JEWELLERY INFORMATION

People often mistake their jewellery for an inferior quality product when it starts to turn black or discolour.  But when we are referring to sterling silver,  did you know  THIS IS 100%,  ABSOLUTELY NORMAL ?  This is a natural, common occurance with  .925 silver ....  and is in no way a fault.

Lets start with what sterling silver IS.        Sterling silver is an ALLOY metal.  It is created when copper and other metals are added TO pure silver.  This metal mixture is needed in the jewellery industry in order to make a more durable and workable compound, because pure silver is way too soft.   Usually,  sterling silver has a purity of 92.5% .... which is what the hallmark stamp 925 indicates    -  meaning,  the remaining  7.5% of the alloy is made up of copper and other metals such as zinc. 

Sterling Silver jewellery discolours ( commonly black, brown or khaki green )  when exposed to air because the alloy metals inside the sterling silver react with the sulphur compounds present in the air.  This phenomenon is called corrosion, and for sterling silver in particular it is called oxidisation - or more commonly known as TARNISHING. 

This layer of tarnish  ( called silver sulphide or copper oxide )  is easily removed by gentle mechanical rubbing ( between your fingers )  with a polishing cloth.  It can also be removed with a cleaning solution.  It in no way indicates that you have been sold an inferior quality product,  but it DOES mean it will need polishing on a regular basis.  Sterling silver jewellery that sits unworn for any length of time WILL tarnish.  Jewellery that is WORN regularly will tarnish.  It is just the very NATURE OF sterling silver.