring the brilliant sheen of the underlying alloy. Polishing is easily done using toothpaste or baking soda. The easy reversibility of the tarnish has made sterling silver jewelry the gold standard of consumer choice in silver jewelry craftsmanship.
Silver Maintenance 101:

Methods of cleaning silvershould be determined by the value placed on it, monetary or sentimental, and the design of the pattern. Silver with deeply "carved" patterns that are enhanced by an oxide or French gray finish should be hand polished with a high quality silver cream or polish.

Hand rubbing develops patina on silver which adds to its beauty. Ornamental silver pieces that have been lacquered may be washed in lukewarm water; hot water might remove the lacquer. Polishing silver while wearing rubber gloves promotes tarnish. Instead, choose plastic or cotton gloves.

Silver has enemies. Rubber severely affects silver. Rubber corrodes silver, and it can become so deeply etched that only a silversmith can repair the damage. Raised designs can be lost permanently. Avoid using storage cabinets or chests with rubber seals, rubber floor coverings, rubber bands, etc. Other enemies of silver include table salt, olives, salad dressing, eggs, and acidic substances. Serve these foods in china or glass containers. Although flowers and fruit look lovely in silver containers, the acid produced as they decay can etch the containers and cause serious damage. When using silver containers, use plastic or glass liners.

Baking Soda: Apply a paste of water and baking soda. Rub, rinse, polish and dry with a soft cloth. To remove tarnish from silverware, sprinkle baking soda on a damp cloth and rub it on the silverware until tarnish disappears. Rinse and dry well.

Aluminum Foil, Baking Soda, and Salt: Place a sheet of aluminum foil in the bottom of a pan, add 2 inches of water, 1 teaspoon full of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, and bring to a boil. Add silver pieces, boil 2-3 minutes, making sure the water covers the silver pieces. Remove silver, rinse, dry, and buff with a soft cloth. This method cleans the design and crevices of silver pieces.

Toothpaste: To clean off tarnish, coat the silver with toothpaste, then run it under warm water, work it into a foam, and rinse off. For stubborn stains or intricate grooves, use an old soft-bristled toothbrush (Must be soft!)