| Silver ranks up in the top metal list, right next to | | | | jewelry mixed with a minimum of 100 millionths of |
| gold. For those who value simplicity and elegance, | | | | an inch of karat gold through electroplating. This |
| and have more practical matters to consider, | | | | gives the piece an exquisite look and a slightly |
| silver is a popular choice. And this is not even just | | | | different sheen. |
| for those who love jewelry. | | | | History tells that silver has been widely used, |
| Silver, through the years, has been fashioned into | | | | even during centuries past. From battle weapons, |
| countless items that have proven to be | | | | flatmore, armors and jewelry, silver has been |
| indispensable to man. From utensils, accessories, | | | | considered second only to gold by different races. |
| gadgets, frames, and structures, silver is | | | | Various empires have fashioned this metal into |
| considered reliable because it is malleable and is | | | | the most intricate jewelry designs, utensils, |
| even a good conductor. | | | | treasures, and even foundations. Being a good |
| If you're considering buying items made of silver, | | | | conductor, it has also been a major part of |
| it's best to first acquaint yourself with its types: | | | | scientific and technological evolutions. |
| The first type is fine silver, which is silver's natural | | | | There are currently many mines that produce |
| state. Its purity is at a ratio of 99/100. At this | | | | silver. This is partially due to its popularity, and |
| state, silver becomes too malleable, and items | | | | partially to its presence all over the world. Among |
| tend to be too soft. | | | | metals, it is also the most reflective, and this |
| Silver has to be mixed, or alloyed, with other | | | | means that polishing it frequently adds to its |
| metallic components first to make it hard enough. | | | | sheen. |
| At that state, it would be durable to be fashioned | | | | This is not possible with other metals. Buyers only |
| into desired products. | | | | have to take proper care of their silver items, as |
| The second type is the more popular one, sterling | | | | silver is prone to scratches and tarnishing as the |
| silver. This is a result of a mixture of 92.5% fine | | | | years go by. But its maintenance is inexpensive, |
| silver with other metal components. | | | | and taking care of it is hardly tedious at all. |
| Buyers who wish to purchase products made of | | | | Take care of your silver by making sure that it is |
| sterling silver must look for the engraved "925" as | | | | kept in a cool, dry storage. Divide it into separate |
| proof. Sterling silver is meant to be durable and | | | | containers to avoid contact with other |
| shiny. Anything less would be fakes. | | | | environmental elements. If your silver becomes |
| The third type is silver-plated. This happens when | | | | tarnished, have it polished using dry cloth and a |
| a base metal is layered with fine silver. It is also | | | | polishing solution. Treat your silver as you would |
| has its own sheen and durability, but buyers have | | | | your other pieces of treasured items. |
| often found that the items have to be coated | | | | Silver, when preserved properly, can be as much |
| with silver periodically, as the silver on the base | | | | an heirloom and legacy to the next generation as |
| metal tends to come off with wear and tear. | | | | items made out of gold. Whatever the occasion, |
| The fourth type has more to do with silver | | | | whether gifting others or yourself, silver is a top |
| jewelry, called vermeil. This is sterling silver | | | | choice when it comes to durability and aesthetics. |