Silver has been used for making jewelry for centuries. Quality is the main key in making jewelry with silver, and that is especially important for the sterling silver pendant. The big difference between now and the past is that a sterling silver pendant is more affordable. There are some finds to find in a pendant like this though.
One of the main parts of a pendant here is the materials used in the pendant. Sterling silver is the main part, and it should be made out of silver ore. This is a material that is used to be combined with other metal alloys so that the silver will be stronger in build. Pure silver ore is going to be more pliable and therefore will be able to stay at the desired shape.
Copper is used more often among alloys for sterling silver. This adds to the strength of the silver without changing its color.
One of the most important parts of a pendant is the stamp that states that the jewelry is made of sterling silver. A pendant should be marked with a .925 or 9.25 sign. This is the minimal amount of pure silver that is required for the pendant to be officially recognized as a sterling silver pendant. In pendants that are made outside of North America there will generally be a symbol from the company that made the pendant. A professional jeweler can identify these symbols.
Another part of this pendant involves its ever changing value. Silver is traded daily on the market and its prices can change easily over time. Getting a good look at the average price of silver on the market is important. This is used so that a good idea about the price of the pendant can be found. If the price is lower than expected then that usually means that the pendant is not silver plated. Again, it is best to have a pendant with a .925 sign or a symbol from a professional overseas group.
Keeping the pendant clean is one of the most essential parts of a pendant to use. There are some materials that should be avoided because the finish of the pendant and the jeweler's cement that is used for setting the pendant can be easily dissolved by these materials. The materials here include bleach, ammonia and acetone.
Oxidation will occur naturally on these pendants. This can make the pendant look dull over time. Tarnish can also naturally cause this problem. A jewelers cloth or silver cloth can be used to remove the tarnish. Storing the pendant in a cloth that can shield out tarnish is helpful too, as this will keep the pendant from being scratched and oxidation will be notably reduced. With this form of care the pendant can last a lifetime.
A sterling silver pendant is one of the most beautiful types of jewelry in the world. There are all sorts of parts of a pendant to watch for, including not only its contents and its appearance but also the proper methods of care. Be sure to use the right care for the pendant so that it will be perfect for life.
