925 silver: a must in the world of jewellery design
Looking for accessories and metals to create your jewellery? Silver is the second most commonly used precious metal in jewellery and is characterised by its malleability and ductility, i.e. its ability to deform without breaking. To make it stronger and more resistant to external wear, it is often alloyed with other harder metals such as copper. 925 silver is one such alloy. What is the difference between sterling silver and 925 silver? What are the main advantages of this metal? Let's take a closer look at one of the most common alloys used in jewellery design: 925 silver.
What is 925 silver?
Also known as "Sterling Silver" or "925 Sterling Silver", 925 silver falls into the category of solid silver which must contain at least 80% silver. For its part, 925 silver contains at least 92.5% pure silver. It is therefore a precious metal in the same way as platinum or gold. Its use in the creation of a piece of jewellery allows it to be labelled "silver". The origin of the term "Sterling" comes from the old French word "esterlin", which referred to a Norman silver coin. This became the standard currency used in Franco-English trade until St Louis banned it in favour of gold coinage in the kingdom of France.
What are the advantages of Sterling Silver?
Malleable and resistant, 925 silver has an attractive grey and shiny colour that adapts to all styles. Its neutral colour is easy to combine with other metals or stones. With its all-purpose tone, you are sure to have a very aesthetic final result. It is now very popular, with many people considering it less flashy than gold. Discreet and easy to wear, this metal goes with any wardrobe. Finally, 925 silver is by far the most affordable precious metal in terms of price. Inexpensive compared to gold, it makes it possible to create a quality piece of jewellery at a reasonable price within the reach of all budgets.
What is the symbolism of silver?
Derived from the Greek word "argos", the term "silver" means "shiny". As opposed to gold, which is often associated with the sun, silver is considered a cold, lunar metal. For the Egyptians, silver is notably the symbol of Isis, the goddess of the moon. Its colour, a mixture of white and grey, is commonly associated with peace, harmony, transparency and the inner worlds. It is also believed to have therapeutic properties, notably to calm and soothe. It is also said to multiply the effects of the stones associated with it when creating a jewel.
What combinations should be used with silver?
The colour of silver can be combined with all skin tones, from the palest to the darkest, and with all types of stones: quartz, aquamarine, amethyst, black spinel, topaz, sapphire, tourmaline, etc. There is no such thing as bad taste with silver! However, garnets and citrines deserve a rose or yellow gold base to bring out their colour better. By opting for 925 silver accessories, you are guaranteed to give free rein to your imagination and creativity!
925 silver is hypoallergenic. Unlike poor quality nickel alloys, it does not cause allergies. Moreover, it is a robust material that does not deteriorate over time. In fact, silver can be mixed with a thousand different materials: precious or semi-precious stones, mother-of-pearl, ...
Why choose Sterling silver pendants?
Precious stones, pearls, charms, whatever the silver element you are looking for to embellish your jewellery, you can be sure that it will appeal to all age groups! Timeless, this metal crosses generations without losing its appeal. With a silver pendant, you are guaranteed to create a chic, trendy and refined piece of jewellery.
How to care for 925 Sterling Silver?
Regular care is the best way to protect this oxidisable metal. To avoid damage, it should not be wet and should be kept away from aggressive chemicals such as bleach or chlorine. To eliminate any risk of micro-scratches, 925 silver jewellery is stored in a soft pouch. Finally, use a soft cloth and products specifically designed for their care to protect them effectively against tarnishing.
