How to Buy Silver Jewelry

If you're in the market to buy silver jewelry for yourself or as a gift, there are several things that you need to know in order to select the best quality jewelry for your money. There are many types of personal accessories that are listed as real silver, but not all is really sterling silver jewelry.

Some are actually plated silver, immitation, fashion or costume jewelry that is really not the real thing. Don't be fooled by fake imitataions, if you really want to buy silver jewelry such as earrings, necklances, bracelets, rings, cuff links, and other other traditional or novelty jewelry pieces.

Here are some basic tips when shopping for quality, silver jewelry, so that you get the most for your money, as well as a durable, beautiful personal accessory.

Verify quality

Silver is a precious metal that is soft and can be dented, nicked or damaged quite easily, so it is combined with copper to add strength and durability when fashioning jewelry pieces. The ratio of silver to copper in quality sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper.

This is the perfect blend of metal to create the best quality. If there is less silver in an item, it is more likely to easily tarnish when exposed to even low humidity levels. If there is more than 92.5%, the item will be too soft to hold up to everyday wear and will likely dent or bend very easily. This metal combination is the standard for quality sterling silver jewelry.

You can verify this blend by checking each piece of jewelry for the quality mark of 925 or SS that is stamped on each piece. This mark is required by Federal law to prove that the piece is at least 92.5% pure. Some jewelry will also have the stamps: .925, ster., sterling, or sterling silver, to denote the same quality assurance.

Machine made or handmade silver jewelry?

When you buy silver jewelry, you are purchasing either a machine made or a handmade piece. A machine made item is generally more finished looking and is usually cheaper jewelry in price, even if good quality.

Handmade silver jewelry is almost always more expensive and is distinctive in design from every other piece. The time it takes to create a hand made piece hikes the price on this type of jewelry because of the time that the artisan take to create a special piece of jewelry.

Many people choose cheap silver jewelry that is machine made, simply because there is a plethora of choices. But if you want a special, personalized piece for yourself or as a gift for someone special, you can't go wrong with a beautiful, quality, handmade sterling silver ring, necklace, bracelet, earrings, watch or other personal accessory.

About Prices, Return Policies and Warranties

Be sure to compare before making a final purchase on sterling silver jewelry, whether you are shopping in your local area or buying jewelry online. Make sure that you have the return policy and any applicable warranty in writing when you make your selection.

If you have any questions about the reputation of any particular jewelry store, you can always verify their integrity by checking with the Better Business Burea for your state.

It's always a good idea to do a little homework when you set out to buy silver jewelry, especially if you want to insure that you receive a quality jewelry piece for the money you spend.