A precious metal also known as metallic silver, silver has been used in a wide variety of fields for thousands of years. It is far more widespread than other precious metals (gold, for example). Silver is the most common precious metal used in jewelry and goldsmithing. It’s a material with distinctive qualities, seductive in its color and properties. That’s why Planetys lifts the veil on this precious metal and offers you a rich range of aesthetically pleasing, top-quality silver jewelry.
Silver: definition
Silver is a rare metal present in its “native” state in the subsoil. This means that it is found as a more or less pure chemical element. Silver is also found in nature in the form of isolated crystals, often in curved filaments. It’s not the most precious metal in the world, but it occupies a prominent place in the list of materials.
Silver is much appreciated and used in jewelry, as it adds a special touch to jewels. It can be used as a base material, as well as a covering metal. It can also be combined with different stone colors.
Appearance and color
Silver has an attractive white metallic appearance. The name silver, derived from arg – a common Indo-European etymon meaning “bright, milky, clear white” – was given because of its white color. A piece of silver jewelry is bright white when it leaves the factory.
At this stage, it is almost impossible to distinguish it from platinum or white gold, the other white materials used in jewelry. Some connoisseurs can tell the difference by weight (silver is lighter than white gold and platinum) and hallmark.
Characteristics and features
Silver is a soft metal, highly malleable and therefore easy to work with. It is also a ductile material, meaning that it has the ability to stretch without breaking. One gram of silver metal can produce a 2,600-meter wire. Silver is also renowned for its strength and durability. The malleability of this shiny, white precious metal makes it a preferred choice for jewelers the world over. Jewelry manufacturers can therefore give silver metal any desired shape. This enables them to offer aesthetically pleasing creations (silver earrings, bracelets, rings, necklaces) in a variety of shapes.
Silver jewelry is one of Planetys’ specialties. Designers create beautiful silver jewelry in a variety of styles to suit every taste. The Planetys silver jewelry collection includes necklaces, bracelets and earrings in 925/1000 sterling silver.
Like copper and gold, silver metal is highly resistant to oxidation. The sulfides present in foodstuffs, on the other hand, represent a threat to this type of metal. They easily attack silver, which explains the blackening of silverware sometimes observed.
Permanganate solutions, chromic, selenic and persulfuric acids, and aqua regia also attack this white metal. Silver is the best conductor of heat and electricity under normal conditions of temperature and pressure. Another feature of this shiny, reflective metal is that it is insoluble in alkalis, as well as in water. Silver metal is much stronger than gold, and is unlikely to cause allergies.
Silver in history
Silver was one of the first precious metals to be discovered. The white metal has been used in various civilizations and in different forms over the centuries.
The history of silver
The use of silver goes back thousands of years, since the earliest metal objects discovered date from the Neolithic period. The ancient Egyptians were already mining the white metal 3,500 BC. Precious metal was first extracted from the ground in Turkey (formerly Anatolia) around 3,000 BC. Mines supplied Greece, the Near East and Crete in ancient times.
The main center of silver production was the Laurium mines in Greece around 1200 BC. A little later, around 100 AD, Spain began to produce silver metal in large quantities. It became the main supplier to the Roman Empire. Europe’s supply of silver metal then underwent a real change with the conquest of Spanish territory by the Moors. Between 750 and 1200 A.D., several small mines were opened throughout Europe (especially in Germany and Eastern Europe), in addition to those dating back to antiquity.
The discovery of America in 1492 marked a decisive turning point in the history of silver metal. Between 1500 and 1800 AD, there was an explosion in world production, with Mexico, Bolivia and Peru accounting for 85%. Since then, world silver production has continued to rise, with new mines being discovered and the precious metal being used in new technologies.
The symbolism of silver metal
Silver metal is the opposite of gold, representing femininity, the moon and purity. Alchemists nicknamed silver “Metal of Diana” or “Metal of the Moon”. Silver is also used as a symbol for certain Moon goddesses. It also serves as protection against certain evil creatures such as werewolves and vampires in popular myths. Silver wedding anniversaries, corresponding to a couple’s 25 years of marriage, are also symbolic of silver metal.
What are the different qualities of silver?
Depending on its composition, this white metal can take on different appearances or possess certain characteristics. The different types of silver used to make jewelry are still poorly understood by the general public. Many people can’t tell the difference between plated silver, solid silver or alpaca silver at first glance.
Solid silver
Solid silver is mixed with another metal (usually copper), to increase its strength. The vast majority, however, is pure silver. Under French law, silver is said to be solid when it contains at least 80% pure silver by mass. There are 3 main categories of sterling silver:
- 925 silver or sterling silver, which is the most common,
- 950 silver,
- 800 silver.
Many jewelry items are made from sterling silver. The advantage of this type of jewelry is that it lasts longer than other types of silver. What’s more, solid silver jewelry retains all its lustre over the long term if properly cared for. Even repeated rubbing won’t take the shine off your solid silver jewelry. Over time, however, it may take on a natural patina. Some sterling silver jewelry is plated with a layer of rhodium, a white metal around 6 times more expensive than gold.
To restore the original appearance of solid silver jewelry that has suffered a shock and has deep scratches, simply brush and polish it. If you’re looking for beautiful 925 sterling silver jewelry that you can use for years to come, Planetys is the reference in France. The sterling silver jewelry we offer on our online store is of excellent quality and is available for sale at a very attractive price.
Plated silver
A more or less thin layer of silver is sometimes used to cover a poor metal. The result is called plated silver. The process used to deposit the layer of silver on the base material is called electrolysis. Jewelry made with this process is lighter than that made with solid silver, and the least expensive on the market. Bear in mind that the silver layer will disappear over time, giving way to the base metal.
German silver or Alpaca
German silver, also known as Alpaca , is an imitation of white metal. It is, in fact, an alloy of copper, zinc and nickel that imitates the reflections of silver. This metal is much lighter than pure silver and oxidizes rapidly in air, taking on a greenish hue. The sale of German silver is prohibited in France due to the presence of nickel, an allergen in the list of its components.
What’s the difference between 925 silver, sterling silver and solid silver?
925 silver, sterling silver and solid silver do not refer to different metals. On the contrary, all 3 indicate the same type of silver metal. Solid silver has a silver content of at least 92.5% overall, and the number 925, equivalent to 22 carats, is often affixed to the jewel’s hallmark. It is therefore composed of pure metal, as opposed to silver plating.
Sterling silver is widely used by jewelers to manufacture jewelry (earrings, necklaces…) of great brilliance, such as those offered for sale by Planetys. It is also widely used in the world of goldsmiths for the manufacture of silver objects. Get impressive value for money when you buy 925 silver jewelry from Planetys.
How to check if a piece of jewelry is made of silver?
There are many counterfeits on the silver market. If you have any doubts about the silver content of a piece of jewelry, here are a few ways to check its authenticity.
Check the hallmark
If the hallmark doesn’t have a Minerva head, or the inscription sterling or 925 (indicating the grade of the silver – 22 carats), pass. When a piece of jewelry is not hallmarked, it may also mean that the material used to make it is not genuine silver.
Manufacturers are obliged to deposit a guarantee hallmark only on silver jewelry weighing more than 30 grams.
Silver hallmark 925 thousandths
For jewelry weighing less than 30 grams, the minerva head is not mandatory, but manufacturers are nevertheless obliged to affix a manufacturer’s hallmark.
Using the magnet method
Silver is not magnetic, so if a magnet doesn’t attract the jewel, there’s a chance it’s silver. However, this does not guarantee that the jewel is silver, as other non-magnetic metals could be used.
The ice test
Silver is a good conductor of heat. Place an ice cube on the jewel. If it melts quickly, it may indicate that the jewel is silver. However, this may not be a very reliable method.
Rubbing
Gently rub the jewel with a soft cloth. If the cloth turns black, this may indicate the presence of silver, as silver tends to oxidize on contact with air. However, this method is ineffective with rhodium-plated jewelry.
Silver nitrate
This method requires the purchase of a silver testing kit. It involves applying silver nitrate to a small area of the jewel and observing any chemical reaction. However, this method may cause slight damage to the jewel.
Professional appraisal
If you have any doubts about the authenticity of your silver jewelry, it is advisable to consult a professional, such as a jeweller, who can carry out more precise tests.
In any case, to avoid unpleasant surprises,buy your silver jewelry from a reputable store like Planetys. Necklaces, bracelets and other jewelry from Planetys are hallmarked 925 (22 carats). This guarantees that our products are sterling silver and not silver-plated. What’s more, our wide selection of jewelry is guaranteed lead-free and nickel-free.
Your questions:
– “How can I prevent silver jewelry from turning black?”
Silver tends to blacken or oxidize over time due to chemical reaction with air, humidity or other substances present in the environment. To avoid silver blackening, here are a few tips:
- Frequent wear: Regular wear of silver jewelry can help keep it clean. The action of wearing lightly rubs the surface and can prevent the build-up of tarnish.
- Proper storage: When you’re not wearing your silver jewelry, be sure to store it properly. Use anti-oxidation bags or boxes designed specifically for silver jewelry, to minimize exposure to air.
- Avoid contact with chemicals: Avoid direct contact with chemicals such as perfumes, lotions, detergents and household cleaners. These substances can accelerate the tarnishing process.
- Regular cleaning: Clean your silver jewelry regularly to remove dirt and oil build-up. Use a mild cleaning solution or a specially designed silver cloth. Be sure to dry your jewelry completely after cleaning.
- Using anti-tarnish products: Anti-tarnish products, available from jewelry stores, can be used to protect silver. These products create a protective barrier that delays the tarnishing process.
- Occasional polishing: Use a silver polishing cloth to restore the shine to your jewelry. Be sure to use a soft cloth to avoid scratching the surface.
- Avoid exposure to humidity: Moisture promotes silver oxidation. Store your jewelry in a dry place and avoid leaving it in the open air for long periods.
By following these tips, you can minimize silver darkening and prolong the beauty of your jewelry.
– “Can silver jewelry go in water?”
Although silver is a metal that can withstand water to some extent, it’s important to take precautions to prevent any damage or tarnishing. It is generally recommended to avoid wearing silver jewelry in the shower or while bathing, as well as in swimming pools and the sea.
Should your silver jewelry nevertheless come into contact with water, be sure to dry it thoroughly after use. Use a soft cloth to remove any residual moisture and avoid the build-up of water that can contribute to tarnishing.
In summary, while silver can withstand limited exposure to water, it’s best to avoid wearing it in environments where it may come into frequent contact with substances that can accelerate tarnishing. Removing your silver jewelry before showering, bathing, swimming or swimming in the sea will help preserve its brilliance and extend its life.
– What is rhodium-plated silver?
Rhodium-plated silver is silver coated with a thin layer of rhodium, a precious metal that belongs to the platinum group. Rhodium is known for its brilliance, corrosion resistance and ability to reflect light. Rhodium coating is often used on silver jewelry to enhance its appearance, protect it from oxidation and extend its life.
