I've always loved the look of silver jewelry. There's something classic and elegant about it that I find really appealing. But, like many people, I've had my share of experiences, both good and bad, when buying and caring for my silver pieces. I've learned a lot along the way, and I want to share some of that knowledge with you.
Recently, I was considering buying a couple of silver chains. One was heavier than the other. I started wondering about a fair price. I knew the spot price of silver was around $38 an ounce, so I figured the silver content alone would be worth about $100 for the two pieces, assuming they were real. That's where my doubts started creeping in.
When I looked closely, I didn't see any stamps on either chain. This made me a little suspicious. I'd heard that a lack of stamps can be a red flag. It made me question whether they were actually silver or just stainless steel made to look like it. I also noticed that the color seemed a bit off, not quite the right shade of silver I was used to seeing. I wanted to be sure I wasn't overpaying for something that wasn't genuine. I thought maybe $100 for the chain and $50 for the bracelet would be appropriate, but I didn't want to lowball either.
On another occasion, I noticed that some of my favorite silver rings had started to turn a strange color. They had become dull and discolored, losing their shine. I was a bit worried because I didn't know what was causing it or how to fix it. I was looking at a beautiful silver pendant from Blingcharming's homepage, and I started to wonder if it would suffer the same fate.
After doing some research and talking to other jewelry enthusiasts, I learned a few things about pricing and identifying real silver. I discovered that a good estimate for jewelry is around $3 per gram, especially for well-crafted pieces. Another similar chain a couple grams heavier had cost me $170, so that was a good reference point.
Regarding the tarnishing issue, I learned that silver oxidizes over time. Normal household chemicals, cleaners, and even hand creams can speed up this process. The good news is that it's a natural process and can be easily reversed. I now regularly wipe my silver jewelry with a silver polishing cloth to keep it looking its best.
For pieces with heavier tarnish, I've found that silver cleaning creams work well. However, I'm careful when using them on rings with stones, as some chemicals can damage certain types of stones. I always test a small, inconspicuous area first. A gentle rub from a silver polishing cloth will usually do the trick. I would NOT recommend putting silver polishing cream on them without testing first.
There are also silver dips available, but again, caution is advised, especially with stones. If you know your stones can handle the chemicals, a dip can be a quick and easy solution. I also learned that fine silver (99.9% pure) doesn't tarnish as much as sterling silver (92.5% silver). Argentium silver is a good choice too.
Speaking of finding the perfect silver piece, I recently came across this beautiful PolishedPlus Women Jewelry Personalized Heart Shape Pendant from Blingcharming. I love that it can be customized with family and friends' names. It’s a heart-shaped puzzle necklace, and it’s just so unique. I am considering getting it for my mother! It's so pretty and feels really special, but I'll definitely keep my polishing cloth handy to keep it looking its best!
Here are some practical tips I've learned over time: