Metals

Sterling silver (925) is an alloy of silver that contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. It is also known as 925 silver or hallmarked silver. It is used in jewelry making for its bright and shiny appearance and its durability.

Argentum silver (935)

fine silver (999) is pure silver, it is very soft but doesn't tarnish because it  

​

Pros:

Sterling silver jewelry is not only beautiful but also beneficial. Sterling silver is hypoallergenic and does not cause skin irritation or allergies for most people. Sterling silver also has a high electrical and thermal conductivity and can reflect light well, making it sparkle and shine. Sterling silver jewelry will last you for years if you treat it well.

 

Cons:​

• It is prone to tarnishing and corrosion by moisture, air, and chemicals. It can turn dark brown or black over time, especially in humid conditions

• It may cause skin discoloration or allergies in some people who are sensitive to copper or silver

• It may scratch or dent due to its softness

​

Careguide:

To clean silver, you can polish it with a soft cloth or a silver polishing cloth. Cleaning with soap or dishwasher soap will take off dark stains. But watch out, if you prefer the darker “antique” look, don’t polish those areas or they will become bright silver.

 

To keep tarnishing at bay, you can store your silver jewelry in air-tight containers like Ziploc bags with anti tarnishing strips. You can also repurpose those little silica bags that have “do not eat” on them and come with products that must stay dry.

 

If your silver has been sitting for a long time, it may have a thick layer of tarnish on it. Soap may not be effective to clean it. You can try an ultrasonic bath or a pro polishing pad. These pads are safe for jewelry with delicate stones. But they are like very fine abrasive paper and make tiny scratches, so the surface will be very shiny but not mirror-like. Another solution is to soak silver in citric acid and salt and brush it with a soft toothbrush.

Copper is a pure metal that has a reddish-orange color and a high thermal and electrical conductivity. It is used in jewelry making for its warm and attractive appearance and its healing properties

​

Pros:

​Copper jewelry is not only beautiful but also beneficial. Copper has antimicrobial and germicidal properties that can help keep your skin healthy and prevent infections. Copper also can relieve the symptoms of arthritis and circulation problems by stimulating blood flow and reducing inflammation. Plus, copper can balance your body temperature and energy levels by enhancing the absorption of iron and other minerals.

​

Cons:​

• It is prone to corrosion and tarnishing by moisture, air, and chemicals

• It may cause skin irritation or allergies in some people who are sensitive to copper

• It may stain the skin green or black due to oxidation or reaction with sweat or cosmetics --> this is not toxic or dangerous

• The toxic green verdigris only appears in a reaction of copper with acetic acid, therefore never clean copper or its alloys (brass or bronze) with acetic acid!!!

​

Careguide:

Copper jewelry is easy to care for and maintain. All you need to do is wipe it with a soft cloth and store it in a dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. Washing it with dishwashersoap works in most cases very well.

​

To clean copper fast(especially if it is heavily tarnished), I use a citric acid, salt, and water bath. It works in seconds… Next, I put the copper in a water and baking soda or Natron bath to neutralize the acid. But make sure you use citric acid only!! It won’t create verdigris with copper.

​

Always completely dry your jewelry after cleaning, otherwise it will tarnish again.

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc that has a yellowish color and a shiny appearance. It is sometimes used in decorations and jewelry for its resemblance to gold. The most common type of brass used in jewelry is called yellow brass, which contains ~67% copper and ~33% zinc

​

Pros:

Brass jewelry is not only beautiful but also beneficial. Brass has antimicrobial and germicidal properties that can help keep your skin healthy and prevent infections. Brass also has good electrical and thermal conductivity, which means it can balance your body temperature and energy levels. Plus, brass is not magnetic, so it won’t interfere with your electronic devices or credit cards.

 

Cons:​

• It is not as hard or durable as bronze or steel and can wear out over time

• It is prone to corrosion and tarnishing by moisture, air, and chemicals (see copper careguide for easy cleaning tips)

• It may cause skin irritation or allergies in some people who are sensitive to copper or zinc

​

Careguide:

See Copper

Stainless steel is an alloy of iron and chromium that has a high resistance to corrosion and oxidation. The most common type of stainless steel used in jewelry is grade 304, also known as 18-8 stainless steel. It contains 8-10.5% nickel and 18-20% chromium.

​

​Pros:

• Easy to clean and maintain

• Highly durable and scratch resistant

• It does not tarnish or rust easily

• It is hypoallergenic and does not cause skin irritation or allergies

​

Cons:

• It is heavier than other metals

• It is harder to work with and requires special tools and techniques

• It may develop a weak magnetism after cold working