Reflecting 95% of all the light that strikes it, pure silver is the most lustrous or shiny of all the precious metals. The bright white metal has a higher tensile strength than gold which means it can be repeatedly bent, stretched and shaped without readily cracking or breaking.

However, because pure silver is easily bent, stretched and shaped means it is also extremely soft. If you happen to drop a piece of pure silver jewellery it will be bent out of shape for certain.

To give silver strength and hardness, a small amount of copper is added. The alloy formed is a mix of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper and is known as Sterling Silver and is stamped 925. Palomino Jewels use Sterling Silver in all our Silver Jewellery.

Be aware that not all silver used in Jewellery is Sterling

A lot of European Silver is an alloy of 80% silver and 20% copper or other metals. Jewels made of this type of silver will be stamped 800.

A lot of the cheap jewellery you find being sold at weekend markets is made in Asia and is an alloy of Silver and base metals. It is made with just enough silver to ensure the metal is white and won't rust.

Iron has a readily detectable odour. Quite often if you hold a piece of cheap market jewellery to your nose you will be able to smell the base metal.

All Palomino Sterling Silver Jewellery is entirely designed and made in Australia to ensure optimal quality is maintained not just in the construction but also in the very fabric of the metal itself. 

Avoid Allergic Reactions by using Sterling Silver

Beware of any jewellery with nickel. This can be difficult with cheap jewellery when the base metal is unknown. As Sterling Silver is a mix of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper unless you are allergic to silver or copper you are safe to wear this jewellery.