Silver has been used in items of jewelry for thousands of years, and is still regarded as one of the most popular materials for this task, especially for wedding and engagement rings. Perhaps the main reason for this is that silver perfectly complements almost every skin color and tone, and will always catch the eye of an admirer.

Buying a silver jewelry set can be an extravagant purchase, however, and there are several pieces of information that it can pay to know before parting with your cash. Here we provide a beginners guide to purchasing silver jewelry.

What is Sterling Silver?

In its purest form silver is extremely soft - in fact too soft to be used for items of jewelry. As a result, it is combined with other metals, with the result being a more durable and pliable material known as sterling silver.

The vast majority of silver jewelry is constructed from sterling silver, but as with any expensive item, it pays to be sure. In the same way that there are imitation diamonds, rubies and other gems, there is imitation silver. You can be confident in your purchase of sterling silver jewelry by obtaining a certificate of purchase (or other proof) when buying.

Items made from real sterling silver will also have a small ‘925′ hallmark on them to indicate this. The number 925 refers to the fact that the item is 92.5% sterling silver, with the remainder being other alloys.

How Do I Clean Silver Jewelry?

It is a good idea to know how to clean and maintain your jewelry before you purchase it. The best method is to use a phosphate-free detergent (3M Tarni-Shield Silver Polish comes highly recommended in the trade), which will remove a light tarnish. There are other, low-cost methods you can use (toothpaste is a low budget favorite!), but make sure whatever you do use does not have abrasive properties, otherwise you risk ruining your jewelry forever.

How Much Should I Pay?

The price of sterling silver jewelry can vary considerably, so it pays to do your research before purchasing. That said, it is generally an affordable metal, and items of sterling silver jewelry will be in the budget of most customers. However much you decide to spend on silver jewelry, it is advised that you make your purchase through a specialist - you are often more likely to get a better deal through a dedicated jewelry-lover than a department store, for instance. Happy jewelry hunting!