There are many jewelry items for sale whether you are looking online or in a brick-and-mortar store. The common classifications of silver jewelry are: sterling silver, silver plate/electroplate, and silver tone.

STERLING SILVER

Sterling silver is generally seen as the best and highest quality silver you can get. This is what you want if you are looking for something above and beyond fake or costume jewelry. Genuine Modern Sterling Silver Jewelry like Pandora bracelets is easy to spot because it will be stamped with .925 in most cases or some other form of "Sterling Silver". Some countries have unique symbols that represent sterling silver. So make sure you check and see what mark there is on the jewelry and determine if it is high quality sterling silver or something else. The beauty of sterling silver, aside from its luster and shine, is that it is very hypoallergenic and few people have any sensitivity to it. The downside is that Modern Sterling Silver Jewelry like Pandora bracelets will tarnish quickly if it is not cared for and cleaned correctly.

SILVER PLATE / ELECTROPLATE

Silver plate or electroplate is another form of silver jewelry that is lesser quality and is basically costume jewelry. It doesn't matter if the plating is thick, what inner metal is used, or any promises that are made- it is cheap costume jewelry. Usually, there's no hallmark and quality stamp on this type. Some dealers are honest with you about the price and sell this silver for a lower price, but others who are looking for a quick buck will try to mark up the retail price and get as much as they can. It is important to remember that as little as 5% of the item might actually be the same quality as Modern Sterling Silver Jewelry like Pandora bracelets. Over time the plating will wear and chip, revealing the unattractive under metals used. Also, if you are sensitive to certain metals you could have and allergic reaction caused by the metal used in these pieces.

SILVERTONE or SILVER TONE | Pandora Bracelets

Silvertone or Silver Tone is another class of costume jewelry and is when a metal other than silver has been used and treated somehow to look like silver. There is no silver at all in these pieces, they are simply made to look like silver jewelry. While still new, it will look like silver but remember it is not! If you have allergies to other metals you run the risk of an allergic reaction. This type of jewelry can also tarnish fairly easily, especially when it is worn often and exposed to water, bleach, salt water, and other elements.

Knowing what to look for in your Modern Sterling Silver Jewelry can make buying a much more enjoyable process and can also help ensure you get the very best in quality and craftsmanship.