subject: How To Best Wear Silver Jewelry [print this page] There are times for fancy, gaudy adornments that draw the eye and scream fashion. But understated is a look that suits most people, and can be done successfully in both casual wear and fancier dress. Silver jewelry is versatile, classy and artistic, and can be the perfect accompaniment to an elegant outfit when necessary.
Unlike its cousin gold, silver pieces do not need to cost a lot. The pure form of the metal is, like gold, too soft to use for jewelry, but the addition of one or more of a variety of metals turns it into an alloy strong enough to wear. Depending on the type and amount of other metals used, the alloys are priced differently.
The most common and nicest type of solid silver is called sterling. Sterling is at least 90% pure, with the remaining less than 10% made up of various types of other metals, either a single one or in combination. These additional metals give the material strength, while the original metal provides the famous silvery luster, thus providing the best of both.
German silver is a term used to refer to an alloy that does not actually contain the metal at all. Instead, it is made up of a majority of copper, with less zinc and still less nickel. The resulting metal is strong, corrosion-resistant, and has a silvery sheen. But it is not actually the same, and often triggers nickel allergies in those with sensitivities.
Silver is most commonly known for its famous sheen and color, but the oxidized version is very popular, too, and actually has been for longer. Adornments made from the oxidized variety are dark in color, and often the metal is oxidized in patterns in order to create shapes with shades and patterns. The hue is somewhat more versatile than the shiny variety, and can be used to make a much more casual piece. The setting of gemstones in the oxidized type of this metal is traditional, and common.
Gold is the more traditional setting for gemstones, pearls, and the like, but shiny silver can be used to make a classy, elegant piece with these items embedded. The use of this metal as a backdrop makes the pieces unique, and can be just as pretty as gold. Earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces are all gorgeous in a shiny, silvery hue combined with gemstone colors and shades.
There are a variety of different kinds of pieces made from this metal. Earrings and rings are very common, in all shapes, sizes, and patterns. This metal holds patterns and designs extremely well, and is used to make a wide range of etched pieces. Oxidized and shiny metal may be mixed within the same piece in order to add shading to the patterns.
Silver jewelry is just as at home at a formal ball or a park picnic. It can be black or a shiny silvery color, and comes in all sorts of pieces. Sterling is the best of the varieties, and plated or painted adornments should be avoided, because these coatings can rub off and expose the cheaper base metal. Affordable enough to attract many people yet classy enough for the richest to wear, this metal enjoys great popularity.
