.999 Fine Silver Jewelry

Custom silver jewelry includes pieces that are created specifically for a person from this precious metal. This has become increasingly popular in the last decade, gracing the necks, arms, ears, and fingers of men and women around the world. The pure form of this metal is considered to be precious. There are varying degrees of precious metals, and when shopping for custom pieces, buyers should be aware of what makes a piece high quality and how to know the content of precious metal used in the piece. There are reasons that some pieces may be .999 fine silver jewelry and why other pieces are considered quality at a .925 content.

Finding pieces of the utmost quality is often important for connoisseurs of precious metals and jewels. .999 fine silver jewelry is considered to be pure, however it is soft, and used for pliable purposes, such as wrapping around a stone, or for bendable wire. This would be much too soft for wearing as a ring or bracelet, with exposure to heavy wear and tear. The same is true of 24K gold pieces of jewelry as well. Gold and silver in their purest forms are soft and not practical for daily use. To make custom silver jewelry or gold custom pieces more durable, the metals are alloyed with other metals that make the piece more practical and durable. Also, the more sturdy the metal, the safer the precious gem that the mounting holds. There are many reasons that the pure levels of these precious metals are alloyed with other metals, but the beautiful results are exquisite.

When buying custom pieces in gold or other metals, a person will want to look for the hallmark located on the piece before purchasing. A hallmark is the marking used to indicate the quantity of gold in a specific piece. Over the years, the laws of hallmarking jewelry have evolved, but most fine artists and designers mark their custom silver jewelry as a courtesy to their customers. The hallmarks are often quite small and will require the use of reading glasses or a magnifying glass. There are special optical tools used in jewelry design, and those collecting fine or antique pieces may want to invest in this tool. Hallmarks are commonly found near the clasps of necklaces and bracelets, and the inside and underside of a ring.

The hallmark placed on a custom piece is commonly marked "SS" for sterling silver. For a custom piece to be considered sterling, it must have a .924 content of pure metal. As hallmarking evolved and changed from one country to another, a hallmark can be a revealing source as to where a custom silver jewelry piece is from and when it was made. Different countries have different standards for hallmarking, and antique dealers and jewelers often look for specific hallmarks that indicate the origins of a piece. Depending upon the origin, a hallmark can be a precious metal value content number, or a hallmark may be symbol from the country or jewelry maker. Old or antique pieces with distinctive hallmarks can be very valuable. However, most pieces that are .999 fine silver jewelry are clearly marked with the numerical content.

Today, when shopping for pieces, those buying or investing in fine jewelry will want to check their possible purchases or investments for the hallmark listing the precious metal content. And, when shopping for pieces to wear, a person should remember that .999 fine silver jewelry may be silver in its purest form, it may be a piece that can be worn only for special occasions. It is important to speak with a jeweler or with the artist who fashioned the piece, and discover his or her thoughts about the content and the other metals alloyed to create the piece.

The Bible teaches that God's Word is far more valuable than any metal. People, especially Christians, are to enjoy the earthly and material gifts that God gives, but they are to treasure His Word as the most valuable resource found on earth. "The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation forever" (Psalms 12:6-7). God's Word also teaches His children to seek wisdom in His Word, explaining that godly wisdom is to be desired above the wealth and riches offered by this world. "Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding: if thou seekests her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom; out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:3-6) It is important to search for custom pieces that are .999 fine silver jewelry or are sterling silver, when investing in jewelry, but seek God's wisdom above all things.