Our Silver



Silver has an ancient association with the moon and its lunar influence. It has a cool, receptive quality that is tied to creativity and intelligence. Silver, with the periodic table letters (ag), is the 47th Element.

Here is some information that will help you to understand more about silver wedding rings, which we make with the same exquisite care as our gold and platinum rings.

Ethics

Silver is often a by-product of gold mining. Like gold, the mining of silver results in massive environmental damage and displacement of communities.

We use only recycled silver to produce our wedding rings.

Beyond what we show on this website, Helen's company, Reflective Images, was perhaps the first company in the jewelry sector, both within the US and internationally to switch to manufacturing with 100% recycled sterling silver.

Sterling Silver

Fine silver, also known as 'pure silver' is too malleable and soft for jewelry. Our recycled silver is mixed with 7.5% copper to create 'sterling silver.' Sterling silver is 92.5% fine silver. 92.5% fine silver has become the accepted standard for modern sterling silver jewelry.

The addition of copper, which most agree is the best metal to improve silver's hardness, does not change silver's desirable color and does little to diminish silver's value. Most of the value in a silver piece of jewelry is in the labor involved to craft intricate patterns and motifs.

Sterling silver pieces are generally stamped with a 'quality' or 'fineness' insignia on the back side of a piece. These are called 'hallmarks'. Some generic examples are:

.925
Ster
Sterling
Sterling silver

Care

Silver will last for generations if properly cared for. It is best to store your silver pieces in a pouch or a box to protect it from scratching. Silver will tend to oxidize in an acidic environment. Many larger cities have this as a matter of course. There are pouches and papers designed to minimize the amount of oxidation your silver jewelry is exposed to during storage.

Also, consider removing your silver when using bleach, ammonia or if you swim often in a chlorinated pool. Harsh chemicals can damage silver and remove any oxidation elements which may be an essential part of a particular design.

Silver Care

Sulfur and hydrogen sulfide in ambient air will react to silver and result in a natural dulling effect. To prevent tarnish from building up, clean your silver regularly with a polishing cloth. Tarnish is much easier to remove when it is first apparent.

If your piece is antiqued, then do not use the 'silver cleaners.' Liquid dipping solutions take out oxidation. Instead, use a polishing cloth to keep your piece shiny and sparkling.