Silver is a precious metal that has been used for a long time for the manufacturing of jewelry. It gives a silvery-white shine in contrast to the yellowish tinge of gold. Silver ornaments are precious; nonetheless, they are more affordable than gold. Apart from affordability, there are several other factors, like its antimicrobial properties that make silver jewelry highly popular among the masses.
Things To Keep In Mind When Investing In Silver
Before you purchase a piece of silver jewelry, you must ensure that the 925 silver jewelry manufacturer has bonafide credentials. If the seller does not have a good reputation in the market he may not be maintaining due diligence. And if he does not keep up with all the regulatory norms then you might be making a faulty investment.
So this article gives you a list of some handy tips that will help you make a prudent choice for purchasing silver ornaments.
1. Check If The Manufacturer Gives You Complete Information
A bonafide manufacturer will have nothing to hide. He will inform you about all the grades and alloys of silver that he works with. He will also inform you about the utility of each grade and which one you should purchase.
2. Check For The Quality Marks Or Stamps
The regulatory authorities of the government lay down certain norms and assign marks that can help the consumer discern if a metal is pure or not. So every time you purchase precious metal, insist that the manufacturer sell only those pieces which have the stamp of authenticity.
Usually, the purity or the grade of metal used in a particular piece of jewel is embossed or stamped on the surface of the metal. And you must check the stamp and read the details imprinted on it.
3. Check If You Can Verify The Manufacturer’s Credentials
There are many easy ways to check for a manufacturer’s credentials. You can check for their certifications, that is, whether they have been audited in the recent past or not. You can also look for indirect means for checking a seller’s credentials, like checking the prices offered. If the price rate is way too low or high, then there is a problem.
Again, if the manufacturer gives a proper bill, then they are most likely following all the rules of the trade. You can also check the mode in which they accept payments. If they ask you to pay the entire amount at once or if they insist only on cash payments, that might be a red flag to watch out for.
4. Ask about Steel Grades
Steel, particularly stainless steel, has gained prominence in the world of jewelry due to its durability, shine, and affordability. While it may seem unconventional to mention steel in the context of silver jewelry, the two can often intersect in contemporary jewelry design.
There are different steel grades to know about, each identified by their composition. The most common type used in jewelry is 316L, also known as surgical steel. It is prized for its resistance to tarnish, corrosion, and allergies. This grade contains molybdenum, which boosts its corrosion resistance, making it particularly useful for pieces that may come into contact with saltwater or sweat.
Now, when it comes to silver jewelry, integrating stainless steel elements can enhance structural integrity or introduce a contrasting design element. Some designers combine the soft luster of silver with the modern sheen of steel, creating pieces that juxtapose tradition with modernity.
Conclusion
Many people like to wear silver as the metal has a bright lustrous surface that makes excellent jewelry. Moreover, they are generally resistant to corrosion. However, your jewelry will last longer and stay shiny only if it is pure. So the next time you want to purchase a piece of silver jewelry, make sure to verify the credentials of the seller so that you are not at a loss.
