Why Sterling Silver Jewelry? Copyright © 2007 Robert Vayner

Silver jewelry speaks to your soul. Silver jewelry shines. Silver is cool, inviting and has been molded into jewelry pieces for centuries. Sterling silver accentuates your clothing, especially when worn with black or other dark colors. And best of all, it's affordable!

Blue gray silver ore was discovered in the United States in the mid 1800's with the first jewelry workshops appeared in the US in the early part of the 20th century. Gold rush miners, in their haste to find gold, merely piled up the blue mud and other host rock found while digging for gold. It wasn't until someone took notice and had the blue mud assayed that they discovered that not only was the western US rich in gold, there was an abundance of silver there too!

Silver jewelry has been adorning the fortunate for centuries. Ancient smelters started with hunks of silver ore. They then beat it with rocks until the rocks gave way to tiny pebbles. The silversmiths then heated simple clay ovens to about 1700 degrees F and melted the silver ore. The process was long and hot with the results being small amounts of pure silver nuggets.

After the silver was smelted from ore, the silversmith could then fashion a piece of jewelry. Some old cultures used hand carved stone molds. Silversmiths later began to use clay molds, and even wax molds. While today, silversmiths use a more modern method of smelting, the same wax casting is still in use today.

Old silver pieces were sometimes made with 100% silver. Except for a rare vintage piece, you'll rarely find that today, as 100% silver jewelry tarnishes easily, and does not always hold its shape due to the silver itself being quite soft. Silver ranks in at 2.5 -3 on the Moh's hardness scale. Diamonds are a ten.

Today most sterling silver jewelry is made with a high level of fineness, typically between 92.5 & 99.9% pure. Standard silver measures in at .925 fineness. This alloy is comprised of 92.5 % silver and 7.5% copper. The addition of copper makes the sterling silver harder and less likely to tarnish. With purity like this, you can rest assured that the silver you wear to adorn your body is as close to nature as can be.

Today's silver jewelry can still tarnish. To clean your sterling silver you'll want to gently polish it with a pure cotton cloth to avoid scratches. Be gentle as silver can be fragile.

Store your sterling silver jewelry in individual soft cotton pouches to avoid scratches. A jewelry box with compartments is ideal. Chains should be stored flat to avoid tangling. Proper storage of your jewelry can help you retain the shine and shimmer for your future wearing and even for future generations!

Nothing compares to a shining silver pendant worn lovingly against your bosom. A filigree silver bracelet will speak volumes about your own personal style. Add a pair of dangly silver earrings and you have a classic look that can certainly turn heads.

You can pair a thick box chain with a t-shirt, herringbone with a cashmere sweater, or even a simple serpentine chain with a button up oxford. Silver jewelry can be worn anytime, any where, and still be in style and quite fashion conscious.

The cool coloring of shimmering silver goes perfectly with a dark ensemble for a night out on the town. And nothing can compare with silver jewelry against a nice suntan!

Sterling silver jewelry comes in a myriad of styles and designs. Whether you're looking for a $10 sterling charm to add to your charm bracelet or a $4000 sterling silver necklace for a special occasion, you can find it, in shimmering sterling silver.

Sterling silver touches the heart of the woman lucky enough to receive it as a gift. When in doubt, give sterling.

About The Author: Robert Vayner is CEO/Founder of FashionPenny.com, a purveyor of fine wholesale sterling silver jewelry. http://www.fashionpenny.com

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Robert Vayner is CEO/Founder of FashionPenny.com