925 silver

925 silver, also known as sterling silver, is a silver alloy that is made up of 92.5% Silver and 7.5% of another metal, usually copper. Fine Silver, which is composed of 99.9% is considered too soft for items such as jewellery. This is why 7.5% of the alloy is composed of another metal; it needs to be strengthened and stabilised. Fine silver also tarnishes much easier, because it will mix with small amounts of Hydrogen Sulfide in the air.

Sterling silver contains no nickel, which means that it is very unlikely to cause any kind of skin reaction. This is particularly useful for those who have sensitive skin. 

Taking care of 925 silver

With proper care, your Sterling Silver jewellery can last for generations. The best way to clean your jewellery is by taking it to a professional jeweller. However, you can maintain this by washing your jewellery with a phosphate free detergent and drying it thoroughly with a soft cloth. Never expose your jewellery to any harsh chemicals such as ammonia or chlorine, as this will make it tarnish faster.

Plated jewellery

Of our jewellery that is made of Sterling Silver, some pieces state that they are ‘plated’ with another metal, like 14K gold or Rhodium. Plating is an electrochemical process in which the Sterling Silver is given a thin layer of the other metal on it.

Rhodium plated Sterling Silver

Rhodium is a precious metal that is very expensive, almost twice the price of platinum.  Rhodium has a very high reflectivity, which is why jewellery is plated with it. It also withstands corrosion very well, so it makes jewellery more durable.

14K Pink Gold plated Sterling Silver

Pink Gold, which is also sometimes known as Rose Gold, is pure yellow gold that is mixed with Copper. It is done to create a delicate pink hue in the metal. It was very popular in Russia at the start of the 19^th Century, and continues to be widely used in specialised jewellery today.

Cubic Zirconia

Cubic Zirconia is a synthetic gemstone that is usually clear in colour but can be made to just about any colour. It is a very clear stone and closely resembles diamonds. It sparkles brighter than crystal and it is more durable than most gems, which is why it is such a popular choice for jewellery

Gemstone Simulants and Lab created gems

A gemstone stimulant is simply a gem that looks a lot like the real thing. They can be natural or manmade. This is different from synthetic gemstones or lab created gemstones because synthetic gemstones are manmade and are made to match the exact chemical composition of a real gem.