Author: Alice Bloomberg

When it comes to jewellery, silver is a popular choice for many people. Not only does it look elegant and classy, but it also has a versatile style that can be paired with many different outfits. If you’re looking to add some silver jewellery to your wardrobe, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. In this blog post, we will discuss how to choose the right pieces of silver jewellery for your needs!

Silver jewellery is a great way to accessorize any outfit

Whether you’re wearing a casual outfit or a formal outfit, silver jewellery can help to add a touch of elegance and class. However, choosing the right pieces of silver jewellery for your needs is essential. If you’re looking for jewellery that will be visible and make a statement, then you’ll want to choose pieces that are larger and more eye-catching. On the other hand, if you’re looking for jewellery that is more subtle and understated, then smaller and delicate pieces would be a better choice.

Consider your personal style and the overall look of your wardrobe

When choosing silver jewellery, also keep in mind the occasion you’ll be wearing it for. If you’re looking for jewellery to wear daily, you’ll want to choose versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down. However, if you’re looking for jewellery to wear for a more formal occasion, then you’ll want to choose pieces that are more luxurious and special. Diana from Decks Canberra owns a beautiful collection of silver jewellery that she always makes sure to style her outfits with.

There are many different types of silver jewellery to choose from

There are many different types of silver jewellery available on the market today. Some of the most popular types include rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Each type of jewellery has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, so choose the right type of jewellery for your needs.

Rings are a great choice if you’re looking for stylish and practical jewellery. They can be worn on any finger, and they’re easy to take off and put on. Rings are also a great choice if you’re looking for jewellery that can be worn on a daily basis.

Necklaces are a great choice if you’re looking for elegant jewellery. They can be worn with a variety of different outfits, and they can add a touch of class to any outfit. Necklaces are also a great choice if you’re looking for jewellery that can be worn on a special occasion.

Bracelets are a great choice if you’re looking for fashionable and practical jewellery. They can be worn on any wrist, and they’re easy to take off and put on. Bracelets are also a great choice if you’re looking for jewellery that can be worn on a daily basis.

Earrings are a great choice if you’re looking for stylish and elegant jewellery. They can be worn with a variety of different outfits, and they can add a touch of class to any outfit. Earrings are also a great choice if you’re looking for jewellery that can be worn on a special occasion.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles

There are a variety of different jewellery styles to choose from, and you may be surprised at how much you like some of the more unique pieces. If you’re looking for jewellery that is both fashionable and practical, then silver jewellery is a great choice. Whether you’re looking for bracelets, earrings, or necklaces, silver jewellery can help you add a touch of class to any outfit.

Keep your silver jewellery in good condition

With proper care, your silver jewellery will last for many years. Be sure to store it in a cool, dry place, and avoid exposure to harsh chemicals or sunlight. When cleaning your jewellery, use mild soap and lukewarm water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the finish of your jewellery.

In summary

Silver jewellery is a great way to accessorize any outfit and can help you achieve the look you are going for. Whether you are looking for something subtle or eye-catching, there is definitely silver jewellery out there that will fit your style. However, it’s essential to keep in mind the overall look of your wardrobe and not be afraid to experiment with different styles. And lastly, make sure to take care of your silver jewellery, so it lasts long!

Buyer Beware!

Before you buy a silver necklace or ring, you had better make sure it is 100% (or at least 99%) authentic silver. Nobody wants to spend money on expensive jewellery only to find out in the end that it is fake jewellery. That would be equivalent to being tricked by the silversmith. Nowadays, unfortunately, we have several con artists and scam fiends who will loot you of your hard-earned money at the drop of a hat. So care is essential. 

Magnetic Measure

There are several ways in which you can test silver jewellery to see whether it is the real and right stuff or an ersatz version that is best avoided at all costs. You must do the following to establish a proper criterion for silver jewellery purity. Take a magnet made of rare material and gather your silver jewellery. A magnet doesn’t usually stick to silver.

A True Test

First, hold the magnet close to some paper clips and iron nails to make sure it is a proper magnet, to begin with. If it readily attracts these odds and ends, well and good. Now bring the magnet into proximity to the silver jewellery or bar. Let it slide to see whether there is an attraction or not. If it slides away with relative speed, rest assured that it is solid silver worth its weight in the world’s precious metal venues. However, if the silver tends to lag a lot and stick to the magnet partially, well then it is not silver but an amalgam or alloy. It either has iron or some other metal added to it. 

Tactics of the Trade

Remember that there are ways that the con men jewellers of today can hoodwink you despite all of your best intentions. They have cards up their sleeves you never even knew about. Sometimes the con artists would add a little bit of stainless steel to the silver. Since stainless steel is not attracted to a magnet, you might suppose that this silver is authentic. The point is that it is not. So to remain on the safe side, there are a couple of other tests that may help you determine once and for all whether the silver you are buying is the real deal or a carbon copy version. A con artist who was operating a silver jewellery shop a few meters from Carports Newcastle was outed for having sold fake silver to thousands of customers claiming it was real silver. 

Other Ordeals

Place an ice cube on the silver. If it melts real quick, that means that it is indeed silver. Silver has a high degree of thermal conductivity, so it quickly absorbs the ice cube’s heat, thereby melting it readily. Then you can also drop the silver a couple of inches from a metallic surface. If it makes a ringing sound, it is genuine silver. One last thing you can do is to pour a single drop of bleach on the silver. If it darkens, then it is silver. Use gloves on your hands for this since bleach is very corrosive. Finally, if you still have misgivings, use a silver testing toolkit you can find in the marketplace. 

Reality is Reality

Silver is one of the most beautiful metals. Its name ranks way on top there with gold as a treasured item among jewellery makers. Yet did you know that even the purest of silver is not exactly pristine? On the contrary, you will find most of the silver jewellery around the world made up of sterling silver with a few added metals. Sterling silver is composed of 92.5% silver alongside a filler of 7.5% foreign metal (mostly copper). If you want to know whether the silver is sterling silver, examine the jewellery or piece of silver. It ought to have a “.925” or “925” mark on it. If these are not there look more closely since it may have an “S925” stamp or even a small written “Sterling” imprinted on it. This is known as the quality mark. 

Different Strokes

Beyond this, we have the hallmark. In case these are absent, there are numerous ways in which you, the buyer, may determine whether the jewellery is sterling silver or not. Remember, the marks on the silver differ by country. France, the United Kingdom and the United States of America all have their own rules and regulations regarding silver. 

Cutting-Edge Criteria

Sterling silver emits a bell-like sound upon being dropped on a metallic surface. This lasts for one to two seconds in the form of a mini-echo. Take extra precaution you do not drop the silver from too great a height since that way you will damage it. Next, you can take in the jewellery’s fragrance to see whether it is real or counterfeit. Sterling silver doesn’t have any smell of any sort. Despite the small amount of copper mixed in, it is odourless. So this is another way to determine the authenticity of the item.

Calling All Acid Tests

After this, another test you may perform is to try and bend the item slightly in your hands. Silver can be quite ductile, but know this much that sterling silver is very tensile and does not bend easily. Furthermore, silver turns a darker shade upon being exposed to the atmosphere. This is due to the oxidizing nature of the air. Take a soft textile material and gently rub the silver. If a tarnished mark is left behind on the cloth, it is sterling silver. A magnet placed directly over sterling silver will not attract the piece. 

Conductivity & Corrosion

When placed in a cold bowl of ice cubes, Sterling silver becomes very frigid to the touch. This is a sign of its excellent thermal conductivity. Send your silver jewellery to a reputable person who will pour a droplet of nitric acid on it. If the ensuing colour is green, it is a fake, but it is sterling silver if it is an off-white hue. 

Extreme Measures

A professional lab may prove to be the best remedy for those who still have their doubts and are not convinced easily. There the silver will undergo everything from a test by fire to penetration by an XRF gun. The former involves melting a minimal quantity of the jewellery to test its chemical composition. As for the latter, the silver is subjected to x-rays to test its mettle. Besides this, spectroscopy and a specific gravity test can be conducted. The first one determines the molecules and chemicals which go on to make the silver. The second displaces water to discover the real nature of the silver. When using this process make sure to keep the blinds Newcastle and windows of the lab open for maximum natural light and fresh air.

A Simple Way to Tell

One of the justices of whether a piece of jewellery is made of sterling silver or not is its cost price in the marketplace. Genuine sterling silver has a hefty price. That is because a lot of detailed work has gone into its making. The craftsmen who sweated day in and day out to create such a luxury item ensured that it was a precious and treasured art object. Remember, if the silver sells at too low a price, it is not the real deal. You are being deceived by con men jewellers if such is the case. By the silver jewellery cost, you will automatically know if it carries any sophistication or is a fake imitation product that is just not worth it. 

The Price of Perfection

The silver jewellery of Bali is the most elegant and exquisite in the world. It is in great demand by so many tourists and visitors who frequent Bali each year to view its treasures and sites. This sterling silver is bright and shines with extra lustre. Yet there is a downside to it. It tends to tarnish with time, and this brings out the darkness over the sheen. This means that the silver loses its beauty in terms of everyday reality and appears to fade in colour. Have no fear, though since there is a solution at hand. 

A Series of Solutions

Firstly, the simplest of solutions consist of taking a non-gel based toothpaste that is white in colour and a toothbrush. I’ve been taught this by Jason from Newcastle cabinet makers, who used to clean his wedding ring while getting married in Indonesia las year.  You put a dab of this toothpaste on the brush and slowly yet steadily rub its bristles on the jewellery with even strokes. After the silver jewellery is covered with foam, you take a cloth and wipe the residue clean. The result will be silver jewellery that is resplendent and brilliant. You may add some dishwashing liquid to the toothpaste for better results. 

Other Core Cleaning Treatments

There are non-toxic ways to clean your Bali silver. Silver polish is not one of them since it also removes the black with the white areas. This is like throwing out the baby with the bathwater (metaphorically speaking). A better method would be to spread tin foil inside a bowl. To the lined bowl, you add boiling water along with some Spic and Span. Wash the jewellery in this solution. Works every time. You may use baking soda instead of the “S & S” if you like. 

Enemies of Lustre

There are anti-shade strips available in the marketplace which can do a great job as well. The silver tends to tarnish every time it comes in contact with oxygen and sulphur producing compounds. The latter includes mayonnaise, eggs, mustard, onions and other substances. When you put your silver jewellery in the scorching heat of sunlight, the same tarnishing impact is visible. Also, beauty products and hair accessories do several silver jewellery. 

A Few More Good Methods

One way you can protect your silver jewellery from tarnishing is by storing it right. Place a small amount of calcium carbonate, barbecue charcoal or a vial of silica gel in the storage container. No harm will come to the silver surface of the jewellery. The only problem with rubbing silver is that it is a soft metal that can acquire scratches and marks with extraordinary ease. It is best to employ a flannel cloth or other soft silky material to polish the silver. If your jewellery is simply too precious to be cleaned on a DIY basis, you may take it to a professional cleaner who will charge a nominal amount in return for brightening your silver. Be extra careful if you are doing the cleaning at home. That is because if the silver jewellery contains such precious stones as turquoise, opal, carnelian, onyx, topaz, amethyst or garnet, you may damage these worthy gemstones by using home-made hacking solutions. If the gems are missing though, such mixtures as soap, baking soda, white vinegar, salt, olive oil and lemon juice may be used in combination with or without water for the cleaning process. See what suits your silver jewellery and stick to it in the future.

The Jewel of an Island

Beautiful, bountiful and boundless Bali! This incredibly gorgeous abode is known for its colourful birds, lush and verdant trees and fragrant flowers. A variety of wildlife exists on the island which has a generally hot and humid climate. The rich traditional customs and folkways of Bali’s people ensure that plenty of tourists visit this tolerant and heavenly place each year. While Indonesia is mostly Muslim, Hindus thrive in Bali where they migrated after Indonesia’s Islamic invasion. These Hindus celebrate their religious ceremonies with devotion and among the art dance and craftsmanship come out on top. 

A Cult of Culture

Bali also has a mining industry, and the island is renowned for its gold and silver reserves. Most of the artisans make gold and silver jewellery from the two precious metals. Balinese jewellery is famous throughout the world for its intricate designs which are a treat for the eyes. The jewellery reflects the Spirit of the East via its mysterious mandalas and natural patterns. The jewellery comes in a large variety of choices. Some of the beautiful works of artisanship are relatively modern in their likeness while others imitate olden times. 

Art & Artisanship

Most of the goldsmiths of Bali operate with a base metal that is 22 karat in its purity. This sort of gold can be bent and shaped as the artist pleases with little difficulty. The details of the gold jewellery make each artwork simply mindblowing in its beauty and aesthetic style. Three methods reign supreme in Bali jewellery. They are filigree, granulation and “jawan”. The first one consists of tiny hollow spheres and wires twisted around to make a view merely superb. One finds it incredible to even conceive of the fact that filigree is crafted manually. As for granulation, it comprises very tiny dots of metal evenly distributed all over the jewellery. The third and last craft uses small silver spots to make the word refinement take on its true meaning. 

The Eyes of the Beholder

The local people of Bali adore a vast array of chromatic mediums. Yet precious stones are rarely found on the island. The jewellery thus does not sport many colours. However, the national dress and customs such as making mandalas use plenty of hues which in themselves more than make up for this lack. Among some of the jewellery to come out of Bali’s high culture may be included: earrings, flower rings, tortoise, starfish, sphere and teardrop ear pins, ear hoops and nose clips. 

High Civilization 

When you delve into the history of the island’s artisans and their work, you find that it extends way back into the mists of the past. The beginnings of this gold and silver work reach to the 5th century BC. “Susa” has also been a part of the early traditions. This consists of an alloy which combines gold and copper in a fixed ratio. The Majapahit Empire ruled this region in the distant past. When the agricultural conditions improved with the rice paddies flourishing, the surplus caused the culture and civilization to flower. Such was the level of economic prosperity that minor criminals were given punishment by confiscating their gold savings. The motifs on the gold and silver jewellery evolved. 

A Tour of Treasure Island

As history moved forward in its arrow-like manner, people from elsewhere and their cultural ways mixed and melded on this island to create even more beautiful and graceful artistic forms. Today, Bali is known for its creativity in craft and caring of others. If one seeks peace of mind, this is the place to go to. Nobody wants to leave after sightseeing in Bali without purchasing some of the jewellery. The silver beads are especially up for grabs. Visit Bali and check out the jewellery which does full justice to one’s vanity and senses. After all, money doesn’t matter where one’s passion is concerned.

Beautiful Bali

Silver is a precious metal mined from the Earth’s bowels and often used to make beautiful jewellery. Like gold, it has a distinct lustre though it is not as costly. The jewellery handcrafted from silver contains varying percentages of silver metal mixed with an alloy. Rarely do you find pure silver in a piece of jewellery? That is because pure silver while very precious and beautiful also happens to be brittle and hard to manipulate by the artisan. It cannot be moulded into intricate patterns. The silver needs to have some fillers added to it to make it more malleable and ductile for that to take place. Then it can be better moulded according to the heart’s desire. 

The Sophistication of Silver 

Among the world’s most intricate and beautiful jewellery is Bali silver jewellery. This contains less silver content than Thai silver jewellery, but it has more intricate patterns to it. Whereas Thai silver has a lot of silver content (95% to 98%), Bali silver contains 6% to 3% less silver content than Thai silver jewellery. It is indeed a paradox that whereas Thai silver is more precious, it is also more straightforward in its design due to the problematic nature of the medium. Bali silver is far more elaborate in its complexity. Also, it is stronger in its material strength. Yet there is another catch to Bali silver, and that is that it can become dark with time very quickly. This is a downside, but you forget about any such drawbacks when you notice this jewellery’s exquisite beauty. 

Style & Elegance

Whereas Thai silver is made into such patterns as plant leaves and snail shells, Bali silver is twisted and turned by the silversmiths into points, borders and various ornate designs. Bali silver is shaped and handcrafted in a very detailed manner. The artisans doing the delicate artistry have to be very careful lest a moment of blunder ruin hours of dedicated work. Bali silversmithing has been a steady industry since the past two and a half millennia. Bali has always been famous for its gold and silver products which the tribes reside there specialize in. 

A Method in the Making

Bali’s artisans concentrate on carving their silver jewellery with the same effort to celebrate a traditional or religious function. First, a series of tiny points (granulation is the name given to this process requiring patience) and thin wires are connected with a base. Very rudimentary instruments are used to accomplish this task. The silver bullets are melted with borax to purify them. Then come the moulds into which this molten silver is poured. These, in turn, are flattened and rolled with tools to get the right dimensions. A hand saw is used to slice the silver into different forms. Finally, imprints and beating tools are used to round the edges. A tamarind fruit with a sponge-like consistency is employed to burnish the silver to add some finishing touches. This process converts the silver into a darker shade of grey, further rubbed to lend some shine to the metal. The result is some of the most divine designs anyone could gaze upon with sheer delight and pleasure. 

The Lore Behind the Legend

There is a great deal of mythology and legendary folklore behind Bali silver making. Tales have been passed down the generations regarding how the Hindu gods descended upon this Earthly plane to instruct humanity in civilization’s jewellery-making arts. After the Islamic Conquest of Java, the Hindu population migrated to Bali where their silversmithing skills continue today.