|
What is Silver?
Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and is sometimes referred to as pure silver. Sterling silver will tarnish over time but with care and regular cleaning can be restored to its good as new sparkling condition. The remaining 7.5% is usually copper but can be other metal and is used to give this precious metal strength and durability.Generally, the higher the silver content the brighter or whiter the metal but beware of antiquing effects that can make a piece of sterling silver jewellery or decorative silverware look dark. Silver which is 99.9% silver is too soft to be practical for most day to day uses. Do not use tissue or anything other than a jewellery cleaning cloth to polish your jewellery as unseen tiny hard fibers will scratch the surface.
Taking care of gemstones
Steam cleaning is quite effective but can result in thermal shock because of the often-quick temperature change. It can result in cracking because parts of the stone are forced to expand at different times. Most gemstones can be immersed in a solution of mild detergent and warm water.Likewise with pearls; although soaking can result in discoloration, so this should always be avoided. After soaking for a few minutes, gently clean the stone with a soft brush. Pearls should be dried after cleaning, using a soft towel, and air-blown dry. Extra care should be taken to remove dirt from the bottom of the setting, a common place for build-up to occur.
Colored diamonds are also available in the market
Pure diamonds are the diamonds that are typically on display at jewellery stores. Most people have at least a passing familiarity with what diamonds tend to look like. There are no impurities at all in the pure diamonds. Beautifully glistening and sparkling, the clear appearance of the gemstone is known as the stone of choice for wedding rings and engagement rings. Other types of diamonds are available in the market and they are colored diamonds.There are no impurities at all in these diamonds, and the gemstones are colorless and transparent. To pieces that feature these luxurious colored diamonds and to great effect Designer jewellers apply their skill. What gives certain diamonds their color are actual impurities and defects to the structure of the stone which impede or help in light absorption, which causes certain colors to be seen by the human eye.
|
