For centuries, sterling silver has been a luxurious metal/material for crafting jewelry and other items because of its highly lustrous finish and versatile applications.
Sterling Silver, as we know is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% by mass of silver and 7.5% by mass of other metal, usually copper. The small amount of copper added to sterling has very little effect on the metal’s value. In fact, the cost of a silver item is mainly affected by the labor that is involved in making the item, the skill of the craftsman, and the exquisiteness and intricacy of the design.
No one knows for sure when the first silver alloy was created, but we do know that it was widely used by the 11th century. The Norman Penny, issued in Britain by William the Conqueror in 1083, was made from a silver alloy. In some of the coin's earliest designs, two small stars floated above the king's shoulders — in Old English, the word sterling translates as "like a little star," which is one possible origin of the word sterling.
Now, that we have gone through some intro on silver, let's share some of the most popular sterling silver pieces from Mia Siya.
#1. Nazar Earrings & Necklace in Sterling Silver
Quick Tip:
The easiest way to tell if a piece is sterling silver is to look for a quality stamp. According to international standards, all sterling silver should be marked with a quality or fineness stamp, which clearly states the precious metal content of the jewelry. Common sterling silver markers include:
- Sterling
- Sterling silver
- 92.5
- .925
- 925
#2. Aaru Earrings & Amy Necklace In Sterling Silver
Quick Tip:
While pure silver is a soft, malleable metal — it has never been known for its strength or sturdiness. This quality makes it a very impractical choice for any functional item — coins, table wear, and jewelry need to hold their shapes to be useful. One the other hand, sterling silver has all of silver's beauty without its weakness. Able to hold its shape, sterling silver has been formed into everything from intricate serving platters to diamond tiaras. It allows the silver to be used, not just admired.
#3. Mahi Pendant Necklace In Oval, Diamond & Hexagon Shape
Quick Tip:
Sterling silver is easily polished or coated in rhodium, which makes it tarnish-resistant and gives it a lovely, high-gloss finish. While rhodium-finished items take extra work to resize or rework, the added coating is worth it if you don't want to worry about tarnishing. Some jewelers will plate sterling silver with pure silver — the extra layer of silver helps the piece resist tarnishing and adds extra brightness to the jewelry.
#4. Mahi Earrings, Necklace & Soraya Bracelet
Quick Tip:
Up to 10 percent of people are allergic to nickel, but the percentage can reach 20 percent in women due to exposure to the metal through jewelry. A nickel allergy can result in frustrating symptoms, such as irritated and itchy skin and scabbing.
Sterling silver, made from 92.5 percent fine silver, is a perfect hypoallergenic alternative. It's much less likely to cause an allergic reaction than nickel or brass, which means you can wear pieces of sterling silver jewelry without risk of infection or irritation. This quality is especially important when wearing accessories like earrings, which remain in constant contact with the skin.
#5. Ella Hoops, Maika Earrings, Chanda Earrings, OM Lariat Necklace, Pia Studs With Lapis Lazuli, Soraya Cuff With Lemon Quartz & Shanti Necklace.
Quick Tip:
Sterling silver is more sensitive to air and water than fine silver, which makes it prone to tarnishing. While sterling silver is more functional than pure silver, it requires a little more care to stay in pristine condition.
Sharing below MY FAVORITE Sterling Silver pieces. Let me hear if you agree with my choices OR feel free to share your favorite from Mia Siya's 'Silver Collection'.
I would love to know which silver, sterling silver jewelry caught your eye the soonest and would like to pair it with your favorite attire?
Please visit my website for prices and to order your perfect silver jewelry!
Interested in shopping early for Summer? Well! Mia Siya is always the perfect place to shop for that perfect gift for yourself or your loved one, with its heart-centered, stylish, and unique design.
Fashionably Yours,
Monika
www.miasiya.com