What is sterling silver?

An English term,  sterling silver is an alloy of fine (pure) silver containing 92.5% by weight of silver and 7.5% by weight of other metals, usually copper. Pure silver alone is too soft for everyday use. Copper is the metal commonly used to give "Sterling" its added stiffness and wearing qualities.

Originally based on English coinage and used only in the British Isles, this standard has, over time, become the predominant silver standard used around the world.

Sterling silver is also referred to as solid silver.

A gemstone that is faceted is one that has been cut with several geometrically arranged, flat surfaces from its original rough surface. Each flat surface is called a facet.

The shapes, sizes, numbers, angles, and placement of these facets are the key to unlocking the beauty of any gemstone.

The end result of faceting gemstones is to bring to the surface the brilliance of the gemstone. Hence, a gemstone with multiple facets captures the light and enhances the reflected light.

What is oxidized sterling silver? 

When you oxidize, (also known as antiquing or artificially tarnishing), sterling silver, you are intentionally darkening (or tarnishing) it in a controlled way to increase the detail and the appearance of depth. The application of a chemical oxide darkens the details of the metal giving the design dephth.

Coils, swirls and carvings will have increased definition and the eye will be drawn to them.

Most marcasite jewelry is oxidized.

What is rhodium plated sterling silver jewelry? 

Rhodium is a precious metal and a member of the platinum family. Silvery-white in appearance,it is one of the most expensive precious metals.

Rhodium plating is the process used to plate finished jewelry pieces to get a harder, more brilliant white, reflective appearance, as well as providing a surface that will resist scratches and tarnish. Because of sterling silver's tendancy to tarnish, rhodium's remarkable anti-tarnish characteristics have made it the ideal candidate for protecting the surface finish on objects constructed from sterling silver including sterling silver jewelry.

A rhodium plated finish practically eliminates the need for frequent cleaning and polishing on sterling silver objects and can dramatically increase the long term durability, brightness and luster of the finish. Nevertheless, because it is a plating, it will eventually wear off over time. How soon depends on how much wear and tear the jewelry item takes. However, almost any jeweler can quickly re-plate your jewelry, to bring back the original shine and luster that only rhodium can provide.

What is liquid silver? 

Liquid silver is made by stringing together small tubular sterling silver beads (heshi beads).

Each individual strand is strung with the heshi beads on multi-stranded necklaces, bracelets to bestow a very soft, shiny, sleek appearance like cascading water; hence the name "liquid silver".

Liquid silver jewelry is smooth to the touch and extremely flexible.