Silver Facts

What is Sterling Silver? Well, pure silver (999 fineness) when worked and hardened will gradually crystallizes and soften at normal room temperatures. To maintain hardness, other metals are added to form harder alloys that are less susceptible to scratching and marring. The best known copper-silver alloy is Sterling Silver, which is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, hence the name "925 Sterling Silver".

The working properties of silver are similar to that of gold but with silver a more brilliant polish can be achieved, better than any other metal. To make silver durable for jewellery, however pure silver (999 fineness) is normally alloyed with small quantities of copper. In many countries, Sterling Silver (92.5% silver and 7.5% copper) is the standard for jewellery and has been since the 14^th century.

The copper adds toughness and makes it possible to use silver for decorative and fashionable jewellery.

In early Egypt silver was considered more precious than gold and was thought to hold magical powers. For this reason, owning silver at various times throughout the centuries was restricted, especially if it was in the form of jewellery. In the past wearing silver was a social privilege reserved for the upper classes.

By the 18^th century, things had changed in Europe and a new fashion surfaced: Silver buckles appeared on shoes. Today we consider shoe buckles to be functional items, but in the 18^th century they were considered a form of jewellery.

Wearing silver jewellery was a significant status indicator until the end of the 18^th century, because it was limited to the privileged classes. After the industrial revolution silver was finally made available to the general population.

Today's innovative and creative designers are attracted to sterling silver due to its low cost and its excellent working properties. Silver is very malleable and can be worked into infinite forms.

Sterling Silver 925 jewellery has come of age due to the infinite design possibilities that can be produced and sold at reasonable prices. Jewellers around the world are now stocking a wider variety of Sterling Silver items that can be most affordable. Unlike costume jewellery, Sterling Silver endures and can be enjoyed for many life times, Jewellery items being handed down from generation to generation, Father to Son, Mother to Daughter.

Ring Size

Ring Size Conversion Chart:

How to measure for correct ring size?

Take a piece of string or a thin strip of paper. Wrap it around the base of the appropriate ring finger. Use a pen to mark the point where it overlaps, forming a complete circle. Measure the length from the starting end of the string/paper to the pen mark, in millimetres. You will then have the circumference measurement of your finger in millimetres, and can then use the ring size conversion chart given on this site to work out your ring size according to several different systems.

It is a good idea to measure the finger at the end of the day, when the finger is at its largest, and not to do it when the finger is cold, as this will make it unusually small. Bear in mind that finger sizes change throughout the day.

Toe Ring Sizes

Toe Ring Conversion Chart

How to measure for the correct toe ring size?

Cut a strip of paper no wider than 1/4".

Wrap the paper snugly around your chosen toe (usually the largest toe next the big one) and mark the paper where it meets.

Measure the marked length of paper and compare it to the size chart. This should give you a good idea of your ring size. If your toe ring falls between sizes, order the largest of the sizes.

Design Your Own Jewellery Range

If you are looking to produce your own Sterling Silver jewellery range, we can help you. Provide us with a basic picture and sizes or full working drawings. We will provide a quick cost estimate for any jewellery item required. Our design services include the production of sample jewellery prices at sample production prices for your acceptance.

Please contact our team for further assistance: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Sincerely

VGP Marketing Team