All About Silver and Stones

Most of us know one thing- that we love the look and feel of Sterling Silver, but I started thinking.. why do I love it so much?  I've started doing some homework not only on sterling silver, but on many of the stones we use in our artistic jewelry. I thought I'd share what I've learned here.  If you have something interesting to share about these stones, please let me know! 

.925 Sterling Silver:

Most silver jewelry these days is marked Sterling Silver, but make sure you get what you pay for!  The highest quality silver will be stamped ".925".  .925 is the percentage of actual silver that is in the alloy.  To have a .925 stamp the item must meet the minimum of 925/1000 (92.5%) fine silver and 75/1000 (7.5%) of another metal.  The other metals used with silver make the sterling silver harder as it is too soft for jewelry without another metal.  The other alloy is generally copper, but some companies use other metals to make up the 7.5%.  Some use nickel, which causes a allergic reaction in some especially those used in earrings.  Aurastella jewelry is all .925 Sterling Silver with copper as the 7.5% alloy.   We believe this is the best quality you can get!  .925 Sterling Silver does tarnish eventually, so we do have a few high-polish pieces that contain a invisible UV coating which helps protect the silver and slows natural tarnishing.  We recommend always storing your Aurastella Jewelry in a cool, dark place inside of a plastic bag.  There are a few companies that sell some excellent soft-storage organizers that will keep  your sterling looking fabulous for years! Email me and I'll point you in the right direction on those! 

Also, I recommend polishing your sterling occassionally with a pretreated cloth (Aurastella's or another brand), and be sure to try and remember to put on your makeup and perfume before you put on your jewelry in the morning ladies!  This helps keep your sterling from tarnishing as well! 

Semi-precious Stones:

Garnet:  January birthstone.  It is the "gift of love".  Garnet is also the stone celebrating the 2nd, 6th and 19th year of marriage. 

Gemstone Properties/Lore:

I find the stone meanings and healing properties to be quite interesting... here are a few of the stones we carry at Aurastella and a few of their properties:

Amber: has energy type properties and brings good luck. It is technically not a stone, rather ancient sap from prehistoric trees.

Rose Quartz:  helps in things related to love; gives a feeling of self-worth and keep you younger.  Keep one under your pillow for more added benefit!

Amethyst:

Garnet:  The name garnet comes from the Latin word Garanatus which means seedlike (refering to the pomegranate).  Legends say that Noah used a glowing garnet to light up the ark on gloomy days and starless nights.   

Donna Dawson, Fashion Coordinator

It "pays" to be passionate!