SILVER: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS NOBLE MATERIAL

925 silver is one of the most widely used materials for making jewelry. It is in fact a noble material, as it is almost pure (92.5% pure silver), which makes silver jewelry very solid.

Many jewels are made of silver because the possibilities are numerous: both in terms of shape and in their combination with precious stones or pearls. pearls. Silver cannot be used 100% pure in jewellery, as it is too malleable as it is too malleable and would therefore render the jewels fragile. so it is usually alloyed with other metals (usually copper). metals (usually copper). This is why we always always refer to 925 silver jewelry, a true guarantee of quality for your MATY jewelry.

You can discover our collection of silver jewelry: rings, earrings, bracelets bracelets necklaces, etc.

SILVER HALLMARKS: AND GUARANTEES

Each piece of 925 silver jewelry must bear a responsibility mark certifying the jewel's origin ¹, and a Minerve-headed a Minerve-headed state guarantee hallmark ² above over 30g.

French legislation requires a hallmark to be affixed for precious materials, including silver. The are the best way to guarantee the provenance of your of your 925 silver jewelry, as it is a title of the manufacturer or manufacturer or government. This is a precaution that helps to prevent counterfeiting. Silver hallmarks are a guarantee guarantee of the authenticity of the silver used in the jewelry. They attest that the metal of composition is silver and meets the required purity standards. standards. Some silver hallmarks also indicate the country of origin of origin. Each country has its own standards and marks and guarantee marks for silver, which can help consumers to identify the origin of jewelry.

Silver jewelry collectors often use hallmarks to identify and to identify and classify the pieces in their collections. collections. Warranty marks, purity symbols and other hallmarks other hallmarks provide valuable information on the age, provenance and workmanship.

THE APPELLATION SILVER 925

It indicates the proportion of fine silver in a piece of jewelry. Silver is being malleable, jewelry made of 925 silver jewelry is therefore composed of 925/1000 of fine silver. We also speak of sterling silver when it comes to 925 silver. the same thing.

SILVER COLOR: AN EVEN BRIGHTER WHITE

Each MATY silver jewel contains 92.5% fine silver. This percentage, higher than the 80% required by regulations gives your jewelry unparalleled purity.

925 silver is easy to wear and goes well with all shades of all shades of stone, as it remains neutral and luminous.
Like white gold, the silver used to make your jewelry is generally is usually coated with a very thin layer of rhodium, a rare metal used to give a very light hue, a sublime silver colour sublime silver color and light to each piece of jewelry. jewelry.

SILVER CLEANING, MAINTENANCE

If you would like to clean, maintain or recondition your 925 silver jewelry yourself, you can use a silver polish or a chamois leather or a chamois leather soaked in a special lotion. lotion. You can easily find these cleaning products for your silver jewelry on maty.com.

Silver jewelry can tarnish a little over time. Invest in specific cleaning products for silver or use natural or use natural methods such as baking soda and lukewarm baking soda and lukewarm water to maintain the shine of your shine.

There are also a few grandmotherly tricks:

Mix a small amount of baking soda with hot water to form a paste. to form a paste. Then rub gently over your silver silver jewelry with a soft toothbrush. Rinse and dry with a soft cloth.
Immerse your silver jewelry in white vinegar for a few hours. a few hours. Remove and rub gently with a soft cloth cloth to remove any tarnish. Rinse with lukewarm water and dry thoroughly.
Apply a small amount of non-gel white toothpaste to your silver and rub gently with a soft toothbrush. toothbrush. Rinse with lukewarm water and dry with a soft cloth.

You can also entrust the care of your silver jewelry 925 silver jewelry to a professional if it seems too damaged. Is your silver jewelry oxidizes?

To avoid this common silver phenomenon, avoid contact with water. with water. Be sure to remove your jewelry when showering or washing your hands. or when washing your hands, and of course, don't wear your jewellery in the in the sea or swimming pool.

If, despite your precautions, oxidation is still present, you can try rubbing your jewelry with a chamois cloth, or come to a jewelry store have your jewelry cleaned and polished.

HISTORY OF MONEY

First used as a currency of exchange, second only to gold, 925 silver quickly found its place in the world of jewelry. Associated with the moon by ancient astrologers, 925 silver is generally symbolized by a crescent moon.

Silver was one of the first precious metals to be used as a as money. The Sumerians, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used silver to mint coins, facilitating trade and trade and exchange. The precious metal then continued to play an essential role in the economy of the Middle Ages, particularly in Europe. Silver coins were widely used as medieval kingdoms, and the mines in Europe were of vital of paramount importance. The exploration and colonization of the led to a spectacular increase in silver production production of silver, particularly from mines in South America such as Potosí in Bolivia. This abundance of silver had a significant impact on the European and global economies economies, fuelling international trade.

During the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, silver was still widely still widely used in commerce, but also in industry. industry. The material was used in the manufacture of various electrical appliances, mirrors and a multitude of other and a multitude of other objects. In the twentieth century, its function as a currency gradually declined with the widespread adoption of fiat currencies and the end of the gold standard. However, silver remains an important precious metal on the financial markets and is still used in industry used in industry for its unique properties.

HISTORY OF SILVER JEWELRY

The use of silver in jewellery-making goes back millennia. millennia. Ancient civilizations used this precious metal metal to create ornaments and ornaments. These were often often made by hand, with meticulous attention to detail and to detail and pattern.

Over time, silver has become a highly prized material for jewellery jewelry because of its beauty, durability and malleability. malleability. Silver jewelry was worn by all social classes social classes.

The rise of trade and cultural exchange also contributed to the popularity popularity of silver creations around the world. In the Middle Ages this precious material was widely used in the manufacture of jewelry in Europe. Its use spread to the Americas with the arrival with the arrival of Europeans in the New World.

Today, silver continues to be appreciated for its versatility and its ability to be fashioned into a variety of styles, from classic to contemporary creations. The material retains its importance in the jewelry industry through the ages.

EXTRACTING MONEY: WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?

Le Mexique, la Bolivie ou encore le Pérou et l’Australie sont les pays où l’on trouve l’argent le plus facilement. Le Mexique détient la palme du plus gros producteur d’argent juste devant le Pérou avec 2500 tonnes.

Silver is generally extracted from ores containing silver sulphides sulfides, chlorides or carbonates. The main ores include argentiferous galena (silver-bearing lead sulphide) silver-bearing lead sulfide), argentite (silver sulfide), proustite proustite (silver-arsenic sulfide) and pyrargyrite (silver-antimony sulfide). sulphide). In addition to mining, silver is recovered as a by-product is recovered as a by-product during the extraction of other metals, such as lead, zinc and copper.

Mined raw silver often contains unwanted impurities and metals. metals. To purify it, it undergoes a refining process refining process, where it is heated to high temperatures leaving behind pure silver. Once cleaned, silver can be alloyed with other metals to form sterling silver sterling silver, also known as 925 silver. It can then be be used to make jewelry. Once the basic shape of the the basic shape of the piece, it undergoes a process of to give it its final appearance. Polishing gives and brushing creates a matte texture, patinas are applied to add color effects. We gemstones or pearls to embellish the piece. embellish the piece.

RECYCLED SILVER

Recycling silver reduces demand for new mining resources. mining resources. This helps preserve fragile ecosystems ecosystems and reduce the environmental impact of mining. At MATY, we like to use recycled silver in our creations. creations. This can come from a variety of sources, including electronic waste electronic waste, automotive catalysts and other products products containing the material. Jewelry made from recycled recycled silver are just as beautiful and durable as those made from newly mined silver. This practice requires less energy than extracting and processing the raw product. It is also possible to make jewelry from materials material from old jewelry, called "remontage" or "remelting". This is known as "remounting" or "remelting".

HOW TO WEAR SILVER JEWELRY?

Today, silver jewelry often symbolizes purity, clarity and clarity and wisdom. They are modern and timeless, and can be be worn with casual outfits. Pair them with jeans and a white T-shirt for a simple yet elegant look, or wear them with a flowing dress for a bohemian look. Silver jewelry can also be worn with more formal outfits for a sophisticated a sophisticated, refined look. With an elegant evening gown for a glamorous look, or a trouser suit for a professional look. Silver jewelry goes well with a wide a wide variety of colors, but they are particularly enhanced tones, such as white, black, grey, beige and navy blue. beige and navy blue. In this way, their brilliance is perfectly perfectly.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SILVER JEWELRY

For wedding jewels or family heirlooms, silver carries strong silver carries powerful meanings. In addition to its beauty and brilliance it symbolizes durability, stability and connection between generations. Wedding rings and engagement rings testify to the eternal commitment and love between partners. Family jewelry, with its silver hallmark, is full of history precious memories that are passed down from father to son from father to son and mother to daughter. These pieces become symbols that perpetuate important values and traditions over time. time.

Throughout the ages, silver has been chosen for these special occasions because of its profound meaning and its ability to embody embody lasting family ties. Each piece of silver jewelry becomes a tangible heirloom, carrying stories and emotions that generations with grace and elegance.

At MATY, we offer a wide range of jewelry to slip around your wrist, ankle, neck, ... . The whole body, male or female, is enhanced by these beautiful adornments. To share your love, indulge yourself or mark a special event a special event, choose a piece of jewelry in genuine 925 silver. silver jewelry.