Faye's Diamond Mine Jewelry Store

Faye's Diamond Mine

Silver

Facts
Silver is one of the first metals to be used by humans. It is also the most reflective of all the metals (besides mercury) and can be polished to a higher sheen than platinum. In fact, the chemical symbol for silver, Ag, is derived from the Latin word argentum, meaning 'white and shining.' It is extremely malleable and resists oxidation from exposure to the atmosphere. Silver also has the highest thermal and electric conductivity of any substance. Silver is widely distributed in nature, but the total amount is quite small when compared with other metals. Unlike gold, silver is present in many naturally occurring minerals.

Silver ornaments and decorations have been found in royal tombs dating back as far as 4000 BC, and silver has been used, along with gold, as money for centuries. Today, over 90% of the silver mined is not used for jewelry, but in industrial applications. Compounds of silver are used to make mirrors, electrical contacts, dental fillings, coins and electroplating. Over 40% of all silver mined in the United States is used as silver nitrate and silver halide in photographic developing.

Silver can be polished, matte, brushed, satin, sandblasted, oxidized (blackened using chemicals) or antiqued. Silver is often said to have a patina, or worn appearance that is achieved through frequent use and handling. In its pure form silver is almost as soft as gold, and is therefore usually alloyed with copper. Alloys of silver with copper are harder, tougher, and more fusible than pure silver and are used for jewelry. The proportion of silver in these alloys is stated in terms of fineness, which means parts of silver per thousand of the alloy.

Buying Guide
Sterling silver contains 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent other metals, usually copper, so its fineness is designated “925”. It also may say “Sterling” on the back of the piece. There are lesser grades of silver.

If your jewelry becomes tarnished over time, use a soft silver polishing cloth or silver polish cream to gently clean the silver parts. Do not use abrasive cloths or cleansers, or immerse your pieces in tarnish-removal solutions if they contain gemstones.

Here are some simple guidelines to help keep your silver jewelry looking great for years:

Don’t wear your jewelry while doing rough work. Even though most jewelry is durable, a hard blow can chip a stone.
When doing household chores, never allow your jewelry to come in contact with chlorine bleach.
Bring your jewelry to a qualified jeweler if you notice a loose stone setting, stones moving or any other noticeable damage to your jewelry. It’s a good idea to have a jeweler check the setting in your diamond ring once a year.
Always remove your jewelry before bathing and grooming. Think of your jewelry as the final touch and put it on right before you get on with your day. Hairspray, gel, body lotion, moisturizer, perfume, mousse, make-up, shaving cream and soap are chemicals that can leave a residue on jewelry, creating a dull film that is very difficult to remove.
To be safe, always remove your jewelry before working with chlorine bleach. When silver is exposed to chlorine bleach, the chemical has an oxidizing effect on the metal, causing the metal to turn an unsightly black. Chlorine bleach works well with dirty laundry, but not with jewelry.
Keep it dry. Using water to clean and rinse some of your jewelry is permissible; however, make sure it’s dried thoroughly when you’re done. Moisture will cause tarnish on silver and will weaken the springs and clasps. Certain jewelry, such as pearl and gemstone jewelry, should never be soaked in water or worn when bathing. The stones in such jewelry may be glued into the settings and the moisture will cause the glue to loosen, causing the stones to fall out and get lost. Always make sure your jewelry items are thoroughly dry before placing them in an enclosed area, or your jewelry will get water spots.

When you’re not wearing your jewelry, be sure to store it in a fabric-lined case or in a box with dividers or separate compartments—jewelry pieces can scratch each other.

Faye's Diamond Mine
Northside Shopping Center
Highway 65 North
Clinton, Arkansas 72031
501-745-8434
faye@fayesdiamondmine.com