Beginner's Tips for Collecting Silver Jewelry
From its durability and elegance to the opportunity to increase in value, there are several reasons to collect and invest in silver jewelry. If you've always wanted to take your silver jewelry collection to the next level or purchase investment pieces, knowing the basics will ensure you spend your money wisely. Here are a few beginner's tips for anyone who wants to start a silver jewelry collection.
Starting a Collection
Before purchasing a single piece of jewelry or researching the grades and types of silver, consider which pieces you want to add to your collection. For example, are you looking for jewelry you can wear every day, on special occasions, or as an investment? Armed with this knowledge, you can create a budget for each category.
If you are purchasing pieces for everyday wear, you can spend less to ensure that if the pieces are damaged, you aren't losing too much money. The budget should be less for these items, especially if you don't wear jewelry on a daily basis. Pieces that are worn on special occasions or will be stored and kept as an investment require a larger budget.
Consider your style and preferences, even if you are purchasing investment pieces. Collecting jewelry should be exciting, and even if you aren't planning on wearing the piece, you should purchase items that you are passionate about.
Understand the Types and Grades of Silver
Now that you have a budget set and a clear goal for your collection, it is time to learn about the different types and grades of silver. The grades of silver correspond to its purity, and typically, the grade is marked on the piece. Here are a few of the most common grades of silver you will encounter while hunting for your jewelry collection:
- Fine silver. Fine silver is typically marked with a ".999" or ".999FS." Fine silver, which is 99.9 percent pure silver, is more greyish and duller than other types, such as sterling. Because fine silver isn't as strong as other silver products, it is used more rarely today. However, you may encounter vintage or antique pieces marked as fine silver.
- Sterling silver. When purchasing newer or modern jewelry, you will typically buy sterling silver. Sterling is 92.5 percent silver mixed with approximately 7.5 percent other metals. It is typically marked with ".925" or "Stg." Sterling is more durable and has a greater shine than fine silver.
- Non-tarnish silver alloys. Much like sterling, non-tarnish alloys combine other metals, such as copper, to strengthen fine silver. Non-tarnish alloys are also typically marked with ".925." However, what makes them different is that non-tarnish alloys also contain germanium, an element that prevents tarnish.
- Silver plated. Pieces that are less expensive and do not feature a mark, such as costume jewelry, are often silver plated. The product features another metal that is covered with a thin layer of silver.
According to The Spruce, if you encounter a piece with a marking higher than .925, such as .950, it is still marked as sterling because it is not pure silver.
Handling Silver Jewelry Correctly
Finally, while you are shopping for silver jewelry, knowing how to handle it properly will help prevent unnecessary damage. For example, because sterling silver is so popular and is stronger than fine silver, you can use your clean hands to examine the piece. If the piece is more expensive, consider wearing white gloves.
Use caution when handling fine silver jewelry, including antique or vintage pieces. Wear white gloves and avoid dropping or scratching the jewelry.
Collecting silver jewelry is a great pastime or way to invest in your future. Learning the basics of collecting, such as grading, will help ensure you get the most bang for your collecting bucks. To get started on your collection, contact a company like Victoria Lynn Jewelry.