Silver is a time-old tradition of class and sophistication. Silver jewelry has been used since the Bronze Age and was valued by the Greeks and the Romans as being next to gold in its perfection. Because it is a highly malleable metal, its versatility is endless and silver jewelry is often hand-crafted by highly skilled artisans around the world.
Sterling silver (925 silver) is complementary to any skin tone and is as easy to wear for men as it is for women. Its high versatility makes it ideal for creating custom jewelry. Many designers have created stylized silver jewelry lines with unique pieces that are modeled after their own style. Tonino Lamborghini, for example has a line of men's silver bracelets with clean lines that combines silver links and charms with braided leather for a sleek masculine look with sporty undertones. Tedora creates whimsical charms and combines them with Murano glass for striking jewelry with personal significance for the wearer; while Dolci Gioie uses colored Japanese clay to brighten and stylize their sterling silver rings, bracelets and earrings. Other designers combine silver with other precious metals to personalize their creations. Stefano Patriarchi uses gold to color his golden sterling earrings, bracelets and rings for remarkable charm. Hammered silver can also add a unique flair to your jewelry collection.
One of silver's most popular uses throughout the years has been the charm bracelet. Small silver charms are crafted into different shapes and forms that are soldered to a sterling silver bracelet with multiple links depending on the meaning that a person wants to give the bracelet. Charms representing relationships, places and experiences can be attached together to create a special memory. A popular use for men is the sterling silver ID bracelet. Each bracelet consists of multiple links with a smooth plaque at the center that can be monogrammed or engraved with the man's name. In the 1950's in the United States, it was common practice for a men to give their bracelet to the woman they were dating to wear.
Cleaning silver jewelry is a simple and rewarding task when done wisely and often. One simple technique for cleaning tarnished silver is rubbing the tarnished jewelry with toothpaste using a soft toothbrush. For very dirty pieces, you can make a paste using baking soda and warm water and gently brush the piece with the paste, as you would with toothpaste. This method is best avoided for delicate jewelry or silver objects that you don't want to scratch. Another method for cleaning tarnished jewelry is to dissolve a large amount of salt in hot water and add a piece of aluminum foil. You can then dip your jewelry in the mixture and it will dissolve the tarnish. This method, however, produces a toxic gas that you should not breathe and you should not touch the water without gloves on. There also commercial products created to clean your silver rings, bracelets and necklaces without harming them. Many jewelry makers also treat their designs with other elements like rhodium to help prevent tarnishing and to give them a shinier appearance.
Silver jewelry is beautiful and can complement and look or style. Finely crafted or combined with precious and semi-precious stones or metals, brooches, bracelets, costume jewelry and fine jewelry remain elegant even over time and become heirlooms through the ages. Enjoy our collection of beautiful silver jewelry. There truly is something for everyone.
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