The very first silver jewelry appeared in Ancient Egypt around 5000 BC. In its pure form, metal was extremely rare, so it was endowed with magical and mysterious power. Often jewelry was worn instead of personal charms. Today, silver rings are not only a sign of luxury, but also an exquisite addition to any wardrobe.
Silver samples
Pure argentum in its property is very soft metal. Its plastic properties make it possible to produce the most intricate weaves and the thinnest plates. Normally, sterling silver jewelry is not made.
The softness of the metal makes it impossible to produce large items from it. Even for the manufacture of small filigree products, it can bend with little physical impact. Therefore, as a rule, alloys of silver and other non-ferrous metals are used in jewelry. In most cases, jewelry is made of silver-copper combination. The percentage of noble and additional metals is called breakdown.
There are six samples accepted by the international metric system.
- Silver 800 samples is characterized by 80% of the noble metal, 20% of copper and other impurities. This is the lowest quality alloy. Cutlery is made from it.
- 830 sample is characterized by 83% silver and 17% copper. The color of the alloy is almost no different from the metal of 800 samples. But still, in terms of quality, it is of higher quality and is used in the manufacture of decorative jewelry.
- Silver 875 samples contains at least 87.5% of the noble metal. Applicable in the manufacture of household and jewelry, as well as in industry.
- 925 silver has a capacity of 92.5% silver. This is one of the finest white metals. Sometimes it can even be confused with platinum. Such silver has anti-corrosion properties, that is, it is not susceptible to rust. So many jewelry pieces are made from 925 alloy that it is recognized as the silver standard. Also, high-quality coins, sterlings, were made from metal.
- Sterling silver 960 contains 96% precious metal. It practically does not differ from pure argentum. The alloy is soft and ductile. Decorative enamel easily lays on jewelry from 960 silver. Jewelry made of this metal is distinguished by subtlety and filigree.
- The 999th test is actually pure silver. This is the highest quality grade of noble metal. 1000 samples in nature does not exist. Such metal is used to make high-quality jewelry, bank bars, collection coins, etc.
Types of silver
Depending on the sample and finish, there are several varieties of precious metal:
- Sterling silver is an alloy of quality 925. This is one of the leading jewelry materials.
- Silverware is used in the manufacture of cutlery. This is usually a metal 875 sample.
- Matte silver is treated with a special coating that protects the metal from corrosion. To this end, “white” boiling is used, that is, heating the alloy in sulfuric or hydrochloric acid. This procedure reduces the amount of copper in the upper layer of the alloy. The acquired roughness of silver gives the products beauty and sophistication.
- Pure silver is used in the manufacture of jewelry of the highest standard, as well as miniature components for electronic products.
- Black silver rings are very popular today. They are original, elegant and very beautiful. Jewelry is made of blackened silver or “northern mobile”. Thanks to the old treatment with a composition of lead, sulfur and copper oxides, the products acquire elegance and originality. The main advantage of blackened silver is that the metal practically does not need to be cleaned.
- Rhodium silver is characterized by high wear resistance. To increase resistance to environmental influences and mechanical effects, the products are coated with an ultrathin layer of white rhodium (platinum metal). Jewelry made of this metal is very popular among buyers.
Features of silver rings
Argentum is the most popular metal for jewelry. High quality, subtlety and delicacy combined with low cost make the products very attractive.
Today, male and female silver rings are frequent guests in private treasures. Each customer selects a product according to their taste preferences and financial capabilities. In addition to beauty and shine, silver also has cleansing properties. As a result, silver rings are often considered personal amulets from physical and spiritual negativity.
Types of silver jewelry
Depending on the purpose, appearance and other factors, there are the following varieties of rings from argentum:
- Large rings for ladies of Balzac age.
- Miniature graceful jewelry for young girls.
- Men's signets.
- Silver rings with stones.
- Products with patterns and engraving.
- Charm rings with Christian inscriptions (“save and save”).
- Silver engagement rings.
Women's silver rings
Ladies noble metal rings have recently become more and more popular. Well-known brands compete in the creation of the most original and elegant jewelry. Modern technologies make it possible to decorate rings with precious and semiprecious stones, multi-colored enamel, metals of other varieties (gold, bronze, etc.).
Today’s female silver rings look more elegant and sophisticated than their old counterparts. They become a great addition to an evening dress and a business suit. Silver rings are also appropriate in everyday wear.
It is recommended to select a jewelry product in accordance with the characteristics of women's hands. Long and thin fingers fit all models and types of rings. Women with short and thin fingers should choose sophisticated products. The triangular shape of the ring is able to optically lengthen the full and short fingers.
Rings for men
Today, jewelry stores provide a wide selection of precious metal rings for the stronger sex. Products emphasize masculinity and owner status. The main types of silver rings for gentlemen are:
- A common ring from jewelry to jewelry with a stone.
- Wedding ring.
- Massive rings with large stones, emphasizing the high position of the owner.
- Signets featuring a flat front pad with a pattern or insert.
Types of stones for silver jewelry
Almost all finishes and inlays are suitable for precious metal products. In particular, semi-precious and precious stones are a good addition to silver.
Gemstones are divided into four main categories depending on their value:
- The first order includes diamonds, rubies, blue sapphires, emeralds and alexandrites.
- Second order - dematoids, pink and yellow sapphires, black noble opals, noble spinel.
- Third order stones are aquamarines, beryls, fire white and fire opals, tanzanites, pink topazes, tourmalines, chrysoberyls, chrysolites, zircons.
- The fourth order includes almandines, amethysts, smoky pink quartz, wine and blue topazes, citrines.
A separate category are stones of organogenic origin - pearls and amber.
Today, the term "semiprecious stone" is practically not used. To replace it came the name "ornamental stone." These are minerals that are not rare. Moreover, they are quite durable and beautiful. Such stones include various types of quartz, coral, mother of pearl. Semi-precious stones also include amethysts of all shades, morion, cubic zirconia, chalcedony, lapis lazuli, garnet, turquoise, pearls and others.
Silver jewelry with precious stones
Most women prefer alternative rings to gold rings. "Lunar metal" is distinguished by tenderness and refinement. A silver sapphire ring is a good present for a luxurious lady.
A win-win option for presenting to a man for all occasions - a ring or signet made of silver. A beautiful cut in conjunction with a gemstone will emphasize the status and image of the owner.
For engagement, it is best to choose silver rings with topaz or ruby. And for a young lady, a similar decoration with delicate alexandrite or a small diamond is suitable.
Jewels with semiprecious stones
The ancient Slavs preferred rings with natural semiprecious minerals. Turquoise, amber, river pearls emphasized the elegance of the product and endowed it with magical properties. Often rings were used as amulets and charms and were worn around the neck. Unprocessed stones reliably connected man with nature.
It was believed that red minerals are a symbol of passion and indefatigability. Purple stones develop a person’s magical abilities.
A silver ring with cubic zirconia - a transparent mineral, gives the owner clean energy and emphasizes his crystal honesty. In addition, such a ring is a good gift for a girl, as it symbolizes innocence and naivety.
Silver rings with semiprecious stones are acquired by people who are confident in their abilities, but who want to get some magic charm from ailments and problems.
How to care for silver jewelry
Unfortunately, argentum products tend to darken over time. This occurs, in particular, due to the oxidation of the metal. In order for the rings to always have an attractive appearance, they need to be cleaned from time to time. This simple procedure can be performed at home.
- Simple pollution (sand, dust, cosmetics) is enough to remove with a hot soapy solution. Dishwashing liquid may sometimes be suitable. After soaking the product for a while in the container with the solution, you should clean it with a soft brush.
- Rings without stones can be clarified with a 10% solution of citric acid or ammonia.
- Silver rings with garnet, amber, pearls and other stones are recommended to be given to a specialist. However, with little contamination, the product can be placed in a potato mixture. To this end, grated raw potatoes are poured with water and a ring is lowered into this liquid for several minutes. After that, it is necessary to polish it with a woolen cloth to a full shine. Also, the potato mixture can be replaced with a decoction of tubers.
Proper care of silver products will help preserve their original appearance for many years.