Sterling Silver 925
What is Sterling Silver 925? Well, pure silver (999 fineness) when worked and hardened will gradually crystallizes and soften at normal room temperatures. To maintain hardness, other metals are added to form harder alloys that are less susceptible to scratching and marring. The best known copper-silver alloy is Sterling Silver, which is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, hence the name "Sterling Silver 925".
The working properties of silver are similar to that of gold but with silver a more brilliant polish can be achieved, better than any other metal. To make silver durable for jewellery, however pure silver (999 fineness) is normally alloyed with small quantities of copper. In many countries, Sterling Silver (92.5% silver and 7.5% copper) is the standard for jewellery and has been since the 14th century.
The copper adds toughness and makes it possible to use silver for decorative and fashionable jewellery.
In early Egypt silver was considered more precious than gold and was thought to hold magical powers. For this reason, owning silver at various times throughout the centuries was restricted, especially if it was in the form of jewellery. In the past wearing silver was a social privilege reserved for the upper classes.
By the 18th century, things had changed in Europe and a new fashion surfaced: Silver buckles appeared on shoes. Today we consider shoe buckles to be functional items, but in the 18th century they were considered a form of jewellery.
Wearing silver jewellery was a significant status indicator until the end of the 18th century, because it was limited to the privileged classes. After the industrial revolution silver was finally made available to the general population.
Today's innovative and creative designers are attracted to sterling silver due to its low cost and its excellent working properties. Silver is very malleable and can be worked into infinite forms.
Sterling Silver 925 jewellery has come of age due to the infinite design possibilities that can be produced and sold at reasonable prices. Jewellers around the world are now stocking a wider variety of Sterling Silver items that can be most affordable. Unlike costume jewellery, Sterling Silver endures and can be enjoyed for many life times, Jewellery items being handed down from generation to generation, Father to Son, Mother to Daughter.