fashion n trends

Many women are tired of gold jewelry or pieces made from other precious metals. Others want great looking pieces that are more affordable than those made from other metals. Silver jewelry is a great option for anyone who wants reasonable pricing without sacrificing style or craftsmanship.

Pure silver has a few characteristics that do not make it good for making jewelry or other items. It is harder than gold but in its pure form is still very soft and malleable. This may mean that pure silver will not hold up well to daily wear.

Silver is a soft metal with a white appearance. Unfortunately, when it is exposed to air it will oxidize. This process is known as tarnishing. Tarnished silver will gradually get darker and darker until it is almost black. This tarnish can actually wear off on other items, so pure silver is not always the best choice to make jewelry from.

However, there is an alloy known as sterling silver that can allow you to avoid these problems. By mixing the pure metal with copper the alloy becomes much harder and more durable. It is still easier to work than other metals would be but it is more durable when it has been turned into an alloy. It's also less likely to tarnish although it may darken in time depending on the individual piece and how it is stored.

High quality pieces will likely be made out of sterling and are available in a variety of items such as pendants, necklace chains, bracelets and earrings. Some pieces of body jewelry may not be made out of sterling as some people can react but other pieces are often made from silver.

Look for pieces at stands, markets and jewelry stores. Make sure that they are made out of sterling rather than pure metal and you will have a better chance of finding durable pieces. Also look for items that fit your personal style as you are more likely to wear them. You may also be able to find items online and these websites can help you get great pieces with ethnic styling that may not be available anywhere else.