The best silver jewelry - TOP 5 manufacturers

Silver is the second most popular precious metal after gold. It has a sample that allows you to distinguish a fake from the original jewelry. Products made of high-quality metal look stylish and do not oxidize after long wear. In this article we will tell you what types of silver there are and how to identify the original accessory.

What is a sample and why is it needed?

Silver is a soft material that cannot be used to make jewelry. For this, alloys are used, and copper is added to silver. The finished alloy is strong, malleable and resistant to corrosion. In addition to copper, the following alloys are often added to the alloy: zinc, aluminum, cadmium, antimony, palladium, lead, iron, nickel, bismuth. Depending on the composition of the product, its characteristics, shade and cost change.

Fineness is a three-digit number that indicates the percentage of pure metal that is in the alloy. For example, 925 sterling silver accessories are 92.5% pure silver. The sample is necessary so that a person can determine whether the jewelry in front of him is real or a fake. If there is no stamp, it is most likely a fake jewelry or the sample has worn off due to prolonged wear of the accessory.

You can find products that contain 84 samples. Theoretically, it cannot contain 84 grams of silver and 916 grams of impurities. The value is simply indicated in a different measurement system. Until 1927, samples were determined using spools. If we convert this value to the metric system, the number will correspond to 875. In addition to the spool test, in ancient times the ratio of silver in products was measured using the lot and carat systems. Special tables have been developed where the generally accepted sample is converted into various values.

Prices

Knowing what types of silver there are, it is not difficult to guess the cost of objects made from this metal. A hallmark stamp on any silver item helps prevent fraud on the part of sellers and manufacturers.

To calculate the cost of silver depending on the sample, you need to know the price of one gram of pure precious metal. The rate for silver of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation is 30.95 rubles per gram.

Based on this, the price for one gram of silver is:

• 960 sample: 30.95 x 0.96 = 29.71 rubles;
• 925 sample: 30.95 x 0.925 = 28.63 rubles;
• 875 sample: 30.95 x 0.875 = 27.08 rubles;
• 830 sample: 30.95 x 0.83 = 25.69 rubles;
• 800 sample: 30.95 x 0.8 = 27.74 rubles.

What samples are known and what do the numbers mean?

In the metric system, which is followed in the CIS countries, the highest standard on silver is 999, and the lowest is 800. Previously, there were other designations, for example, in Soviet times, the standard 916 was popular, which was stamped on a barrel-shaped mark. There are a number of poor countries where jewelry with a value of 600 is in demand, but they are not durable. Below we will tell you what types of silver there are and the most popular types of metal.

Dining room

Just 10-15 years ago, silverware was common in every family. Today such products are not popular. Most people now use stainless steel appliances because they are affordable and attractive in appearance.

Technical

Technical silver is used to create electronics and photographic equipment. An alloy is called technical if its fineness is less than 800. The precious metal is high-strength and has good electrical and thermal conductivity. Lunar metal is widely used to produce:

• mirrors;
• films;
• radio components;
• space technology;
• equipment for catering establishments;
• prostheses;
• medical instruments;
• aviation.

Gold plated

A silver product with a layer of gold plating can add sophistication and high value to the finished item. But in addition to this, the additional layer increases the durability of the product. Gilding is suitable for making dishes and cutlery. If you use silver spoons in an acidic and salty environment, they will undergo a chemical reaction and darken. Gilded dishes retain their original appearance for a long time.

Filigree

Filigree silver is jewelry with complex patterns made from thin wire. Filigree or filigree can be openwork or background. You can get acquainted with this type of metal in any museum; most often, a similar decorative technique was used in the manufacture of pendants, amulets, glass holders, and cutlery.

Matte

A matte surface can be achieved using a sandblasting machine. Such jewelry cannot be polished; it does not have stones or decorative inserts. The finished decorations look as simple as possible.

The main feature of this type of silver is that it does not darken in air. Even if a dark tint appears on the surface over time, it can be removed during the cleaning process by soaking it in a special solution or using a sandblaster.

Leaf

Silver leaf is used to completely cover the decoration. You can notice this technique in temples, palaces, and ancient buildings. This precious metal is of the highest standard. But unlike gold leaf, it does not completely cover the domes. Silver requires plating and is less resistant to natural influences. To preserve the original appearance of products, durable varnishes are used.

Colloidal

The material is suitable for medical and cosmetic purposes. In pharmacies, products containing this metal are sold as dietary supplements, since their effectiveness in treating various diseases has not been proven.

Oxidized

This type of metal can be obtained thanks to silver and sulfur. Oxidized silver is durable, but it is not as strong as blackened silver, and therefore is not suitable for every item. A dark pattern is created under the film, which is very easy to damage if you start cleaning the finished product. This is the main disadvantage of silver jewelry.

The oxidation method paints products not only black. The color can be close to gray or dark purple. The finished product looks aged. To make a thing look more noble, it needs to be polished. Oxidized silver is used to make small jewelry.

Rhodinated

Rhodium plated silver is made by coating a material with a thin layer of rhodium. This metal is rare, and therefore products with it are among the most expensive. Rhodium is a durable precious metal, and therefore finished products are resistant to damage. Other benefits include:

• wear resistance;
• impact against deformation;
• bright shine.

Rhodium is most often used to coat high-grade and expensive jewelry.

Sterling

Many years ago, English coins were made from 925 silver, which were used to pay the residents of England. It was at this time that active trade was carried out. The coins were called sterling, and therefore the metal received this name. After the coins became popular, the pound sterling came into circulation.

Now sterling silver is a common metal in jewelry production. This is a fairly hard material, and therefore it is suitable for the production of household items.

There is also another story of the origin of the name of this metal: silver was minted by residents of Germany with the surname Easterlings. Sterling silver is durable and high quality. And even now it has a high price in jewelry and household items.

Blackened

Even before the advent of our era, the method of blackening was invented in Ancient Rus', due to which silver products acquired elegant patterns. To obtain niello, copper, silver, sulfur and lead were mixed. The resulting mass was engraved, and then the finished product was heated until distinct patterns appeared. The result was things of different shades, which made them unique.

After the discovery of this method of decoration, the blackening method began to be used for amulets and amulets. But in the 17th century, dishes, engravings and cigarette cases made of blackened silver began to appear. Despite the fact that finished items can be processed, they remain durable and do not require maintenance.

In Russia

In Russian jewelry stores you can find jewelry of two samples: 875 and 925. The first sample is inexpensive accessories that are fragile and cannot be machined.

The second test is placed on high-quality jewelry and is flexible, so you can make jewelry of any shape. Finished jewelry accessories also differ in appearance: 925-grade items have a bright shine and a white tint.

For the manufacture of souvenirs and tableware, 800 and 803 alloys are used.

In the world

All over the world, samples are not the same as in Russia. Let us describe what silver standards are in other countries:

• in Europe: 800, 916, 935;
• in Egypt - 600;
• in China it is almost pure silver.

Types of silver

Blackened silver

There are various types of silver, which differ from each other in appearance, properties and objects made from them:

1. Blackened silver is an aristocratic metal that was highly valued in the last century. The technology involved applying sulfur oxides of silver and copper to a silver product, followed by heating. The dark pattern that appeared on the surface of the decoration retained its brightness for a long time. Ancient blackened jewelry was worn as amulets and talismans.
2. Sterling silver is a 925 alloy, which is the most durable snow-white metal that is not prone to blackening. It is successfully used to make high quality jewelry and cutlery.
3. Silver leaf is a thin silver sheet of the highest standard that can be easily alloyed with various materials. Performs anti-corrosion, protective and aesthetic functions. Silver leaf is used to cover furniture, stucco, and decorate church interiors.
4. Filigree silver is a material for creating works of art in the form of openwork patterns. The finest threads of such silver woven together are inserted into a beautiful frame or applied to the background.
5. Matte silver has become popular in recent decades, when jewelry made from it came into fashion. The matte surface is obtained by applying microscopic glass balls to the metal surface using a sandblasting machine.
6. Colloidal silver is intended for use in pharmacology.
7. Table silver – alloys 800, 850, 925.
8. Coin silver is a metal used to make coins.
9. Technical - silver without hallmark, the percentage of capacity in which is below 80. This material is not used for the manufacture of jewelry. The material has increased strength and is ideal for the manufacture of radio components and relays (due to its high electrical conductivity and light reflection).

The highest standard of silver in jewelry

You might think that 999 is the highest standard of silver. But only ingots are made from pure metal and stored in jars. In some countries, amulets are made from pure metal and serve as amulets. Jewelry is made from mixed metals to ensure it remains durable. If you try to make a bracelet, earrings or chain from pure silver, the metal will crumble and break.

To make special items, jewelers use 960 standard. It refers to a high-strength alloy, the use of which makes it possible to make fine details on jewelry. The finished products have a pleasant silvery tint and their properties do not differ from noble metal. But such products require special care and caution, as they are fragile.

Another high-quality sample is 925; it is very common among jewelry due to its plasticity. The products are optimal in terms of price-quality ratio. Coins are stamped from this alloy.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of 500-carat gold include:

• low price per 1 gram;
• uniform distribution of secondary components - copper and silver - in the alloy;
• the ability to give products different shades by changing the proportions of copper and silver up and down.

• the material is difficult to process due to its low level of flexibility and ductility;
• high porosity, which over time affects the appearance of products;
• unstable to water, chemicals, mechanical influences: subject to darkening in the absence of care, loss of shine.

Lowest standard of silver

The lowest standard is 600. The metal contains only 60% silver, it has a red tint due to the large percentage of copper. Sometimes they try to sell such jewelry to tourists at a high price, thereby deceiving buyers on vacation. But their cost is low, due to the low sample.

Jewelers make silver jewelry and 720 sterling silver - such products are the cheapest. The decorations have a yellowish tint. But such accessories will not last long; they quickly oxidize. Low-grade metal is excellent for the production of cufflinks, locks and fasteners. If you have a small budget, then it is better to purchase jewelry made from an alloy with a purity of more than 900, since cheap products quickly lose their appearance.

Medium-grade alloys include samples: 750, 800, 875. Tableware, dishes, and decorative elements are made from metal. Metal needs to be cleaned regularly to maintain its beauty. The most popular is 800 alloy; spoons, forks, pepper shakers, salt shakers, shot glasses, and glasses are made from it.

What is technical silver

Not only jewelry and household items are made from silver. There is another way to use it - in production. Technical material undergoes the testing procedure only in one case, if it is used for the manufacture of cutlery. In other situations, they are not classified by carat and fineness.

1. Cupronickel - has the highest standard among technical silver - 84. The alloy contains nickel, copper and manganese. Several decades ago, cupronickel cutlery was at the peak of popularity. Modern studies have shown that using utensils made of 84-sterling silver can lead to health problems. Therefore, you should not waste your money on them.
2. Nickel silver is also a material from which tableware is made. It is safe because it is always coated with a thin layer of pure silver, but after this coating is wiped off, you will notice a metallic taste when using the cookware.
3. Silver leaf is a material called white gold leaf. It is used in interior design, for decorating monuments and wall decor.

All these types of silver cannot be used for jewelry or other things. In Russia, jewelers consider all alloys with a purity below 800 suitable for the manufacture of costume jewelry, accessories and inexpensive products.

How to determine the authenticity of silver

The easiest way to verify authenticity is to find a hallmark. You can also take the jewelry to a workshop or pawnshop, where experts will tell you what standard the product belongs to and conduct an assessment. Before purchasing, be sure to inspect the links and the appearance of the product so that there are no scratches or damage.

You can also conduct an experiment at home to identify the real metal in the product. To do this, place the decoration in boiling water. If the accessory is made of real silver, it will maintain the temperature of boiling water for several minutes and become as hot as water.

Another way to check the authenticity of a home is to try to attract the product with a magnet. Silver of the highest standard is not attractive. Also, after contact with a silver product, look at your hands, if they are stained, this means that there is too much zinc in the product.

You can also check the authenticity of the product using iodine. Drop a small amount of the product and watch the reaction of the metal. If it is real, then a dark spot will remain on the surface. If the item is made of real silver, there will be a speck on it when you rub the chalky piece.

But many jewelers have learned to fake samples and pass off products with low silver content as high-grade. You can determine the authenticity of a product by looking at the stamp. If the product or decoration is made of soft metal, then the sample will be soft.

To find out the authenticity of an antique product, you need to turn to professionals. Indeed, in past centuries, one sample was produced in specific years and placed in one place of branding. It is also worth considering that hallmarks differed in different countries. In Russia, on silver goods one could see the outline of a woman’s face in a kokoshnik, the hallmark number and the sign of the State Inspectorate. Fraudsters do not know about these nuances, and therefore, before you buy an antique item, you need to make sure of its authenticity.

Often, manufacturers of fakes transfer the mark from silver jewelry to costume jewelry. Only masters can check whether the mark is real. Only upon closer examination can traces of soldering be noticed. For this you will need a magnifying glass.

How to choose?

When buying a precious metal, you first need to determine the purpose of this action.

Following several rules will help you make the right choice:

1. It is better to purchase silver only in official jewelry stores.
2. Without leaving the store, you need to check the presence of the hallmark and hallmark.
3. Due to the proven harmful effects of zinc, it is better to give preference to models without it.
4. The optimal product sample is 925.
5. Don't forget to take the receipt.

Silver markings on jewelry

The sample is indicated not only on paper tags that are sold along with jewelry. Marking is also required on the accessories themselves, so that you can see what percentage of metal they contain. The sample number is placed in different places:

• on a clasp or earrings;
• in the inner part;
• closer to the clasp.

If the product is very thin, then the sample is stamped on a small molten plate. On cookware, markings are placed on the back of the handle.

If there is no marking, this is a fake that contains no metal. Most often, unmarked products are made of medical or stainless steel. If your accessory is made in Russia, in addition to the sample number, there will be a small stamp on the jewelry.

Rating

The rating includes the TOP 5 manufacturers of silver jewelry. Brand recognition, cost and quality of products, as well as customer reviews are taken into account.

5 – Amorem

A Russian company that quickly gained popularity, created in 2012. Their most recognizable product was initially rope bracelets with silver inserts. However, now the brand is promoted and has a large assortment for all groups of the population.

• Products are tested, 925 silver is used
• The basis of the concept is jewelry with meaning

Customer rating 3.73.

4 - Jewelry Palace

This brand is registered in Beijing, China. The store specializes in online sales around the world through AliExpress. The assortment includes a huge selection of all kinds of silver jewelry and sets.

• Made using 925 sterling silver, there is an imprint
• The scale of production in China is extremely large, you can always find the jewelry you like

Customer rating 4.15.

3 – Sokolov

The history of this Russian brand goes back more than 25 years. In 1993, the creators registered the Diamant brand, which in 2014 transformed into Sokolov.

• Products are made exclusively from 925 standard bank metal
• The jewelry has manufacturer's code and hallmark stamps.
• Modern European technologies are used in the creation

Customer rating 4.39.

Choose Sokolov silver jewelry on the official website →

2 - PANDORA

This company was founded in Denmark in 1982. This brand became world famous for its bracelet model with removable elements (charms), allowing the buyer to create his own unique piece of jewelry. A representative office in Russia was opened nine years ago.

• The company's production is located in Thailand
• There are currently more than 800 charms in the collection

Customer rating 4.43.

1 - Tiffany&Co

The history of the Tiffany jewelry company goes back more than 180 years; it was created in the USA in 1837. Over the many decades of its existence, the company has had both ups and downs, but today this brand is considered almost the most recognizable in the world.

• The first company in history to use 925 sterling silver as the basis for jewelry
• Several jewelry collections are released annually, all of them are unique.
• The company was one of the first to acquire its own style - the brand’s famous turquoise-blue hue is registered as a trademark

Customer rating 4.86.

The cost of silver depending on the sample

The cost of different silver samples is subject to change annually. You need to choose which silver to buy based on your budget. If finances allow, you need to choose high-quality jewelry.

The main factors that influence the price of silver products:

• metal price rate on the international exchange;
• try;
• product weight;
• trade fair;
• the presence of decorative elements and stones;
• markup in a retail store.

To understand whether the price offered for silver jewelry is adequate, you need to compare its value at a pawnshop. The price of finished jewelry depends on the standard of the silver and how many impurities it contains. The higher the standard, the higher the price of accessories. If we talk about antique things, the amount of pure metal is not always taken into account; the cost of the product is determined by its condition, weight and year of manufacture.

Silver is a noble metal, jewelry made of which looks attractive on the body of women, men and children. But in order for the product to serve you for a long time, you need to choose high-quality, high-quality accessories. The article described which silver samples are suitable for jewelry, dishes or decorative elements.

Testing systems.

There are several systems for sample determination:

• Metric. Here the volume of noble metal in 1 gram of alloy is taken as a basis. The value can also be estimated as the number of parts of metal per 1000 parts of alloy. For example, in an alloy of 750 standard there are 750 parts of noble metal and 250 parts of the rest. In Russia, the metric system has been used since 1927. It is also used in France, Germany, Great Britain, Cyprus, Lithuania, Norway, etc. For some time, Soviet jewelers made products from 583 standard, but after the collapse of the USSR it was replaced by 585 in order to equalize the quality of Soviet and Western products.
• Carat system. Applicable in Canada and USA. In Ireland, metric and carat stamps are still placed on products. Pure metal has a value of 24 carats. 1 carat contains 1/24 of the main mass of gold. A 14 carat alloy has 14 parts precious and 10 parts other metal. In their work, Western jewelers use 24,14,18,10,9 carat alloys. To indicate the carat standard, the abbreviations K, ct, k are used. To convert carat to metric, you need to divide the carat value by 24 and multiply by 1000.
• The spool test was used in Russia until 1927. It differed from carat in that the highest standard had 96 units of metal. To convert this sample to carat, you need to divide its value by 4. To convert it to metric, you need to divide by 96 and multiply by 1000.