The Timeless Value of Sterling Silver Jewelry
By Caroline McManus
This article was inspired by Ohanga Creative and silversmith Michele Armitano’s jewelry.
You can browse Armitano’s creations in the Ohanga Market.
Sterling silver makes for a uniquely timeless jewelry choice that you’ll never have to worry about going out of style.
Its production and trade originated in Europe and dates all the way back to the twelfth century. Used in commerce in the region now known as northern Germany, many antique sterling silver pieces remain intact today including utensils, plates, and of course, jewelry. Sterling silver jewelry began with rings designed in the Victorian era that can be traced back to the year 1837.
There exists a common misconception that sterling silver isn’t real silver, but it most definitely is. Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% by weight of silver and 7.5% by weight of other metals—typically, copper. Sterling silver jewelry is acknowledged as preferable to silver in its pure form because when fused with other metals, sterling silver hardens the materials, making it both easier to wear and form into beautiful jewelry.
You can never go wrong with making a choice to purchase sterling silver jewelry. It will never rust over time and is susceptible only to tarnishing. It is important to be mindful of how you clean sterling silver jewelry since it is still such a soft metal. Be sure to research the proper ways to clean your silver, such as using gentle soaps and warm water, or investing in a silver dip. If you take care of your sterling silver jewelry properly, you may be lucky enough to pass it on one day to children and grandchildren.
Not only is sterling silver an elegant choice, but it is also affordable! Still considered a precious metal, sterling silver is far less expensive than other alternatives such as gold or platinum. As of 2020, gold is about one hundred times more expensive than sterling silver. This is because there is a significantly higher amount of silver mined than gold..
You might be asking yourself, but how do I know that my sterling silver is real? Well, there are a number of signs to look for. Many sterling silver pieces will be stamped with the number 925 or ‘ss’ for sterling silver. However, not all sterling silver jewelry is marked. An experiment you can use to see if your jewelry is made from real sterling silver is to hold a magnet up to the piece. If the magnet sticks, the material is fake, but if it doesn’t—it’s almost certainly real.
Due to its unique beauty, styles, textures, and strengths, sterling silver has brought joy to so many people around the world for centuries. It is still, in fact, one of the most popular choices among jewelers today.
Check out Ohanga’s very own silversmith jeweler, Michelle Armitano. She creates intricate jewelry designs made out of sterling silver, drawing her inspiration from the realms of music and history.
Works Cited
Coster, John. “Sterling Silver Ring.” Wikimedia Commons, 1 Nov. 2019, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sterling_silver_ring_(AM_1993.1-10).jpg. Accessed 24 Feb. 2022.
Smith, Walter. “Examples of Household Taste .” Wikimedia Commons, New York, R. Worthington, 30 July 2014, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Examples_of_household_taste_(1875)_(14595581809).jpg. Accessed 24 Feb. 2022.