Purchasing silver jewelry can be tricky, you need to be sure the item is clearly marked “925” or “sterling silver”. Do not confuse “nickel silver” or “German silver” with sterling silver, because those metals do not contain any silver. Also, check to verify that the words “sterling silver” are written on the sales receipt, so you have some proof of what you were told you were buying.
Try opting for silver over gold. The olden days of silver being a lesser metal than gold are over. Silver is also consistently priced, while gold continues to rise in price. You don’t have to worry about karats with this metal. Just make sure to avoid nickel silver or German silver as they contain no real silver.
A great source for unique and inexpensive jewelry pieces are local thrift shops. Local thrift stores can be a treasure trove for antique and truly unusual pieces. Often, these establishments do not have the staff, training or time, that is necessary to check for hallmarks or gold and silver content. A few dollar’s investment can often yield, not only some really unique pieces of jewelry, but also some pieces that may be, quite valuable.
Never, EVER buy fake jewelry for someone you love! That means gold-plated, cubic zirconia, or gold-filled. Stick to the real stuff – you can get a bargain on real gold, silver, or even platinum if you look hard enough. Fake jewelry can turn the skin black or green, and that is the LAST thing you want to do!
Be sure to clean your silver jewelry using professional cleaning products. Using home methods may be effective, but using cleaners specifically meant for silver can help to prolong the life of your silver jewelry. In addition, under no circumstances scrub, your silver. Instead, opt for using denture cleaners to scrub the silver without causing brush marks or other damage.
Because the pink/red and green leaves in Black Hills Gold are alloyed with other metals such as copper and silver, they can tarnish over time. You can remove this tarnish safely by using a toothbrush and warm, sudsy water mixed with a little ammonia. Your Black Hills Gold jewelry will look lustrous and new again!
Silver jewelry adds brightness and a bit of sparkle to almost any ensemble. Less expensive than gold or platinum, silver is extremely versatile. For a really bold or colorful outfit, silver adds a touch of subtlety. If you are wearing your favorite little black dress, a delicate silver necklace and earrings add a touch of elegance.
Photo by Naomi King 
