Amazon Essentials Sterling Silver Teardrop Earrings

Product Details:

Item Display Length: 1 inches Material: Metal Metal Type: Yellow-gold-plated-silver Back Finding: French Wire Earring Design: Dangle Gem Type: No Gemstone Country of Origin: China

About This Item:

STYLE: These elegant dimensional teardrop earrings are 29.2mm long and 6.5mm wide. MATERIAL: Crafted in 18k yellow gold over sterling silver. DETAILS: Shepherd hook style earrings are easy to put on and comfortable to wear. CARE: Store in a cool, dry place and limit exposure to extreme temperatures and household cleaning products; clean with a soft cloth and warm soapy water.

From the Manufacturer: About Sterling Silver

Silver has been an important precious metal since ancient civilizations used it as a monetary standard alongside gold. Sterling silver is a combination of 92.5% fine (pure) silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. Natural mined silver, called fine silver, is too soft for producing jewelry and other items, and must be combined with another strong metal so it will hold its shape year after year. Sterling silver is traditionally engraved with the numbers 925, which indicates the piece is 92.5% fine silver.

Many times sterling silver jewelry is plated with rhodium to keep the piece shiny and offer tarnish resistance. Other platings include but are not limited to gold, rose gold, platinum, or black rhodium which gives a shiny gun metal finish.

What is Oxidized Silver?

Oxidized sterling silver is created through a process of controlled oxidation, where the silver is exposed to the environmental factors that cause natural tarnish. The slight tarnish is then polished to leave darkened areas in the detailing, most notably to enhance design elements of the jewelry. The result is a lovely vintage look.

Oxidized silver requires less maintenance than high polish sterling, and further tarnish simply makes the silver more beautiful.

Sterling Silver Care:

Polish silver frequently with a jewelry polishing cloth for best results. Note that use of tissue or paper towels can cause scratches because of fibers. For oxidized silver jewelry, you will only want to polish with a jewelry cloth to maintain the natural patina of the silver.

For tarnished high polish sterling silver pieces that do not include gemstones, pearls or other embellishments, try this easy cleaning solution:

1. Line a bowl with aluminum foil, shiny side up. Place your sterling silver pieces in the bowl.
2. Sprinkle between a teaspoon and a tablespoon of baking soda over the jewelry (use your best judgment based on the number of pieces you are cleaning).
3. Slowly pour very hot water into the bowl. It will bubble and make some noise, but when you remove your jewelry in a minute or two, they will look beautiful and shiny again.
4. Remove with tongs, rinse in warm water, and dry thoroughly.

product information: