Sterling silver jewelry is one of the most sought-after precious metals, possibly more than gold and even platinum. The shiny and silvery spark of the metal is hugely appealing to most, not-to-mention the fact that it is a style statement! The posh designs have reinvented this precious metal and made wholesale sterling silver jewelry so appealing. Undoubtedly the price factor is something that has added to its popularity. Sterling silver is much cheaper than gold or platinum which makes it affordable for all classes of people. Designers have cashed in on the trend making pieces that are swoon worthy.
Sterling silver looks great in the casts of designer jewelry as well as studded with stones. Craftsmen skillfully place the stones in designs which are sometimes easy to clean and sometimes not. But the customers have also matured and understood the tricks and tips necessary to keep the sterling silver jewelry shiny and the stones sparkling. They don’t mind the extra effort of polishing their trinkets with soft cloth as a chore because the appreciation is worth every bit of the effort taken.
Why Sterling Silver?
The sterling variety is not the only one available in the market; fine silver is also present. But it is less durable the former one. It carries a hallmark of .999 which indicates that it is 99.9% pure with only 1.1% of alloy. Fine silver jewelry is soft and has to be treated with extreme care because it can get chipped and damager very easily. Silver jewelry is meant for daily and continued use which fine silver cannot really match up to. It can be bent and broken effortlessly and is highly inconvenient for use.
Sterling silver jewelry is extremely hardy and can stand the test of time, if it is polished and maintained properly. The hardness usually ranges between 2.5 and 2.7 which is quite durable for everyday wear and tear. In case of a surface damage, artisans can easily file and polish the exterior making it new in no time. The repair cost of the jewelry is almost negligible in comparison to other metals.
- Versatile:
Sterling silver jewelry works well with other metals like platinum and also gold. The appearance is quite uniform and consumers enjoy the ensemble which is gives a look far from that of mix and match.
- Inexpensive:
When you are travelling it is the perfect metal for the jewelry because it is inexpensive and you don’t have to worry about losing it.
- Easy to Maintain:
The maintenance part is also equally difficult because in spite of repeated rubbing the metal does not shine very well. It has an antique beauty which unfortunately does not last for long. This is one of the primary reasons why wholesale sterling silver dealers steer clear of fine silver pieces and concentrate on the sterling variety which sells like hot cake at wholesale prices.
Tackling the tarnishing factor is useful in the wholesale sterling silver jewelry industry because it allows the sellers to keep the products in their shop for longer periods without regular cleaning regime. For the buyers too, this is essential because storage of the jewelry become easy. However, for most sellers storage is not a big issue for fancier designs because they have to order fresh supplies every now and then due to huge popularity and demand of silver.
- Variety:
The vast array of designs exhibited at stores selling at wholesale prices makes you wonder about the massive creativity of the makers. Every piece of design is different from the other and unique in appearance. For the lovers of fashionable silver jewelry it is one of the added advantages because they do not have to wear the same design every day. Moreover, the fresh designs are available at a cheaper rate and allow them to introduce something new to their wardrobe every now and then.
Know Your Jewelry – Some Quick Facts
While selecting an item from a pile of wholesale sterling silver jewelry, you rarely ponder over the material or its creation.
- Composition: Sterling silver is made by mixing copper alloy with pure silver. Why? Pure silver is extremely soft and cannot be used for making jewelry casting. Copper is sometimes replaced with other materials but that is simply to improve the properties of sterling silver like durability and its propensity to get tarnished.
- Hallmark: Sterling Silver jewelry carries a hallmark embossing of .925 which is the symbol for its authenticity. It means that the piece contains 7.5% of alloy and 92.5% of pure unadulterated silver. This mark is conveniently found in the inner side of the bangles, rings, bracelet clasps and necklaces. For ear rings check the butterfly back and you will surely find the minute engraving.
What to Keep in Mind While Selecting Sterling Silver Jewelry?
The measurement of the jewelry is an important thing to keep in mind, while picking a piece. The width measurement is usually done in millimeters or inches. In case you have a ruler then you can estimate the width of the silver item before buying it.
While shopping for silver at wholesale prices, you should know how to differentiate it from the fake white metals. The nitric acid test is a fool proof method of doing it properly. Just add a few drops of nitric acid to one side of the jewelry and watch how it turns cloudy grey. If the metal is fake then the liquid will become green in color. This simple test can be performed at home. Alternatively, you can buy your sterling jewelry from renowned online sellers who can offer the authentic pieces at reasonable prices. Trusted sellers give an assurance of the product which is unavailable with local sellers.
Whether you are avid wearer of silver jewelry or a seller it is important to know the latest trends doing the rounds. What is in fashion and the dresses with which they will go are expert tips that you can offer to customers and friends alike. Sterling silver has a 4000 year old history which is not for nothing.