A:Although silver in its natural form is harder than gold, it is still considered too soft for use in fine jewelry, and so it is alloyed with other metals to give it strength. Sterling silver is composed of 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent copper, which makes the metal harder and more durable. In addition to its relative strength, silver is also the most malleable and ductile of all metals.

Sterling silver comprises 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% various other metal compounds. Sterling may also be marked 925. Silver jewelry marked 940, 950, 960, 970, or 980 are of higher silver content than is sterling. Many of the famous jewelry manufacturers in Taxco utilized high content silver for jewelry because of the fact that it was less likely to tarnish, the glow was of a more subtle nature, and the color of the silver was slightly different.

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Fine silver is pure silver (0.999 or 99.9% pure). Sterling silver is 92.5% silver to which is added other metals, primarily copper, as alloys. These other metals make the sterling harder than fine silver. Fine silver will tarnish, but not as fast as sterling. It doesn't tend to go as thoroughly black as sterling can go. Point of interest, silver does not "oxidize" - it is a sulphur reation, rather than an oxygen reaction.

Yes, all our silver is guaranteed to be at least 92.5% pure (designating it sterling) and all our stones are guaranteed to be authentic. Shop for wholesale sterling silver jewelry.

Pure bullion silver (.999 Fine) is too soft to make into jewelry, so an alloy is made by adding around 6-7% copper and a tiny amount of zinc or nickel. The resulting alloy is identified as .925 or "Sterling" silver. Silver Impex Sterling Silver Wholesale Jewelry guarantees the solid Sterling purity of every sterling silver wholesale item we sell, and we laboratory assay-test samples frequently from all our Factories to ensure consistent sterling silver wholesale purity

Hand washing and drying are suggested by the manufacturers. Do not mix sterling with silver plate or stainless flatware in the same wash. See our Sterling Care page for more information.

Keep silver in an air tight place to prevent tarnish or purchase anti tarnish strips available at Polly=s (air and light cause tarnish).

Yes, it is Native American made. We buy it direct from the Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi people in person. Our collection is mainly South Western, but we do have a small collection of Plains Indian jewelry in the store.

Palenque silver items have a Mexican hallmark '925'. This means that 92.5% is silver, and this percentage classifies it as 'Sterling'. Any product weighing over 7.78 grams will also be hallmarked in Edinburgh.

Sterling silver jewelry, wire and components will tarnish. It should be kept away from detergents, harsh chemicals and perfumes. Never wear your jewelry while swimming or bathing. Chlorine darkens the silver. If it has tarnished, it can be cleaned with a soft polishing cloth (available from most jewelers) or a paste of baking soda and water (scrub gently with a soft toothbrush) will do the job.