Nobody can deny the beauty of precious silver, but in its natural state, it’s too soft to use for anything functional, including most jewelry. Enter sterling silver, an alloy that 92.5 percent silver, and 7.5 percent other metals (usually copper) that give it strength and durability without taking way its luster and brilliance. With sterling, designers can create jewelry and household items at affordable price points; for this reason, we pawn shops in Loudoun, VA carry myriad sterling silver items: it never goes out of style.
Sterling Silver Diamond Fashion Ring
Slane Sterling Silver Toggle Bracelet
High-quality silver may bear stamps indicating their precious metal content, such as “sterling,” “sterling silver,” “ster,” or “.925” or “925.” Despite what you may hear, these marks are not mandated by law, so if your silver piece doesn’t have such marking, just ask one of our employees at Loudoun Jewelry on Maple Ave., and we can assess your piece for you.
David Yurman Earrings
Sarah Jane “Saint Otis” Frog Earrings
Because silver is still a soft metal, it’s best to keep piece in individual cloth pouches—or in separate compartments in your jewelry box—to reduce scratching. Be careful about exposing silver to chemicals, even chlorine in pools or household cleaning agents like bleach and ammonia. Wearing your jewelry often will prevent tarnish build-up, but if you find that your silver needs polishing, use a cleaner intended for this purpose. If you’re unsure, ask wherever you buy jewelry in Loudoun, VA. With proper care, sterling silver jewelry can, and should, last a lifetime.
