Q&A for How to Make Sterling Silver Jewelry

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  • Question
    What is the difference between silver and sterling silver?
    Nicole Wegman
    Jewelry Professional & Founder of Ring Concierge
    Nicole Wegman is the Founder and CEO of Ring Concierge, a New York City-based fine jewelry brand. Specializing in engagement ring and wedding band trends, Ring Concierge creates a luxury experience catered towards millennials. Ring Concierge offers engagement rings along with earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and anklets. Nicole's work and Ring Concierge have been featured in Vogue, Glamour, Who What Wear, Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, and Cosmopolitan. Nicole is a GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Accredited Jewelry Professional and holds a BS in Fiber Science and Apparel Design from Cornell University.
    Jewelry Professional & Founder of Ring Concierge
    Expert Answer
    Silver is 100% silver and is technically purer than sterling silver. Sterling silver contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% of other metals.
  • Question
    Why is it better to use sterling silver to make jewelry?
    Nicole Wegman
    Jewelry Professional & Founder of Ring Concierge
    Nicole Wegman is the Founder and CEO of Ring Concierge, a New York City-based fine jewelry brand. Specializing in engagement ring and wedding band trends, Ring Concierge creates a luxury experience catered towards millennials. Ring Concierge offers engagement rings along with earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and anklets. Nicole's work and Ring Concierge have been featured in Vogue, Glamour, Who What Wear, Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, and Cosmopolitan. Nicole is a GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Accredited Jewelry Professional and holds a BS in Fiber Science and Apparel Design from Cornell University.
    Jewelry Professional & Founder of Ring Concierge
    Expert Answer
    Pure silver is very soft and is not safe to wear. Sterling silver contains other metals along with silver. So it has more strength and is suitable for making jewelry.
  • Question
    How do I dull sterling silver that is too shiny?
    Community Answer
    If you want the "rough" look of brushed silver, lightly rub the earring with some fine-grit sandpaper until you get the desired effect. If you just want to just tone down the shine, lightly rub some etching compound over the earring. Use a soft applicator, such as a q-tip, and be sure to follow the directions on the container.
  • Question
    What is the best solder to use with sterling silver?
    Beth H.
    Community Answer
    Sterling silver is the best. If you are going to make jump rings or ear wires, 20 gauge usually works fine.
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