At Finished Silver, we take immense pride in crafting exquisite 925 sterling silver jewellery for men, where every piece is not just a work of art but a symbol of quality and authenticity. Hallmarks, often overlooked or misunderstood, play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and value of your silver jewellery. In this guide, we will shed light on the significance of hallmarks and why they should be a top priority when selecting your silver pieces.
1. Types of Precious Metals:
Before we delve into the world of hallmarks, it's essential to understand the types of precious metals used in jewellery. These include platinum, palladium, gold, and, of course, silver. Silver, a precious metal, is known for its ability to achieve a brilliant polish and its resistance to tarnish when in its pure form. However, most silver jewellery is created as an alloy, often referred to as sterling silver. This alloy, a combination of silver with other metals, enhances its durability and suitability for everyday wear.
3. Metal Hardness:
The hardness of a metal is a critical factor in its suitability for jewellery. Silver is softer than other precious metals like platinum and gold. Metal hardness is measured using the Vickers scale. While softer metals may be more susceptible to scratching, the unique character they develop over time is one of the features that many people find appealing.
4. Fine or Fashion Jewellery:
It's essential to distinguish between fine and fashion jewellery when making a purchase. Fine jewellery is made from precious metals like silver, gold, platinum, or palladium, while fashion jewellery may be plated with precious metals but has a less expensive base metal core, such as brass. Always be aware of what you're buying to ensure you're making an informed decision.
5. The Importance of Hallmarks:
When buying silver, gold, platinum, or palladium jewellery, checking for a hallmark is crucial. A hallmark is a legal requirement for any item described or sold as a precious metal. It confirms the proportion of the precious metal in the item and shows where it was assayed (tested) to confirm its fineness. The hallmark is an independent assurance that your jewellery is genuine and of the right quality, protecting you from unscrupulous sellers.
6. Assaying for Purity:
Assaying is the process used to measure the purity or fineness of precious metals. It involves weighing the metal alloy and removing impurities to calculate its fineness. A recognised standard is used to verify that the metal meets specific purity criteria. For example, 925 sterling silver is composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% alloy.
DEALERS NOTICE:
In conclusion, the hallmarks in 925 sterling silver jewellery are not just symbols; they are your assurance of quality, purity, and authenticity. When you invest in our silver pieces at Finished Silver, you can trust that each item meets recognised standards and has been carefully crafted to exceed your expectations. Embrace the beauty of hallmarked silver jewellery and cherish the timeless elegance it brings to your collection.
Browse our collection today and discover the exquisite world of 925 sterling silver jewellery, where quality and authenticity shine.