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Swarovski Crystal

  • Posted on June 13, 2010 at 9:58 pm
Sterling Silver & Swarovski Crystal Pendant

Nothing can beat the beauty and shine of a genuine Swarovski crystal. The Swarovski company has been making crystal since 1895 and the crystals owe their shine and clarity to a lead content of 32 percent and special metallic coatings which refract the light in a dazzling rainbow spectrum. With so many different types of crystal used in silver jewellery how can you tell which crystal is Swarovski?

As already mentioned a swarovski crystal will exude a beautiful sparkle which is  more brilliant than other crystal. They are also perfectly uniform and are machine cut so crystals of the same size will be the same in width, height and slope. The facet cuts of the crystal will meet at a perfect point at the junctures and a crystal with an AB finish will not have swirl marks or scratches. A genuine Swarovski will not have bubbles within it as many imitations do.
At The Silver Jewellery Workshop there is a selection of silver jewellery with genuine Swarovski crystal, for more just visit the store.

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Gemstones

  • Posted on May 11, 2010 at 9:04 pm
Sterling Silver Amethyst Pendant

A gemstone is a piece of attractive mineral which, when cut and polished, can be used to make jewellery and other items. Some items, such as lapiz-lazuli or amber and jet, are not minerals but rocks or organic material and still considered to be gemstones due to their use in jewellery. Most gemstones are hard but sometimes soft gems are used in jewellery because of their shine.

The classification of gems dates back to the ancient Greeks with a distinction between precious and semi precious stones. In the modern world the precious gemstones are considered to be diamond, ruby, emerald and sapphire (due to their rarity) with the others considered semi precious. There can be exceptions; Tsavorite a rare green garnet is far more valuable than the average emerald. The classification of precious and semi precious stones have changed over the years due to their popularity and characteristics. As an example, amethyst was always considered a precious gem up until the 19th century when huge deposits of the stone were found in Brazil. In the last century peridot, cats eye and aquamarine have all been considered precious gemstones.
Nowdays all types of gems, both precious and semi precious are used in jewellery and at The Silver Jewellery Workshop we have a large selection of  silver bracelets, pendants, rings, earrings and necklaces  incorporating gems. Why not have a look in our store.

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Nickel Free Sterling Silver Jewellery

  • Posted on April 24, 2010 at 12:46 am

With an estimated 1 in 7 people suffering from nickel allergy it’s important to be aware of the symptoms and how to avoid jewellery containing nickel. The allergy is a contact allergy i.e. caused by skin contact to an item containing nickel. Common symptons are a red, itchy, dry rash around the area that has come into contact with the nickel. If you are allergic or develop an allergic reaction it’s important to avoid skin contact with the item causing the rash. Nickel is commonly found in costume jewellery, watch straps, zips and buttons.
The good news is that silver jewellery is a good option if you are allergic. Fine silver is 99% pure and contains no nickel. Sterling silver jewellery is 92.5% silver with 7.5% copper to harden it. Copper jewellery which is usually made of pure copper is ok as are platinum and titanium which is hypoallergenic. Gold, if it is above 14ct is also fine but care must be taken with white gold which may contain nickel and other metals to give it’s silver colour. There is no cure for nickel allergy the best thing is to avoid wearing anything that contains the metal. If you are allergic the perfect solution is affordable and stylish sterling silver jewellery.

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Hallmarking & Silver Jewellery

  • Posted on April 15, 2010 at 1:19 am

Hallmarking for silver jewellery was introduced as a way of proving that the jewellery contained the correct percentage of silver. Pure silver is quite soft and it is usual to add a percentage of copper to strengthen it. The normal ratio is 92.5% silver to 7.5% copper hence sterling silver is often referred to as 925 silver. As it is impossible to tell without analysis what the true content is hallmarking was introduced as a mark of quality and assurance.
Jewellery is hallmarked in the UK if the silver content of the jewellery exceeds 7.78 grams, if it is below this figure the piece is exempt. The relevant weight for gold is 1 gram and platinum 0.5 grams. The assay office is responsible for hallmarking, the pieces to be hallmarked are sent via post or courier or can be taken by hand to the office. Once there the item is tested and hallmarked if the precious metal is of the desired standard and percentage.
There are various types of hallmark; a maker’s mark, assay office stamp, standard hallmark and year of manufacture. In 1988 the regulations were changed to bring the UK into line with the rest of Europe. The old hallmarks were made non compulsory and standards were to be expressed as parts per thousand. So the hallmark for pure silver jewellery is 999, sterling 925 and 18ct gold 750 etc.

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