How to identify real 925 sterling silver?

Real 925 sterling silver is composition of 92.5% pure silver and the remaining 7.5% alloy, usually the alloy will be copper. Maybe you have been troubled by some supposed "silver" items actually contain no silver at all, they are just the names for alloys that look like silver but have no silver content. There is plenty of silver jewelry available, but how do you know which is genuine 925 sterling silver, and which is only silver plated or fake altogether? Sterling silver will have certain markings and properties to let you know whether it is real 925 silver. A little detective work on your part can reveal to you whether your silver piece is real 925 silver. Here are several tips for testing the sterling silver:
   1. The simple and the first line test is a piece of magnet. Silver, along with platinum and gold, is not attracted to magnet. Put a sterling silver item close to the magnet, if the magnet is attracted, it is not sterling silver, perhaps it is stainless steel.
   2. Sterling silvers are generally marked with "925", ".925", or "S925" on the clasp or any hidden area of the jewelry. Not all 925 silver is marked, but if it has that stamp, you can be sure that it is a 925, or sterling silver piece. On necklaces and bracelets you can find the stamping on the clasp, on rings it is most likely on the inside of the band.
   3. Use a soft and white cloth for rubbing the jewelry. If there are black marks on the cloth, then the jewelry is a real sterling silver. The reason for this is that real 925 silver oxidizes with air exposure. That is why silver jewelries tarnish in time and shows black marks when being polished. But if the item is platinum plated, this method is not applicable.
   4. You can mell the item, real 925 sterling silver does not have any detectable smell. If you smell a faint copper odor or a brassy smell, then there is a good chance it is not real 925 silver.
   5. Consider the price, real 925 silver is more expensive than its fake counterparts. If you come across a deal that is just too good to be true, proceed with caution. You should not be able to purchase a real 925 silver piece for less than $10.
   6. Add a drop of nitric acid also can test the sterling silver easily. Silver-plated. nickel silver or low quality silver alloys will turn green because of the high copper content, while the sterling will turn a creamy color. But be aware of the risk of handling the above chemicals, it is toxic and dangerous.
   You can save a lot of hassles trying to identify whether that piece of jewelry is a real sterling silver if you purchase from a reputable seller. After all, reputable sellers offer their products with the same price or sometimes, even cheaper than other sellers. This way, you don't have to worry if that jewelry is a real sterling silver because you are almost sure, even without testing the product.

www.starharvestcn.com

More about products

(1).What is your product ?

Quality brass jewelry.

( All our styles can be made in 925 sterling silver as well. The molds and production process are the same , but using different metal material ).

(2).What are the categories of products ?

Earring / Ring / Pendant / Necklace / Bracelet / Bangle / Jewelry Set / Cufflink

(3).Do you make jewelry for men.

Yes, we have cufflinks. And we’d love to make jewelry for men and children if you have request for it.

(4).Is the material of the jewelry nickel free, lead free ?

Yes, we have certificate from the material supplier. And we conduct testing in Testing Bureau as well. We also warmly welcome customers to take our samples to be checked in your local Testing Bureau if you need .

(5).How about the plating?

Plating color:14K gold, 24K gold, silver, rhodium, gunmetal, rose gold ,brass etc

Plating color chart is available, for your selection.

2 tone or 3 tone plating colors are available. We can plate according to your request.

(6).What type of stones do you use ?

Quality CZ, fresh water pearls, synthetical turquoises, agate, onyx, amethyst, Swarovski crystals, a lot types of glass stones, genuine leather materials, leather chains ,etc. Also any other materials that you need for your jewelry.

Color chart for CZ / stones are available.  

We also welcome you to provide stones if you want . 

How to Care for your 925 Sterling Silver Jewellery

Silver is an incredibly precious, shiny and desirable metal. Wearing that special piece of sterling silver jewellery 
is a joy, except for one small, inevitable thing - tarnish.

 

Certainly, part of the natural charm of silver, is that over time it will change appearance and develop a beautiful 
patina but when that discolouration becomes an unsightly yellow or eventually a purple-black coating, it makes 
it very difficult to appreciate the beauty beneath.

 

WHAT IS TARNISH?

Tarnish occurs as a result of silver reacting with Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) and Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) in the air. 

The speed at which your sterling silver will tarnish depends on many things eg. the area that you live (humidity, 
near pollution, volcanoes etc.), the pH levels of your skin, chemicals you are exposed to, the type of water in your 
area (eg. bore water will add to tarnish), how your silver is stored and even the food you eat! 

 

Copper, which is often used as an alloy in 925 sterling silver, reacts with oxygen too and produces its own tarnish, 
contributing to the affect.

 

The only practical solution is to learn which substances accelerate tarnish and to try and limit the exposure your 
silver jewellery has to them.

 

Sterling silver should avoid contact with the following:

 - Hair dyes

 - Swimming (chlorinated and salt water)

 - Exercise (sweating)

 - Cigarette smoke 

 - Some paints

 - Detergents containing phosphates

 - Body lotions, perfumes, hair sprays, sunscreens, oils

 - Foods including onion, egg yolk, mustard, salt, vinegar, salad dressings and olives

 

Things like turpentine, nail polish remover (containing acetone), bleach, ammonia and alcohol will not only breakdown 
the silver in your jewellery, possibly damaging it beyond repair, they may also cause pitting to your gemstones.

 

STORING YOUR SILVER JEWELLERY

Sterling silver is best stored in a cool, dry place (heat and moisture speed up the tarnishing process); preferably in 
acid-free tissue (not regular tissue paper) or a tarnish resistant cloth. Wrapping pieces separately in a moisture free 
plastic bag will delay tarnish but make sure the silver does not directly touch the bag.

 

Try adding a piece of white chalk to your storage area. Chalk is an old remedy, reported to prevent tarnish. Silica packs 
(little sachets commonly found in medicine bottles or with new shoes) can also be placed in your jewellery container to 
absorb moisture. Alternatively, buy some anti-tarnish strips. These need to be replaced every few months though.

Once tarnish has occurred, you need to know how to eliminate it without damaging your silver jewellery.

 

CLEANING YOUR 925 STERLING SILVER JEWELLERY

Silver is a soft metal, so when cleaning your silver, you must be sure to take care. Even mild polishes will cause abrasion 
with some silver being removed every time you polish.

 

Clean with soap and water (not detergent), polish with a soft cloth (not tissue) and dry very well. Soap may dull silver but 
detergents may stain if not rinsed off thoroughly. Do not use toothpaste. It will scratch.

 

For general cleaning, use just a polishing cloth, as gentle rubbing and buffing alone will remove mild tarnishing. Polishing 
cloths are ideal as they are usually impregnated with a polishing compound, last a long time and give an amazing shine. The 
only limitation is it cannot easily reach grooves and crevices.

 

Commercial dips and polishes (even ones designed for use on silver jewellery) can be quite harsh and should only be 
reserved for heavy tarnish. After using, rinse silver thoroughly in water and polish dry, as residues can cause silver to tarnish 
faster. Incorrect use may cause your silver to turn in colour and it may never look the same again.

 

It should be noted that these cleaners may remove the colour and polish from some gemstones, such as turquoise, opal and 
pearl and they should NEVER be used on rhodium plated jewellery, as it will damage the finish. Steam and hot water cleaning 
methods are great for metals but not for delicate stones either.

 

A safe way to clean silver along with most fragile gems is with an ionic cleaner. This method uses electrolysis combined with a 
cleaning solution. It does not use ultrasonic sound waves, ammonia or other harsh chemicals. Remember not to use gloves as 
the rubber emits sulphurs that damage silver.

 

Chemical electrolysis is generally not recommended on oxidised silver as it can alter the finish and caution should be taken with 

plated pieces too (including rhodium), as it can strip the plating.

 

You could also try this home-made recipe:

 - Line the bottom of a glass or plastic container with aluminum foil.

 - Combine hot water with 2tsp baking soda and 1tsp salt.

 - Immerse jewellery ensuring it makes contact with the foil.

 - A chemical reaction will occur, transferring the tarnish from your jewellery to the foil.

Be careful with fragile stones, as they might crack under the heat.

 

Remember; enjoy wearing your 925 sterling silver jewellery. Don’t tuck it away for special occasions; it will not tarnish any less. 
But just as importantly, take care of it and it will last a lifetime to be passed down as an heirloom for generations to come.

 

How to Clean Your Silver Jewelry

Silver is a beautiful, versatile metal, and its soft luster adds a touch of elegance to dishes, flatware, and jewelry. Unfortunately, silver is also pretty fragile compared to many more commonly-used metals, and it can quickly develop tarnish, stains, or scratches. It can also be a bit scary to try to clean silver pieces, because they are often special to us, and we don't want to damage them. You don't have to be a silversmith to clean silver though.

Here are some steps to help you keep your silver shining. Steps as follows :

Steps

Cleaning

Clean your silver jewelry often, and clean it promptly after use. Silver jewelry that is frequently used rarely has tarnish problems. When tarnish is not yet present, or when it's just beginning to develop, simply wash your silver jewelry in warm (not hot) water with a gentle, phosphate-free detergent.

Wash separately. It's a good idea to wash silver separately from your other dishes because metal sinks and utensils can scratch silver jewelry, and stainless steel can damage the finish if it comes into contact with your silver jewelry.

Avoid using rubber gloves when washing silver, as rubber corrodes silver jewelry.

Buffing

Use a soft cloth to gently rub the silver clean, and dry promptly with a soft towel.

Gently buff the shine into dull silver jewelry with a soft cotton cloth.

Importance of Prompt Cleaning

Clean promptly. Prompt cleaning is especially important when the silver jewelry has been exposed to certain foods containing sulfur, or those which are acidic or salty. In particular, common foods such as table salt, eggs, some fruits, onions, mayonnaise, and vinegar are harmful to silver. In any case, wash your silver jewelry right away or at least rinse it well with warm water, and don't leave silver sitting in dishwater that may contain traces of these foods.Polish

Polish your silver jewelry. When tarnish develops on silver, simple hand washing may not suffice to remove it. Specially formulated silver jewelry polishes are your safest option for polishing silver jewelry, especially if you are dealing with an antique or a piece that has intricate designs etched into it. Follow the manufacturer's directions carefully.

Take a bit of polish.

Moisten a soft silver-polishing cloth or the sponge included with the silver polish and take a little bit of polish. Rub the silver jewelry gently. Rub the silver only in straight-line, back-and-forth motions (not in circles). Avoid scrubbing; rather, let the polish do the job.

Rinse under running water.

Rinse the silver jewelry under running water.

Dry. Dry the silver completely with a soft, clean cloth. Consider using common household products for less rare or less valuable pieces. They will usually work, but may cause damage. Try them at your own risk.

Toothpaste

Try toothpaste. Select a plain white toothpaste without the special whitening options. Take a soft, dampened cloth or a damp sponge and put some toothpaste on it. Gently rub over the silver jewelry in straight, back-and-forth motions. Alternatively, you can wet the silver piece and gently apply toothpaste directly to the surface which you can then wet again and proceed to polish. In any case, be very gentle, and if you notice scratching at any point, stop and rinse the toothpaste off. As the cloth or sponge becomes dark with tarnish, add more toothpaste to a clean part of the dampened cloth/sponge and continue gently polishing. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a soft towel.

 

Baking sod

Baking soda may remove stubborn tarnish, but don't use it unless you don't mind the risk of damaging the silver. Baking soda is generally considered too abrasive for use on silver jewelry. Make a paste of baking soda and warm water.

Gently polish following the directions for toothpaste above.

Bath

Give your silver a bath.

Commercial silver "dips" are available which can dissolve stains without rubbing the silver jewelry. Contrary to what the word "dip" implies, professionals rarely actually soak silver in these products, at least not for long. Dips are generally harsh, potentially dangerous chemicals, so follow the directions carefully and consult a professional when in doubt. You can, however, make a gentle homemade silver bath that gets rid of stains and tarnish by an electrochemical reaction. Be aware that both dipping and electrochemical baths can potentially damage your silver, and they will remove desirable patina, so they're not recommended for silver with an oxidized or French gray finish.

Salt

Heat up an appropriately sized container of water and dissolve a large amount of table salt into the water. Use enough salt such that it takes at least a minute to dissolve in the hot water with constant stirring. Washing Soda works as well. Shape a liner for the container from aluminum foil and place the foil in the container of hot water. Place silver that has been previously cleaned with soap into the bath for several minutes. Tarnish should dissolve away.For stubborn spots, remove and clean with soap and a damp rag before re-immersing in the bath.

Storage

Store your silver jewelry correctly. Beyond prompt and frequent cleaning, the best way to preserve your silver is to store it correctly. Make sure each piece is completely dry before storing it.

Wrap each piece of silverware in acid-free tissue paper or anti-tarnish paper. You can also wrap pieces in flannel.

Seal the wrapped silver pieces in an airtight plastic bag. Whether you put away your silver in a bag or you put it in a display case, a canister of silica gel placed nearby can help reduce humidity and ward off tarnish. Never store silver jewelry where it can contact rubber, stainless steel, or paint.

Antique Silver Plated Earrings With Mosaic

Profile Of Star Harves Jewelry Factory

•Star Harvest Jewelry Factory –to be your No 1# priority supplier for quality fashion brass jewelry 

•www.starharvestcn.com

 

Star Harvest Value:

•Intergrity

•Customer First

•Innovation 

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•Star Harvest Jewelry Factory, established in Jul 2005, in Dongguan city, Guangdong Province, China.

•Star Harvest Jewelry Factory, is a manufacturer specializing in producing quality brass jewelry and 925 silver jewelry. with a wide variety designs of earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets, bangles, jewelry sets, anklets, cufflinks,etc.

•Our factory is equipped with CNC and mold making machine from Germany that help us to finish the molds exactly as customer need, and ship new samples fast.

•Our production lines combined with the skills of our 120 workers , and with our long term associated partner suppliers ,we are able to make fast production and shipment.

•With ERP system ,which helps us being a well- managed factory. We can also track every detailed process of your jewelry and keep you updated with the status of your order . 

•We have our own designs, a wide variety of designs for your selection.  

•We can make more than 200 new styles every month if needed.

•What’s most important is that we love to make OEM orders / ODM orders, produce your designs exclusively for your brand. We’d love to do the best to support your brand / logo. To ensure your complete satisfaction, we produce goods based on your specific requirements. And not only do we perform QC check for every process , we welcome checks by third party inspectors of your choices before shipping.

•We are very cooperative factory, can pack according to your packing requirement or ship to the address you appointed directly. With a low MOQ starting with 200 pieces / style, flexible order sizes, We aim to release your fund for ordering more styles and fast selling.

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•Our goal is to help your jewelry with your logo worn by ladies and gentlemen, men and women, boys and girls,  all over the country / world. Your success is our goal.

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•Superior Quality, Competitive Price, Smile Service, Fast Respond, Timely Delivery are what we strive to do to serve our customers. We’d love to hear from you .Contact us today to start a successful and long term business, and friendship as well.