Silver is one of the most popular metals used in jewelry and fine tableware. Sterling silver is the standard for jewelry. Silver is relatively softer than other metals like gold or platinum requiring it to be combined with other metals to improve its hardness and durability.

The standard for Sterling Silver in the USA is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. Copper is the metal most often blended with Silver, because it adds the necessary hardness and durability without changing the color. The higher quality jewelry pieces are stamped with 925.

Sterling Silver is used in rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, body jewelry, cuff links and many other items. Sterling silver jewelry can be polished to get a beautiful white shine or it can be gold plated, silver plated or plated with rhodium. One of the most popular plating materials is rhodium. Rhodium is extremely hard, provides an excellent protective surface and gives a beautiful, smooth, shinny surface providing the look of platinum.

Sterling silver jewelry will tarnish when exposed to air and water. If you seal it up when you are not using it you can slow down this tarnishing process. It is also very important not to wear your sterling silver jewelry while swimming in a chlorinated pool as this can damage it. Household chemicals can also be very damaging to sterling silver jewelry, and should be kept away as well. Clean your silver jewelry often to keep it looking great and you will be able to enjoy it for a lifetime.

The first legal record of sterling silver is from the time of Edward I in England in 1275. The statute said that 12 ounces of silver coins should contain 11 ounces 2-1/4 pennyweights of silver, and 17-3/4 pennyweights of alloy material. Silver alloys have also been found from civilizations as far back as Egypt, Ur and Rome.

Looking for a special piece of fine sterling silver jewelry? Look no further than My Sterling Silver Jewelry. We have unique sterling silver anklets and other beautiful jewelry for special occasions and the special people in your life.