FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SILVER CHAINS


Silver chains are one of the most popular types of jewelry. They are simple and elegant and are wearable with a variety of outfits. So if you're thinking about purchasing a silver chain, you may have some questions about them. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about silver chains, answered.



Q:WHICH SILVER IS BEST FOR CHAINS?


A: There are a few different types of silver, and each type has its benefits. A sterling silver chain necklace is the most popular type of chain for jewelry, and it's also the type that's most widely available. A sterling silver chain necklace is strong and durable, so it's a good choice. 


Rhodium-plated sterling silver chains are also popular. Rhodium is a metal that coats other metals and gives the chains a shiny, polished look. Rhodium-plated sterling silver chains are even more durable than solid sterling silver chains. This is because the rhodium coating protects the solid sterling silver chains from tarnishing.


Silver-plated brass is another option that's popular for chains. Silver-plated brass is less expensive than sterling silver, but it's not as durable.


Q: IS PURE SILVER GOOD FOR JEWELRY?


A: No, pure silver is not good for jewelry. Pure silver jewelry is too soft and will bend easily. In addition, pure silver jewelry will tarnish quickly. Sterling silver, an alloy of silver and copper, is a much better choice for jewelry. Sterling silver is more durable and will not tarnish as quickly.



Q: ARE SILVER CHAINS DURABLE?


Pure silver chains are not durable and are therefore not suitable for everyday wear due to their soft nature; all silver chains (as in 100% pure) scratch and dent easily.


However, if you're looking for silver chain jewelry that will last for a long time, you can opt for a sturdy sterling silver chain. Sterling silver chain links, an alloy of silver, and other metals, such as copper, make them more durable.



Q: CAN I WEAR MY SILVER CHAINS EVERYDAY?


A: Absolutely, as long as they are not pure silver! Sterling silver chain links are very strong and durable, so your silver chains will be able to withstand everyday wear and tear. Just be sure to take them off before swimming or showering, as chlorine and other chemicals can damage the metal.



Q: ARE HOLLOW OR SOLID SILVER CHAINS BETTER?


A: That depends on your preference. Some people prefer solid silver chains because they are more durable and less likely to bend or break. Others prefer hollow silver chains because they are lighter and can be less expensive.



Q: ARE SILVER CHAINS REPAIRABLE?


A: Yes, most silver chains are repairable if they break or become damaged. However, it's important to note that some types of silver chains, such as silver herringbone chains, can not be repaired. This is because the links in these chains are soldered together, and if one link breaks, you must replace the entire chain.


If you need a chain style that's easily repairable if an accident happens, like a link breaking, then the best silver chain style to choose is one with simple links that can be unclasped and reattached. Or, you can also choose a silver chain with lobster claw clasp, which is very secure and difficult to break.


The best silver chain style for you really depends on your needs and preferences. Some people opt for curb chains because they're bulky, strong, and secure. Others opt for cable chains because they're more delicate, dainty-looking, and easily repaired. So it really comes down to what you want your silver chain to look like and how secure you need it to be.


Q: CAN YOU RESIZE SILVER CHAINS?


Yes, resizing silver chain jewellery is a simple process. A jeweler will add or subtract links until the sizing is correct. However, the chains will need replating after the plating process because the protective coating will wear after the soldering process.



Q: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REPLATE MY SILVER CHAIN?


A: The cost of replating silver chain jewellery will depend on the jeweler you use and the length of the chain. However, it is typically a relatively inexpensive process.


Q: CAN SILVER CHAINS STRETCH?


Yes, silver chains can stretch. Silver is a malleable metal that can stretch or break if, let's say, a heavy pendant weighs too much or if someone pulls the chain too tight. If you notice your silver chain starting to stretch, take it to a jeweler to have it repaired.



Q: ARE SILVER CHAINS WATERPROOF?


A: You can get them wet, but we don't recommend it. Again, silver chains are not waterproof jewelry. Silver is a soft metal, and when it gets wet, it can tarnish quickly. So if you do get your silver chains wet, be sure to dry them off immediately with a soft cloth.



Q: CAN I WEAR SILVER CHAINS IN THE SHOWER?


If you're like most people, you probably take your silver jewelry off before hopping in the shower. But what if we told you that you could actually keep your silver chains on while you lather up?


A lot of people are given this bad advice. Silver chains are not waterproof jewelry, so you should not wear silver chains in the shower, swimming pool, hot tub, etc.


When showing, the chemicals in the soap can tarnish silver, and water can cause the metal to corrode. But, besides taking your silver chains off before getting them wet, you should also avoid storing them in humid places, like the bathroom.


So, to sum it up, can you wear silver chains in the shower? No, you should not. Silver chains are not waterproof jewelry, so take them off before getting them wet.



Q: ARE FINE SILVER OR STERLING SILVER CHAINS BETTER?


A: That depends on your personal preference. Fine silver chains are made of 99.9% pure silver, while 925 sterling silver chains are made of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Sterling chains are more durable than fine silver, so it is a good choice if you plan on wearing chains often.


However, many people prefer the look of a fine silver chain because it is brighter and shinier. Also, a fine silver chain will not tarnish as quickly as a sterling silver chain. So, if you are looking for a chain that will stay shiny and new-looking for a long time, you should consider buying a fine silver.


Also, fine silver chains are a better option for people with metal sensitivity as it is 100% pure.


Q: ARE SILVER CHAINS HYPOALLERGENIC?


A: For example, sterling silver is a type of silver that contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Although this alloy is less likely to cause an allergic reaction than other metals, some people may still be sensitive to it. So, suppose you're looking for hypoallergenic silver chains. In that case, it's best to stick with a pure silver chain or silver that's been specifically labeled as hypoallergenic due to its protective coating or labeled nickel-free silver chains.


It is important to note that a pure silver chain may or may not contain a protective coat. If it does not, it will tarnish over time. Silver labeled hypoallergenic has a protective coating that prevents tarnishing and is less likely to cause an allergic reaction.


Next, nickel-free silver chains are an excellent option for people with nickel allergies. Silver is a natural element that doesn't contain nickel, so it's an ideal metal for jewelry. However, sterling silver is an alloy that contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, and copper can sometimes cause an allergic reaction in people with nickel allergies. Somewhere along the production line, trace amounts of nickel get mixed in. This amount is usually too small to cause any allergic reaction in most people, but it can be enough for those with nickel allergies to cause a reaction. The best way to avoid this is to look for silver labeled as nickel free.


Q: WHAT TYPE OF CLASP IS BEST FOR SILVER CHAINS?


There are many different types of clasps available on the market today, but which one is best for silver chains? The answer may surprise you!


One type of clasp that is often used for silver chains is the trigger clasp. This type of clasp is very secure and can be difficult to open, which is ideal for preventing your chain from coming undone. However, trigger clasps can be a bit bulky and may not lay flat against your skin, so they may not be the best option if you are looking for a sleek and elegant look.


Another type of clasp that is popular for silver chains is the lobster claw clasp. This clasp is much smaller and more delicate than the trigger clasp, which makes it a great option for those who want a more dainty look. The lobster claw clasp is also very secure, so you don’t have to worry about losing your chain/
If you are looking for a clasp that is both sleek and secure, then the toggle clasp is a great option. Toggle clasps are easy to open and close, but they are also very secure. This makes them a great option for those who want the best of both worlds.


Finally, the spring clasp is a great option for those who want a clasp that is both secure and easy to use. Spring clasps are made with a small spring that helps to keep the clasp closed, but they are still easy to open and close. This makes them a great choice for those who want a sleek and elegant look but don’t want to have to worry about their chain coming undone.



Q: WHY DO SILVER CHAINS COME IN SO MANY COLORS?


A: Silver is a naturally white metal, but it can also be found in a variety of different colors. The most common colors are yellow, rose, and black. Yellow and rose silver are created by adding different alloys to the metal, while black silver is created through a process called anodization. Yellow silver is the most popular color for silver chains.



Q: WHAT ARE ITALIAN SILVER CHAINS?


A: Some people use the term "Italian silver chains" to refer to sterling silver chains made in Italy. Italian silver chains are often considered to be of a higher quality than other types of silver chains because their production is in a country with a long history of fine jewelry making.



Q: WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TERMS FOR SILVER CHAINS:


A. There are a few different terms that are used to describe silver chains:


1. Silver plated: A silver plated chain is one that has a thin layer of silver applied to the surface of another metal. Over time, this silver coating can wear away, exposing the metal beneath it to oxygen and chemicals, which causes it to turn black.


2. Sterling silver: Sterling silver is an alloy of silver and other metals, usually copper. It's 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. The addition of other metals makes sterling chains more durable than pure silver chains, but it's also more prone to tarnishing.


3. Silver-filled: Silver-filled chains are made by bonding a thin layer of silver to a base metal. The percentage of silver is usually lower than sterling silver, but it's still more durable than pure silver.


4. Silver-tone: These silver colored chains are made of a metal that resembles silver and does not contain actual silver. Silver colored chains are less expensive than sterling silver or silver-filled chains, but they are also less durable.



Q: WHY DO SILVER CHAINS TURN BLACK?


Well, not all silver chains turn black. It depends upon the coating and manufacturing process.


A. FACTORS


First, silver chain jewelry is often coated with a protective layer. For example, silver is frequently coated with rhodium, making it more resistant to tarnish. But all silver will eventually turn black if not cared for properly. This includes not replating your silver chains every few years to restore their original luster.


Also, each manufacturer uses a different thickness for their protective plating. A thicker plating will take longer to show signs of wear. In contrast, a thinner plating tarnishes much sooner. This is because a thin layer's plating will fade away, and the silver is going to begin to actually touch your skin! The oils from your skin will cause this newly exposed silver to tarnish.


B. PLATING OPTIONS


Other great plating options for silver chains are:


Platinum. Platinum is a noble metal and does not tarnish. It is a great option for those with allergies to nickel. Well, it is also five times more expensive than gold! So, you know it will last.


Palladium. Like platinum, palladium is a great hypoallergenic option and will not tarnish. You won't have to worry about your silver chain jewelry causing a rash or any allergic reaction.


C. OXIDATION


It's a common question, and the answer is actually pretty simple. Silver chains turn black because of a process called oxidation. When silver chains are exposed to oxygen, it forms a thin layer of silver oxide on the surface of the metal. This silver oxide is black in color, and it's what gives your silver chain that dirty, tarnished look.


But the main reason why silver chains turn black is because of the body's chemistry. The oils and sweat on our skin contain sulfur. When these come into contact with silver chains, it causes a chemical reaction that turns silver chains black. This is why you often see people with black marks on their skin where they were wearing silver jewelry. This is also why it's important to clean your silver jewelry regularly to remove any build-up of sweat and chemicals.


Silver oxide is not permanent, however. You can remove it from your silver chains with a simple cleaning solution made of warm water and all-natural dish soap. Cleaning silver chains is easy. Just soak your silver chains in the cleaning solution for a few minutes, then use a soft polishing cloth to buff away the oxide. With a little effort, your silver chains will look good as new.


THE BREAKDOWN:


There are a few reasons why silver chains turn black:


1. Silver is a reactive metal, so it can tarnish when it comes into contact with certain chemicals in the air or on your skin. These chemicals include sulfur and oxygen.


2. Silver is a porous metal, so it can absorb these harsh chemicals, which cause it to turn black. The most common one is sulfur, which is found in the oils and sweat on your skin. Another is chlorine, which is found in pool water and household cleaners.


3. Silver chains are often coated with a thin protective layer of another metal, like rhodium. Over time, this coating can wear away, exposing the silver beneath it to oxygen and chemicals, which causes it to turn black. Hence, replating on a semi-annual basis is important!


4. Silver chains can also turn black if they're not cleaned regularly. Cleaning silver chains with soap and water will do the trick, or you can use a jewelry cleaning cloth.



Q: HOW LONG DO SILVER CHAINS LAST?


A: With proper care, silver chains can last a lifetime. However, they may need to be cleaned and polished on a regular basis to maintain their shine.



Q: HOW TO CLEAN SILVER CHAINS?


A: To clean your tarnished silver chain, you can use a jewelry cleaning cloth or a simple solution made of water and dish soap. Just soak your tarnished silver chain in the solution for a few minutes, then use a soft cloth to buff away any tarnish. With a little effort, your silver chain will look good as new.



Q: HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN SILVER CHAINS?


A: Silver chains should be cleaned every few weeks to remove any build-up of sweat and chemicals. If you wear your silver chain daily, it's a good idea to clean it once a week.



Q: HOW TO SHINE A SILVER CHAIN?


A: To buff your silver chains, you can use a soft, clean jewelry cloth. Gently rub the cloth along the surface of the silver to remove any tarnish. If your silver chains are particularly dirty or tarnished, you may need to soak them in a mild cleaning solution before buffing them with a cloth.



Q: HOW TO PREVENT TARNISH ON SILVER CHAINS?


A: You recently purchased new silver jewelry. Whether it's a ring, bracelet, or necklace, you want to keep it as shiny and new-looking as possible. Here are some pointers on how to look after your new bling.


✖️ Stay away from water. Water easily tarnishes silver, so avoid wearing silver chains for extended periods of time while in contact with water. When silver is stored or displayed near water or other sources of humidity, such as steam heaters and bathroom windows, it will tarnish. If you're cleaning with water, make sure to take off your silver jewelry first.


Similarly, avoid wearing jewelry while engaging in strenuous physical activity. Sweat contains salty acids, which can tarnish your silver. One of the most common causes of tarnished silver is sweat.


✖️ Clean your jewelry at regular intervals to prevent tarnish on silver chains. Cleaning off dirt and grime on a regular basis prevents tarnish from forming in the crevices of your chains, where it is more difficult to reach. To clean your silver jewelry, you can use polishing cloths, special silver cleaners, soapy water, and a soft-bristle toothbrush. Harsh chemicals and abrasives should be avoided because they can damage the silver metal.


After cleaning your silver chains, rinse them with clean water and thoroughly dry them with a soft cloth. Then, to keep your silver from tarnishing, keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.


✖️ To help protect your silver chains, you can also use commercial anti-tarnish strips. These strips emit a gas that inhibits the formation of tarnish on the surface of silver chains. These anti-tarnish strips can be purchased at most hardware stores or online. Place a strip in your jewelry box or storage container with your silver jewelry to prevent tarnish and replace it every few months.


✖️ Keep chemicals away from your shiny silver chain to avoid tarnish (perfume, paint thinner, gasoline, etc.). If these chemicals come into contact with silver, they will tarnish it almost instantly. So, if you're going to be working with any harsh chemicals, remove your silver jewelry first.


✖️ Clean your sterling silver chains as little as possible, as this can strip the metal and cause it to lose its protective coating. Over-cleaning can also cause scratching, so only clean your silver jewelry when it is visibly dirty.


✖️ Over-cleaning can also cause your silver chains to develop a dull finish. When possible, use gentle cleaning methods such as polishing cloths and mild silver cleaners. These will not strip the metal or remove the protective coating and will help keep your silver jewelry looking new and shiny.


✖️ Keep a safe distance from cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke contains nicotine and tar, both of which are extremely damaging to your silver. If you want to keep your silver from tarnishing, keep acidic foods like citrus fruits (lemons, oranges, and limes) and vinegar away from them.


✖️ Avoid extreme hot and cold temperatures to prevent jewelry tarnish. When exposed to high temperatures, such as in an oven or dishwasher, silver chains tarnish quickly and turn dark gray. Similarly, when silver chains are exposed to extreme cold, they tarnish. So, avoid freezing your silver jewelry or leaving it out in the hot sun.


✖️ Humidity should be avoided. If your silver is not protected, humidity can penetrate it and cause it to tarnish even faster. It should never be stored in a bathroom because the steam could damage the finish. Silver should always be stored in an airtight container rather than being displayed where humidity can reach it.


Even if you use a jewelry box, it is best to first place each chain in a polybag to protect it from tarnish.


✖️Reduce your jewelry's exposure to air pollution and smog to prevent tarnish. Sulfur and other chemical substances in air pollution quickly tarnish silver chains.


If you must wear sterling silver jewelry on a long car ride, remove it and place it safely in your purse or accessory compartment. Car exhaust contains chemicals that hasten the tarnishing of jewelry and accelerates the oxidation of metals.


✖️Use materials that are tarnish-resistant. A protective layer that seals the surface of the metal from oxygen and sulfur-based compounds in the air is essential for preventing tarnishing in sterling silver. These extra layers protect sterling silver by plating it with a thin, protective coating such as rhodium.


✖️Never use abrasive materials to polish or dry your silver chains, such as a rough paper towel or napkin. Abrasives will scratch the surface of your silver chains, making them appear duller over time. It will also remove the rhodium plating, which keeps silver from tarnishing.


✖️If you want to keep your jewelry from tarnishing, purchase a non-tarnish jewelry box or a specific airtight container for storing your silver jewelry. These are excellent methods for protecting your silver from moisture and preventing it from turning dark.


✖️You should not store silver jewelry with other metals. Storing silver with other jewelry metals (such as copper) can cause tarnishing because some metals are oxidizers, causing your silver chains to tarnish.


Don't worry. Storing gold and silver chain necklaces together won't tarnish your silver. Mixing gold and silver chain necklaces is ok since gold is a non-oxidizing metal.


✖️ Use caution when wearing certain fabrics; not all materials are suitable for wearing with silver jewelry. High acidity fabrics, such as wool and dyed cotton fabrics, can tarnish silver chains faster than other materials.


✖️Avoid contact with rubber, latex, and other soft materials as well. Because they contain sulfur atoms, which can break down the protective layer of metal on your silver jewelry, these materials cause your 925 sterling silver chains to tarnish more quickly. It is best to keep your sterling silver away from these substances.


You can keep your sterling silver jewelry looking shiny and new for years to come now that you know how to keep your silver chains from tarnishing. Just keep it cool and dry, away from other metals (like copper), fabrics (like wool), and soft materials (like latex). With proper care, your sterling silver will remain beautiful for a lifetime.



Q: HOW TO STORE STERLING SILVER SO IT DOESN'T TARNISH?


A: The best way to store silver chains is in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. You can also store them in a jewelry box or pouch. If you're not wearing your silver chains, it's a good idea to put them in an anti-tarnish bag or poly bag. This will help keep your silver chains clean and prevent them from tarnishing.



Q: ARE UNCOATED SILVER CHAINS BAD?


A: A sterling silver unfinished chain will tarnish over time, but you can prevent this by regularly cleaning and polishing it. If you don't want to deal with the upkeep of a sterling silver unfinished chain, you can opt for a plated silver chain. A plated silver chain has a layer of another metal, like rhodium, that helps to protect the silver from tarnishing.



Q: I HAVE A SILVER ALLERGY, CAN I STILL WEAR SILVER CHAINS?


A: Yes, you can still wear silver chains if you have a silver allergy. There are a few options for people with metal allergies:


1. You can choose a shiny silver chain that has been coated with a layer of glossy rhodium. This will help to protect your skin from coming into contact with the silver.


2. You can also use clear nail polish to coat the silver chain. This will create a barrier between your skin and the silver.



Q: HOW TO TELL IF A SILVER CHAIN IS REAL?


A: 1.Look for Jewelry Stamps


 To tell if your silver chains are real, look for a jewelry hallmark that says "sterling" or "925." Jewelry stamped with 925 indicates that you have good quality silver chains that are less likely to tarnish. A jewelry hallmark can usually be found on the clasp of a necklace or bracelet. If you don't see jewelry stamped with 925, that doesn't necessarily mean your silver is fake, but it may be that they are not good quality silver chains and thus more prone to tarnishing. Lower quality silver chains are often made with an abundance of alloy metals, and a small amount of real silver.


2. The Sterling Test


After checking for jewelry stamps, try testing silver with the odor test. Because sterling silver is odorless, you can smell the piece in question. Is there a distinct odor? While testng silver, if you can smell sulfur or a strong metallic odor then it is not sterling silver. The item may be silver-plated, but the scent suggests that it does not entirely consist of sterling silver. The sterling test is an excellent test for those of us who have a keen sense of smell.



Q: WILL SILVER CHAINS TURN MY SKIN GREEN?


A: Sterling silver is a type of silver that is 92.5% pure silver. The other 7.5% is composed of other metals, most commonly copper and zinc, which give a sturdy sterling silver chain its durability.


Because of a chemical reaction between the metal and your skin, your neck may become green. Copper is usually to blame.; it reacts with the pH levels on your skin to create the green color where your skin and the metal meet.


Take a look at the hand lotion beside your bed - even if your skin isn't sensitive, some products' chemicals may cause the metal to oxidize.



Q: ARE SILVER CHAINS GOOD?


A: Yes, silver chains are good quality. Silver is a durable metal that is resistant to tarnishing. When cared for properly, silver chains can last for many years.

  


Q: HOW MUCH ARE SILVER CHAINS?


A: Silver chain costs will vary depending on many factors such as silver quality, construction, the chains' length, etc. For example, a solid silver chain can range in price from $85 and up. A solid silver chain costs more than a hollow chain because it requires more construction material.


However, a lower silver quality chain such ass silver-plated will be less expensive, but it is also more likely to tarnish. The chains' length will also affect the price. A shorter chain will be less expensive than a longer one.  


WRAPPING UP


If you're thinking about purchasing a silver chain, don't let the fear of it turning black stop you. With a little care and cleaning, your silver chain jewelry will last for years to come. Do you have any questions about silver chains that we didn't answer here? Let us know by emailing us at info@bonheurjewelry.com. Thanks for reading!