"Jewelry has the power to be the one little thing that makes you feel unique"
- Elizabeth Taylor, legendary actress & jewelry collector extraordinaire.
Love her or hate her, she's right! Jewelry is beautiful, expressive and could make oneself feel special. Jewelry can be made from anything such as gold, silver, glass or steel; the possibilities are endless. But from our title, we are here to talk about silver-- specifically Sterling Silver, a.k.a S925.
Before we get started, we must understand the components of what is Sterling Silver. Is Sterling Silver real silver? Yes, Sterling Silver is real silver- there's nothing fake about it! On its own, silver is too soft for practical, everyday use. But it’s just too pretty not to be used in jewelry and other fine decorations, thus, it’s often mixed with other metals to create a more durable material known as sterling silver. The S925 stamp you may have seen on jewelry is the hallmark to indicate 92.5% pure silver, 7.5 alloy (usually made of zinc or copper). As one theory goes, King Henry II dubbed the durable coins made of silver alloy in circulation “Easterling coins,” which evolved into “sterling” silver. Today, the pound sterling remains the U.K.’s standard unit of currency. That said, here are 7 reasons why sterling silver jewelry is a great addition to your collection:
- Versatile & Durable
- Hypoallergenic
Sterling Silver is well known to be the ideal material for sensitive skin as it is hypoallergenic. The various methods used to make sterling silver have an impact on how hypoallergenic it is. Although pure silver is completely hypoallergenic, it is too soft to be used in jewelry, especially if one wants to wear it frequently. Because it contains 7.5% other alloys, sterling silver, also referred to as 925 silver, is highly sought-after for jewelry. Since copper is a hypoallergenic metal, it is typically used as an alloy in sterling silver. Sterling silver is made of two hypoallergenic metals, thus, it is sensitive-skin friendly and ideal for rings and earrings. On the other hand, plated silver is frequently made with nickel, which is readily irritating to the skin, and then covered in a coating of pure silver. This indicates that compared to other forms of silver, silver plating is less hypoallergenic. You may be sure that every Socialite's Secret jewelry pieces is composed of premium materials, is long-lasting, and is cozy enough to wear every day.
- Affordable Luxury
Precious metals such as platinum, gold and silver are highly treasured, however, affordability may be an issue for many. In general, solid gold is often favored by investors however, silver is also a highly sought after metal due to its versatile application and price. The fantastic price of silver makes it ideal for everyday jewelry in comparison to the absorbent price point of pure gold, while still being an exclusive precious metal. While it is more affordable than gold, there are places that sell fake sterling silver. We advise you to do your due diligence such as buying from a reputable jeweler or looking for the S925 hallmark. At Socialite's Secret jewelry, you can be assured that our pieces are made from genuine materials and sell authentic, real sterling silver pieces.
- Timeless
Silver has been a popular choice for jewelry for centuries due to it's cool tone look and versatility. Before machines were available, sterling silver jewelry and decor were something only the wealthy could afford. It is a timeless classic that many powerful brand houses prefer to use for their entry level jewelry such as Tiffany & Co, Pandora etc. Remember in the early 2000s everyone was sporting the Return to Tiffany's Sterling Silver Heart bracelet and necklaces? Or when early Romans and Egyptians would incorporate silver into their everyday jewelry as at one point, silver was more valuable than gold. Either way, you can be sure that silver will never go out of style as it is a timeless material; Sterling Silver just enhances its durability.
- Easy to clean
If you wear sterling silver frequently, you may notice it still shines and dazzle as the day you first received it. This is because the natural oils in your body will keep your sterling silver shining! Believe it or not, the more often you wear your sterling silver pieces, the brighter and shinier it will get. When you want to clean them, good old fashion soap and water are your friends. Do not try and use hard cleaners as it may stripe and hurt your silver jewelry. After you are done cleaning, dry them up and store the jewelry in a cool and dry pouch or box if you are not wearing them. All our pieces come in a specially made pouch and box for you to store your jewelry safely.
- Styling
Silver jewelry is appropriate for every occasion, no matter what it may be! Dressing up for a fancy event, sterling silver may be up your alley! Dressing down for an edgy look? Sterling silver. PTA meeting? Concerts? You get the idea...Silver adds a classy touch to any outfit. You will never have to worry if it will match your outfit or not. If you are someone who has a lot of gold tone jewelry, do not be afraid of mixing both noble metals as it creates a perfect balance.
- Ideal for gifting
Often times, jewelry is a great gift idea. Sterling Silver is a great choice for gifting as it can be worn everyday, for a lifetime with proper care. As mentioned, sterling silver can be passed down to generations as it is made to be durable. The best thing about it is that it is perceived to be a generous and luxurious gift at a reasonable price. Not only that, silver is neutral and can be worn for any occasion with a multitude of outfit colors and styles.