Silver has been a multifaceted asset throughout history. It was found as a free metal and easily worked into useful shapes and was widely used by early man. The beauty, weight and lack of corrosion made silver of high value, and hence one of the earliest of metals to be used as a medium of exchange and for adornment. Many jewelry designers like working in fine silver because it is softer and more malleable than other silver qualities. Quality of Silver The proportion of silver in alloys is stated in terms of fineness, which means parts of silver per thousand of the alloy. Fine silver is 99.9% silver and is the purest form used for jewelry making. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% of another metal, usually copper. It has a fineness of 925. Coin silver is used in some countries and could be marked "900" or "800" depending on fineness. 900 silver is 90% silver and 10 % copper, and 800 silver is 80 percent silver and 20 percent copper. Sterling components and jewelry made in the USA are often stamped "Sterling." Goods made for international trade are often marked "925" indicating the 92.5% or sterling fineness. Caring for Silver Jewelry We use the best Fine and Sterling Silver available on the market today. However, all silver does tarnish. We recommend that you do not wear your jewelry in the shower, hot tub, sauna, ocean, or swimming pool. Exposure to these environments will only quicken the tarnishing process. The high chlorine and/or Bromine contents used in swimming pools and hot tubs will accelerate tarnishing. The high content of minerals in your water source may accelerate the tarnishing of Silver jewelry also. Even the chemical makeup and oils of your skin will contribute to the tarnishing of Silver jewelry. The life span of your jewelry will depend on the care you give it. Helpful Care Hints for Fine and Sterling Silver Jewelry These are a few helpful hints on how to care for fine and sterling silver pieces that do not have any antiqued oxidized finishes. To maintain the original condition of your silver jewelry, polish your pieces regularly using a non-abrasive cleaning cloth. Silver polishing cloths are available in many jewelry stores. If your silver jewelry does tarnish and you do not feel that the silver cloth is enough, you can try using a liquid silver polish with a soft, smooth cloth. Occasionally we also use a non- electric soft toothbrush to get into crevices and hard to reach places. When polishing silver avoid all gemstones and pearls. The natural nacre surface on pearls can be easily damaged (See About Pearls). Soap and water will help keep your silver looking good. Do not dry silver off with paper towels or tissues as this may scratch the metal, always use a soft cloth. Over time most silver will acquire a patina cause by minute surface scratches and wear. When you are NOT wearing your silver jewelry, store pieces in a cool, dry place. Zip-lock baggies and individual cloth pouches are ideal for this and will help prevent both tarnishing or scratching by other pieces. Air causes silver to tarnish, and when your jewelry is not in use, keep it sealed and it will tarnish less. Never immerse silver jewelry in chlorine, salt water, mineral springs, and suntan lotion. Remember, some household cleaners contain chlorine bleach, these solutions will cause discoloration and may possibly loosen gemstones and can ruin pearls. Avoid abrasive cleaners, detergents and commercial jewelry cleaners "dips". Using harsh polishing cleaners can scratch the surface on silver, gemstones and pearls. The natural nacre surface on pearls is especially vulnerable. Also avoid baking soda and toothpaste. They also can cause very fine surface scratches which are nearly impossible to remove without professional help. Never use an ultrasonic cleaner, ammonia or any chemical solution to clean pearls, opaque gemstones, such as turquoise, malachite, onyx, lapis lazuli and opals. They are a porous and may absorb chemicals, which build up inside the stone and cause discoloration or as with pearls may dissolve the surface. In general we try to avoid using ultrasonic cleaners. If your jewelry contains gemstones or pearls, avoid immersing in water, as this can loosen some settings. This can discolor string holes on pearls as well. Custom orders can be silver or gold. Other markings may be seen that are less clear. "Mexican Silver", "German Silver," "Indian Silver," "Montana Silver," or simply "silver" do not guarantee any silver content. "German Silver" is another name for the alloy of Copper, Nickel and Zinc usually called Nickel Silver. Despite the name, Nickel Silver contains no silver. Please email Loewe if you have any questions.