History
Experts believe that silver alloy, used today as sterling silver, originated in continental Europe in the 12th century. Pure silver was found to be a soft and easily damageable material. When combined with other metals, most commonly cooper; it produced a tougher material that could be heavily relied on. Throughout the next few centuries, sterling silver was used as currency and household items. It was often used as silverware and became the material used in a proper table setting between 1840 and 1940 throughout the United States and Europe. Because of this popularity, silver companies began to grown. During this craze, companies began to experiment using sterling silver compositions in jewelry as it was a material that was easy to mold into intricate designs and gave a luxurious look with its metallic finish. Today, sterling silver is widely used in all kinds of jewelry styles and shines as beautifully as other precious metals, with the benefit of affordable pricing.
Sterling Silver Composition
While pure silver can be combined with many different types of metals, sterling silver is created when combining pure silver with copper. Sterling silver jewelry can be composed with different amounts of copper but is most often seen with the .925 stamp, meaning that the composition is of 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent copper. This has been found to be a good combination for maintaining the silver’s durability without harming its sparkle.
Caring For Your Sterling Silver Jewelry
Silver should not come into contact with harsh household chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, or chlorine. To avoid scratches, store silver in a lined jewelry box or pouch, as it is prone to tarnish as it naturally reacts with sulfur or hydrogen sulfide in the air. Cleaning and wearing silver jewelry regularly will prevent this and help maintain its shine. Immediately upon noticing any discoloration, use a gentle polish made specifically for removing tarnish.
With their round crescent puff shape and ornate filigree pattern, these small hoop earrings are an eye-catching accessory. Snap-down posts secure them comfortably in place. 
Icy blue topaz is highlighted with clear cubic zirconia on this pretty ring, Jewelry is crafted of fine sterling silver with rhodium plating for tarnish resistance. 
Luminous cubes of honey amber are cradled inside sterling silver wire cages in these contemporary dangle earrings. The round cages and square stones create a fresh, modern geometric look. The earrings are featured on elegant french hooks and have a beautiful polished shine. Genuine amber is the fossilized resin of ancient pine trees. Its rich, natural glow lends itself beautifully to jewelry design, and its organic inclusions make each piece unique. 
Green glass teardrops are wrapped in textured swirls of sterling silver and glittering marcasite to create these enchanting earrings. Romantic and feminine, with striking color and texture, they are sure to attract compliments. The earrings are featured on bead-tipped sterling hooks.
Frame your face in beautiful blues with these ornate sterling silver dangle earrings, featuring sparkling glass stones in two shades of topaz-blue. The round and oval stones are set inside open teardrops detailed with glittering dark marcasite. These eye-catching earrings are crafted in 925 sterling silver and featured on polished silver hooks with beaded tips.
Blue glass teardrops are wrapped in textured swirls of sterling silver and glittering marcasite to create these enchanting earrings. Romantic and feminine, with beautiful color and texture, they are sure to attract compliments. The earrings are featured on bead-tipped sterling hooks.
This Fashion Ring is crafted from Solid Sterling Silver and Channel-set with Garnet-Colored Crystal Birthstones. The quality is excellent, highly-polished with no plating to hide any imperfection. A perfect gift for January Birth month Celebrators. Sizes are available from 5 to 10, with half sizes. Elegant Sterling Silver Ring
December's birthstone does a solo act in this pretty solitaire pendant, featuring a 6mm faceted square of sky blue topaz, held in a four-prong basket setting of sterling silver. Appointed with a split bale, the pendant slides along a delicate 18-inch light rope chain. The tranquil hue of blue topaz pairs well with plenty of other colors, and will bring out the blues in your eyes or outfit.
January's birthstone shines in this pretty solitaire pendant, featuring an 8x6mm faceted oval of deep red garnet, held in a four-prong basket setting of sterling silver. Appointed with a split bale, the pendant slides along a delicate 18-inch light rope chain. Garnet is prized for its rich natural color and its notable brilliance, a quality derived from its particularly high refraction of light. This pedant is very nice, much nicer than it looks in the photo.
This triple ruby flower strerling silver necklace makes a special gift for someone with a July birthday--or for any one who loves the romance of rubies. The necklace holds a total of 15 small round rubies, prong set in sterling silver with an overlay of radiant 18 karat yellow gold. Arranged on a double chain with a dangle, the three flowers create a beautiful Y-shaped line. Wear this pendant necklace with a lower-cut V-neckline to really show it off. 
