Sterling Silver vs Silver For Your Loved Ones

How do you decide what to get your loved one? One choice that is always popular is jewelry. Jewelry is a lasting symbol of the affection that two people share for one another and can take a large number of forms. One important decision to make early on is what type of metal. Many people have problems determining the differences in silver vs sterling silver.

When one tries to define sterling silver, it is easy to become confused, as the terms are often used interchangeably, and sterling silver is often considered to be fake or an imitation. The difference between the two is in the level of purity that is present. Sterling silver has at least 92.5 percent purity although some types of sterling silver are 95 percent pure. In contrast, silver has a much higher level of purity, around 99 percent. Sterling silver is often identified by the presence of a jeweler’s stamp, which indicates the purity. For example, a stamp of 925 indicates the purity is 92.5 percent.

One of the main reasons for using sterling silver in the production of silver is that it is much stronger and more resilient than normal silver. Indeed, natural silver is too soft to be used in the creation of handicrafts, and as a consequence, all pieces of silver jewelry you will see are sterling silver or silver plated. Sterling silver is not a imitation or a fake metal, jewelry made in this manner is still more than 90 percent pure silver and represents a romantic gift for a loved one.

Heart shaped necklaces are a very popular and romantic gift. These are practical and attractive pieces that your spouse can wear to continually remind them of your affection for them. When choosing what type of jewelry to buy it is important to consider the preferences of the person as well as the occasion. One nice piece for women is a sterling silver marcasite and turquoise heart necklace. The silver in this piece is 92.5 percent pure and the stone is an oceanic blue, complemented by a sterling silver design that gives the necklace an elegant appearance. A different type of heart necklace is a sterling silver locket. This has no stone, but is an openable locket with a design on the front, while inside a photo can be placed. This photo could be of a memory specific to you and your loved one or a family photo.

Necklaces are not the only type of jewelry there is to choose from. Alternatives include rings, bracelets and earrings. Buying rings online can often be difficult, as it involves getting the right size. Visiting a jewelry store in person can help with this, as they can assist you in determining your ring size. Alternatively, it is easy to download a pdf ring size finder off most sites that sell rings in order to help you ensure you get one that will fit. One ring that makes a good gift for your spouse is a sterling silver wedding band with diamonds. It does not have to be given as a wedding band, but could be given simply as a gesture of affection, at any point throughout the year.