Sterling Silver Jewelry Rings

Style Plus Significance - Your Sterling Silver Rings

Except for Rare Coin Collections, Sterling silver is no longer seen in coined currency. It is still highly valued for use in flatware, plate and sterling silver jewelry because it has high purity and enough hardness to use in making durable objects.

Sterling silver is made by mixing, (alloying) pure silver, 99.9% with another metal to the level of no more than 7.5% of the lesser metal. Copper is the most common metal used in making sterling silver jewelry rings. Other metals and compounds used include boron, silicon, platinum, zinc and germanium.

Sterling silver is a reference to the precious metal content of the alloy. Fine silver (99.9% pure) is too soft for use in silver jewelry rings. Sterling silver has a minimum content of 92.5% silver. This is also the basis of the term 925 sterling silver, based on a scale where 1000 = pure. This system is known as the Millesimal fineness system. Various metals are used for the remainder of the alloy content in 925 sterling silver depending on qualities desired such as high resistance to tarnishing or undesirable qualities such as porosity and fire scale.

Beginning early in the history of civilizations various cultures used silver jewelry rings to signify different beliefs, status or Religions. Finger rings, nose rings, ear rings, even toe rings have been used as adornments and exhibitions of emotion and wealth throughout history. Many of these presentations are with us today in sterling silver jewelry rings.

Also from history we learn that in 1477 Maximilian of Austria (later Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I) presented to Mary, Daughter of Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, a ring set with diamonds. Placing it on the third finger of her left hand, this is believed to be the first 'Engagement' ring. The marriage was a major event in European history, for it established the Hapsburgs in the Low Countries and initiated the long rivalry between France and Austria.

Before commercial sale, sterling silver jewelry is first evaluated by an assayer to test its purity. To be called 'Sterling' its purity must be a minimum of 92.5%, in some countries this standard has been as high as 95.0%. It is then stamped with a mark using a hammer and punch according to the hallmarking standard of the nation of manufacture. These marking standards can convey a large amount of information about the sterling silver jewelry rings in addition to purity, ranging from country of manufacture, manufacturing company to date of manufacture.

Bright and alluring, sterling silver rings continue to be stylish and exhibit great significance. From innovative sterling silver fashion jewelry to fine sterling silver jewelry rings with gemstones, the range of styles and presentations is endless. The only difficulty you may have in your search for sterling silver jewelry is the numerous choices you will have to make, but don't hesitate, go ahead and begin the search. You won't regret it.