what is .925 sterling silver - cubic zirconia - Rhodium plating ?
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

what is .925 silver ?
Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% by weight of silver and 7.5% by weight of other metals, usually copper. The sterling silver standard has a minimum millesimal fineness of 925. Fine silver (99.9% pure) is generally too soft for producing large functional objects; therefore, the silver is usually alloyed with copper to give it strength, while at the same time preserving the beauty of the precious metal. Other metals can replace the copper, usually with the intent to improve various properties of the basic sterling alloy such as reducing casting porosity, eliminating firescale, and increasing resistance to tarnish. These replacement metals include germanium, zinc and platinum, as well as a variety of other additives, including silicon and boron. However, no one alloy has emerged to replace copper as the industry standard.

 

what is cubic zirconia ?
A man-made substitute for diamonds. It is much closer to the physical characteristics of a real diamond than other imitations.

Cubic zirconia ( also known simply as 'cz' ) is the finest available alternative to a diamond. This is because it has many of the same properties of a diamond. It has the same shape and color and, like a diamond, cannot be scratched by dirt or sand. Most people, even trained gemmologists, cannot tell the difference between a well-cut cubic zirconia stone and a diamond using only the naked eye.

There are, however, differences between diamonds and cubic zirconia. Although in appearance cubic zirconia looks just like a good quality diamond, it is more dense than a diamond - weighing up to 60% more than a diamond of the same size.

Cubic zirconia is a man made crystal. If, therefore, a piece of cubic zirconia is not perfect, it is discarded. Only the highest grade and most beautifully polished cubic zirconia stones are used throughout our silver jewelry collection. We believe that cubic zirconia is not merely a diamond substitute but a beautiful semi-precious gem in its own right.

Given proper cleaning, cubic zirconia will retain its beauty and brilliance for years. Cubic zirconia jewelry can be cleaned easily using hot soapy water or warm water with a small amount of dishwashing detergent. It might help to first remove any dirt with an old toothbrush.

 

what is Rhodium plating?

Many contemporary jewelry items especially those made of white gold, are electroplated in rhodium to enhance shine and durability. Rhodium is a precious metal, a member of the platinum family.

Rhodium electroplating is used, especially on jewelry, to provide a surface that will resist scratches and tarnish, and give a white, reflective appearance. Rhodium plating is most often found on white gold.

The term white gold is something of a misnomer. Gold is actually yellow, what jewelers call white gold today is an alloy (mixture) of gold and a white metal – usually nickel, silver, or palladium (another member of the platinum family). Metals known as white are actually more of a gray color, so white gold has a yellowish cast. The higher the karat weight, the more gold there is in the alloy, the more yellow the cast appears.

Since the wearer of white gold is looking for a bright white look, a very thin layer of rhodium electroplating is used to make that jewelry shine. White gold plated with rhodium will also keep its good looks longer - rhodium will not tarnish or discolor, and since it is a harder substance, it is much less likely to get scratched.