The Silver Standard: Discover The Quality Of Our Silver Settings

In the realm of jewelry, there's an undeniable allure to the gleam of silver. Its timeless elegance has captivated wearers for centuries, transcending trends and cultures. Yet, within the mystique of silver jewelry lies a tale of corrosion, preservation, and innovation. Today, we delve into the realm of sterling silver, exploring why some pieces corrode while others remain resplendent, and the transformative power of rhodium coating in preserving their brilliance. We will also show examples of how our silver pieces look after a year of wear and tear compared to when new.

Understanding Sterling Silver:

Sterling silver, renowned for its lustrous appearance and durability, is an alloy composed primarily of silver (92.5%) and other metals, typically copper. This alloying process enhances the metal's strength while preserving its inherent beauty. However, despite its durability, sterling silver jewelry can sometimes succumb to tarnishing or corrosion, which is, of course, undesirable.

Tarnishing occurs when silver reacts with sulfur compounds present in the air, water, or certain substances like perfumes and lotions. This chemical reaction forms a thin layer of silver sulfide on the surface, dulling its shine and diminishing its allure. While tarnishing is a natural occurrence, certain factors such as environmental conditions and individual body chemistry can accelerate the process.

The Rhodium Revelation:

Enter rhodium, a member of the platinum group metals, renowned for its brilliance and resistance to tarnishing. In recent years, rhodium coating has emerged as a game-changer in the world of silver jewelry, offering a protective barrier against tarnish and enhancing its longevity. By electroplating sterling silver with a thin layer of rhodium, jewelers can impart a dazzling, mirror-like finish while safeguarding it from the ravages of time and wear.

The Advantage Of Rhodium:

• Enhanced Brilliance: Rhodium's inherent brilliance elevates the allure of sterling silver jewelry, imparting a luminous sheen that captivates the beholder.
• Tarnish Resistance: Rhodium coating forms a protective shield, preventing silver from tarnishing and maintaining its pristine appearance for longer periods.
• Hypoallergenic Properties: Rhodium's hypoallergenic nature makes it an ideal choice for individuals with sensitive skin, ensuring comfort and confidence in every wear.
• Enhanced Durability: By fortifying sterling silver with rhodium, jewelry becomes more resilient to scratches and abrasions, retaining its beauty through daily wear and tear.

Below, we have video examples of a bracelet piece of ours from new and then a year after daily wear and tear. The bracelet is the following: Skull Bracelet Link (link opens in new window)

All videos are filmed in the exact same place with natural outdoor light to try and capture the piece in its true life colors.

Video from new:

After a year of daily wear and tear and no cleaning or polishing:

End Note:

At the end of the day, all jewelry, no matter the material, will get scratched and beaten up from daily wear. But when it comes to the tarnishing and corrosion that some experience with certain jewelry, it is avoidable. Most often, the issue is that the materials used in the jewelry aren’t exactly what is advertised. Some might claim it is solid sterling silver, while in fact, it is either plated or mixed more than what is the standard for sterling silver. This is also why sometimes people might experience allergic reactions to pieces that should be solid sterling silver but turn out not to be.

I remember when I was younger and it became very fashionable to wear big Beckham stud earrings. I got one as a gift from a supposed legitimate jeweler. After wearing it for a week, I started having itching and a rash in the earlobe. The metal started corroding and it was tested, revealing the piece had a heavy amount of nickel in it. Something you definitely don’t want, as it is common for many people to get allergic reactions or dermatological issues from those types of metals. This is why we stick to strictly sterling silver with rhodium coating or a minimum of 14k solid gold.

We strive to ensure that your valuable piece, whether silver or gold, stays valuable and beautiful for many years to come. We hope that this article has provided some insight into how we make sure of that.