The 'New' Silver (a.k.a. Silver-filled)

The cost of precious metals, like gold and silver, used by jewelry artisans can be quite expensive, and subsequently that cost is passed on to the consumer.  In this era of rising metal costs, jeweler's have begun to seek alternatives, and one such alternative to sterling silver, is "silver-filled" - or as we call it, "new silver." 

Much like the gold-filled we purchase when solid gold seems too expensive, silver-filled is a cost effective alternative as well.

View the difference with the following  picture from the Fire Mountain Gem's website. The wire on the left is silver-filled while the wire on the right is silver-plated.  Notice that the silver-filled wire has a thicker layer of silver. Either a 5% or 10% layer of sterling silver is bonded to (filled with) a copper or brass alloy. It is not the same as silver-plated in which a very thin layer is laid on top of a copper or brass core.

Silver-plated metals are not as durable and in time, will wear off and expose the underlying metal. With silver-filled, the layer is sufficient enough to handle small damage without exposing the alloy, and will not wear off.

Sterling silver is defined as 92.5% pure silver. With silver-filled metals, the manufacturer will label it as 95/5, 90/10, .925/10, .925/5, 1/10th or 1/20th.  Notably, if one is allergic to silver-plated jewelry but can wear sterling silver, one should be able to wear the silver-filled without causing a reaction.

Due to the rising cost of sterling silver, Cliptomania's jewelry manufacturers have made this  'New Silver' a viable economic alternative to help us offer fine silver jewelry at a fraction of the cost. We've taken advantage of these opportunities to bring this saving to our customers. If you are a frequent sterling silver shopper on our website, you may have noticed that some earrings have been restocked these past months but in the new silver with a subsequent price decrease. We are happy to pass this savings on to you.

New-Silver Shiny Square Non-pierced Button Clip Earrings 

Cliptomania remains committed to bringing you fine non-pierced earrings that are not only beautiful, but affordable. With over 500+ clip on earrings in a variety of styles, colors and metals, we are confident you will find what you are looking for.

We look forward to your shopping with us!

www.cliptomania.com

Sources:
www.artfire.com
www.cointrackers.com