Sterling silver contains 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent copper, so it is harder and stronger than pure silver (99.9 percent), making it excellent for jewelry. It is most popular as an alternative for people who carve the popular white-metal look. And it is more affordable than gold yet it is classified as a precious metal.
The standards of purity levels of precious metals are different around the world. For example, the United Kingdom has a very strict health policy against wearing nickel jewellery that commonly cause skin allergy. Example 2: In order to bear the name "silver" in the US, silver alloys must contain at least 92.5 percent pure silver.
Manufacturers most frequently use nickel to plate cheap sterling silver jewelry to give it a longer lasting high shine. Other quality jewelry manufacturers commonly use palladium or rhodium (platinum group metal) for plating instead. Sterling silver, in it's original state without any metal plating, is a luminous silver white in color. Palladium or rhodium plating would give sterling silver a higher polish shine and look.
The description or term "nickel silver", actually contains no silver at all: It's a combination of base metals - copper, nickel, and zinc - that merely resembles silver metal in color.
Nickel is a type of metal alloy, used to produce coins, pennies, and nickels. You'll notice that coins in your hand for some extended time feels dirty or it gives out a 'lead' scent. For the same health reason, generally, people get a sensitive or allergic reaction to wearing nickel; copper or bronze alloy metal jewelry.
A simple test can quickly tell if your jewelry contains nickel or has nickel plating. Using a piece of fridge magnet, touch the magnet onto the jewelry. Nickel alloy jewelry will stick to the magnet.
Monday, October 27, 2008
How To Test 925 Sterling Silver Jewelry Nickel Free
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Silverbelle wishes our Muslim customers
Due to special requests from our customers', business in Silverbelle.cc will carry on as usual during Hari Raya. Browse through our site for our new arrival Brooches and Gemstone Studs Earrings.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Fashion Brooches
Antique Brown Jewelry Brooch
RM22.55
Model: [BRANQ-BRWN]
Size: 3 cm diameter
Metal: Bronze plated alloy
Stones: Brown color stones
Bird Lover Rhinestone Jewelry Brooch
RM32.55
Size: 2.8 cm x 4.7 cm
Metal: Rhodium plated alloy
Stones: purple, pink, blue and white color rhinestones
Black Flower Jewelry Brooch
RM22.55
Model: [BRFLO-BLK]
Size: 3.2 cm
Metal: Rhodium plated alloy
Stones: Color Stones
Petals: Gold dust effect
Blue Butterfly
RM22.55
Model: [BUTFLY-BLU]
Size: 4.2 mm x 2.5 mm
Metal: Nickel plated alloy
Stones: Color Stones
Brown Dragonfly Jewelry Brooch
RM39.00
Model: [DRAFLY-BRWN]
Size: 2.8 cm x 4.7 cm
Metal: Rhodium plated alloy
Stones: Quality light brown and dark brown color glass
Blue Dragonfly Jewelry Brooch
RM39.00
Model:[DRAFLY-BLU]
Size: 2.8 cm x 4.7 cm
Metal: Rhodium plated alloy
Stones: Quality light blue and dark blue color glass
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Gemstone Sterling Silver Stud Earrings
5mm Round Silver Studs + Silver Earing Posts
Gemstones: Yellow Citrine, Dark Blue Iolite, Swiss Blue Topaz.
RM 32.95
6mm x 4mm Round Silver Studs + Silver Earring Posts
Gemstones: Light Green Peridot, Dark Blue Iolite, Red Garnet.
RM 32.95
7mm - 7.5mm Round Silver Studs + Silver Earring Posts
Gemstone: Light Yellow- Yellow Citrine, Amethyst, Red Garnet.
RM 32.95
Heart shape 925 sterling silver earrings prong setting with lever back style open and close.
Gemstone: Dark Blue Iolite, Green Peridot, Size: 6mm x 6mm
Total Length from ear piercing: 13 - 14 mm
RM 32.95
Heart shape 925 sterling silver earrings bezel setting with lever back style open and close.
Gemstone: Dark Blue Iolite, Green Peridot, Size: 6mm x 6mm
Total Length from ear piercing: 22mm
RM 32.95
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
How to Buy and Choose Gemstone Jewelry
Chances are you are passionate about gems.
What is a Gem? Most gems are minerals: natural, inorganic (non living matter) materials with specific chemical compositions and usually characteristic structure. The 4 most valued gems in the world today are the diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald. Following suit is a wide spectrum of colored stone gems commonly used in precious metal alloy such as platinum, gold and silver jewelry.
Inorganic, meaning composed of or arising from, a non living matter like gems such as diamonds, rubies, topaz etc.
Organic, meaning once living, or produced by a living organism (plant or animal) like pearls, amber, coral and ivory.
The 3 Traits of all Gems
A substance isn’t automatically considered a gem just because it is used in jewelry. Items like bones, wood, hair or plastic have been used in jewelry, but it does not place them in the same category as rubies, pearls and amber.
To be a gem, a substance must possess some degree of beauty, rarity and durability.
Beauty
Color – This is perhaps the most subjective factor as beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. The No.1 rule to wearing color stones: There are no rules. Colored gemstones make subtle and elegant matching accessories without making one look over dressed on color. Many people also wear natural colored gemstones to synthetic (manmade) stones because of their crystal healing and meditational properties.
Lustre – The surface of a gem in reflected light, is probably the most captivating factor of a gemstone. Most gems are polished to a high luster (all shapes) as a final product. For pearls, they are partly priced based on how smooth and sharp a reflection is off a pearl’s surface.
Transparency – Is the 3rd factor in play as it describes the level of light allowed to pass through a stone. The most priced gems in the world are transparent, but there are also many popular and priced translucent stones such as Jade, Amber or opaque stones like Turquoise and Lapis Lazuli.
Rarity
Some gems might be priced and considered more rare than others. Gem-quality benitoite and red beryl – each only found in one place on earth – are occasionally used in jewelry. But rarity doesn’t always make a gem valuable because few people would have heard of them therefore demand is unpredictable compared with common stones in the market backed with million dollar ad campaigns. Often shrewd marketing can sway consumer preference. However in order to run a successful campaign, the gem must be readily available and in sufficient quantities to stay in the market and in the minds of the public for a period of time.
Durability
Durability is the combination of three factors: hardness, toughness and stability.
Hardness – Relates to the surface of a gem and how well a gemstone resists scratches and abrasion. For example the topaz is relatively resistant to scratches, but it has poor toughness, lesser than jade.
Toughness – Relates to its internal substance and how well a gemstone resists breaking, chipping and cracking. Jade is not as hard as some gems, but it has exceptional toughness, which makes it superior for delicate carvings.
Stability - Measures how resistance a gemstone is to light, heat and chemicals. The cleaning solution that make sapphire sparkle can damage a peridot (not as durable as sapphire). Likewise, everyday sunlight can fade a kunzite over time.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Gemstone Beaded Silver Jewellery
***Sterling Silver findings only.
Natural Howlite Silver Jewellery Set
crystals necklace with matching red Coral and Howlite earrings. RM75
***Made from Sterling Silver findings only.
Natural Onyx Silver Jewellery Set
Natural Opal Silver Jewellery Set
***Made from Sterling Silver findings only.
Genuine white Pearls, rose quartz beads with fish hooks. RM42
Monday, August 4, 2008
Wholesale Silver Jewelry - Evening Wear
1) When it comes to the simple black dress, this look is reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn's role in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Dresses with sashes look young and pretty. This one's from OWL, Sri Hartamas Shopping Centre. Note: Store sizes are petite to medium.
2) Pair off with white luminous pearl stud earrings to blend with the subtle elegance. Great stones to match are such as Amethyst for purple, Aquamarine for light blue or Onyx for black.
3) A matching purple pattern purse adds color and life to the all black outfit. I just adore this hand clutch free with a magazine purchase at Heathrow Airport, London.
4) For RM29, sexy killer black shoes to match.*** Pedicure and painted nails takes one to a whole new level. When in a rush, I prefer using clear nail polish for bare, nude shiny nails.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Loose Cubic Zirconia Stones - Understand Grades of Quality Before Ordering Wholesale
How Loose Cubic Zirconia Quality is Determined
There are four main factors that help determine the quality or grade of cubic zirconia. These are carat (or carat weight), clarity, color, and cut. CZ stones are imitation diamonds or simulants and are measured in carat weight. Loose cubic zirconia stones are always heavier than real diamonds. This is because the materials that are used to create the stones are denser.
Though loose cubic zirconia stones are generally colorless, many shades of colors can be added using trace elements during the manufacturing process. These colors might include lavender, peridot, pink, violet, champagne, aqua, citrine yellow, and others. Typically, transparent cubic zirconia will be the more valuable, high-end diamond imitation. Colored CZ stones are valued according to the rarity, evenness, and tone of their colors.
Clarity, or clearness, of loose cubic zirconia is also a quality factor. The manufacturing process can sometimes cloud a stone, making visible imperfections. Just as with genuine diamonds, the clearer the stone is, the greater the value.
The cut is also very important in determining quality for loose cubic zirconia stones. Just as with diamonds, the cut reveals the stone's beauty through every facet. The facets must be even and precise to create just the right appearance. Also as with diamonds, the skill of the stone cutter makes all the difference. Stone cutters do much more than cut. They analyze the stone carefully to determine how much of the stone should be cut off to give proper clarity. Then, they take many steps to perfect their cut without taking away from the stone.
Though the Brilliant cut is the standard, there are other popular cuts such as the Trillion, Princess, and Radiant cuts. There are also a variety of shapes to give each stone its own unique personality.
CZ Stone Hardness
Loose cubic zirconia stones are harder than other gemstones, but not harder than diamonds, sapphires, rubies, or chrysoberyl. Hardness is determined by Mohs' scale of hardness. The highest grade of cubic zirconia is AAAAA, which measures 8.5 in hardness on the Mohs' scale.
Grades of White Cubic Zirconia
White cubic zirconia stones are graded for quality. These resemble genuine diamonds. They are graded as A, AAA, and AAAAA with cubic zirconia AAAAA being the highest grade. CZ AAA stones are the most popular among jewelry stores because they still offer great quality at affordable prices. Prices range from $22 upwards for beautiful jewelry pieces of this grade.
When buying wholesale for your jewelry store, check out the quality of the loose cubic zirconia stones you are buying. Be sure you are getting what you pay for and the quality that will please your customers. Whether ordering loose cubic zirconia (or lab created gems), simulated stones, or synthetic gems, consider the quality of the jewelry items you are buying and choose only those items that will give lasting enjoyment.
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Cubic Zirconia Quality Checklist or Majon's Jewelry directory.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Robertson
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Wholesale Silver Jewelry - Beach Wear
Traveler's Bag Must Have: - Sunscreen SPF30+ and Lotion - Pareo/ Sarong - Sunnies - Makeup Kit - Spa Kit - Ipod + Mini Speakers - Jewellery Accessories
More matching Wholesale Bali Shell Sterling Silver Jewelry
Wholesale Silver Jewelry - Clubber Style
1) Cheap black top like this transparent embroidered lace ‘V-neckline cotton blouse from Fashion City, Kuala Lumpur. Plus the perfect solid black jeans. ***Take your time looking for jean labels which best fit your shape. For ladies with curves, there is a large variety of street labels such as Goggles, Applemint and RVJeans at any Jaya Jusco.
See more urban glamour wholesale sterling silver jewelry.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
How to Clean Silver Jewelry Tips
Silver Jewelry Care Tips
We've found the easiest, safest and most effective way to quickly clean silver jewelry is by using a specially treated silver jewelry polishing cloth. A quality silver jewelry polishing cloth alone can effectively clean even old silver tarnish jewelry.
To Do:
Ensure silver jewelry is thoroughly dry; using a silver jewelry polishing cloth, polish silver metal evenly.
Store silver jewelry in an airtight container when not in use to reduce oxidation.
Wear regularly to reduce tarnish build-up.
Precaution:
Avoid chemicals, body lotion, perfume and hair spray directly onto jewelry.
Avoid swimming, showering and sports while wearing jewelry.
Store jewelry safely to avoid scratching.
Check your jewelry regularly for wear and tear.
Avoid cleaning jewelry with clothes and tissue paper.
Silver jewelry dipping and cream solutions not recommended.
How to Clean Silver Jewelry At Home
Your Complete Professional Cleaning Jewelry Guide. Learn how to clean silver like jewelry professionals do.
Get Free Instructions Now
Monday, June 2, 2008
Wholesale Silver Jewelry Gemstone Stud Earrings
We have wholesale gemstones silver jewelry stud earrings of beautiful and natural gemstones such as citrine, amethyst, swiss blue topaz, garnet, iolite in a variety of cuts and colors making it easy and affordable to wear and with all your favorite color attires.
Every piece is made with genuine sterling silver and plated with rhodium for a platinum finish.
Browse these best sellers now.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Wholesale Silver Jewelry Malaysia
Inspired by Asia's love affair with irresistible jewels and precious metal, Silverbelle features a popular range of color stones and urban chic sterling silver wear. Each piece of jewelry is designed and prepared to the best of wear ability, comfort and classic style.
Wholesale Sterling Silver Jewelry:
- Beach Collection @ Urban Collection @ Evening Collection Earrings, Necklace, Bracelets, Cufflinks, Wholesale fashion jewelry brooch, Jewelry Gift Box Packaging, Silver Jewelry Cleaner and more.
- Professional Jewelry Care and Styling Tips
We provide wholesale sterling silver jewelry of fine gemstone and synthetic stones at wholesale prices. Featuring current styles of authentic and contemporary designs, gemstones and jewelry materials are carefully selected from sources providing consistent quality and the best workmanship possible.
Visit our wholesale online silver jewelry store..
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Conflict Diamonds - Part 1
I had just graduated in 2005 from GIA (Gemological Institute of America), and had since worked as a jewelry specialist with the Carat Club and Asprey in Malaysia. I was invited to a morning live talk show on NTV7 to share my views about conflict/ blood diamonds. I have never been interested in politics and I cannot watch movies such aas these and war. In all honestly, I live in Malaysia on the complete other side of the world. And I had no clue about 'Conflict Diamonds' until GIA. Since the 1880's til 2001, 95% of world's diamond were South African diamonds. The circulation of diamonds produced and traded during that time, which are now in the trade and to consumers; they are basically untraceable in origin.
This is not to bear any diamond wearers with a heavy heart. But we all can combat war and poverty by making simple, easy decisions of not supporting blood diamonds.
There is also a narrow misconception amongst many that South African diamonds are of superior quality compared to those produced from mines in Canada, Russia or even India. The truth: 95% of diamond rough harvested in African continents are of gem grade quality (used for jewelry). Many illegal traders will continue to supply black market high quality diamonds for cheap where there is a demand. This does not mean that other diamond producing countries produce inferior diamonds!! A diamond of the same grade would be of the same controlled market price as the same one purchased from South Africa. Other mines just produce a lesser portion of gem quality rough and of smaller stone size.
Live Interview Part 1:
