FAQs

1. What should I look for while buying sterling silver?
Sterling silver is an excellent choice for any new piece of jewellery. The first step is to check the stamp on a new piece you wish to buy. Look for:

• Ster 
• .925
  
• Sterling Silver

At House of B, all our jewellery is stamped with a “.925” as a symbol of guaranteed product quality, but any of these stamps will indicate that the piece is sterling silver and not something else, like silver-plated jewellery. (Learn more about the difference between sterling silver vs. silver.)

2. What is the best type of silver while buying jewellery?

Sterling silver is the most popular and most versatile type of silver used in jewellery. It’s known for its high quality, resilience, and beautiful shine. Sterling silver is made up of 92.5% pure silver with a touch of copper or a similar metal alloy to strengthen the structure.

3. Is silver jewellery worth buying?
Since medieval times, silver has been synonymous with prosperity, and that reputation continues to this day. Silver jewellery is worth buying for anyone who wants to add a little sparkle to their outfits. Refined and beautiful, silver is also more affordable than gold and platinum. It’s an incredibly versatile metal that can look good in many forms, from a dainty sterling silver necklace to a modernist sterling silver bracelet, and more.

4. What type of silver will not tarnish?

Tarnish is natural when dealing with sterling silver, so don’t stress. This is not a reflection of the quality or the care you’ve shown to your jewellery, but merely a side effect of time and exposure to different elements. Pure silver will not tarnish as easily, but is less ideal for many jewellery types due to the softness of the metal. The silver lining? Wearing your sterling silver jewellery often will help to prevent the oxidation that causes tarnish.

5. Why does some silver not tarnish?

Fine silver is naturally resistant to dulling because of its purity. There are no added elements, so it will take much longer to show signs of age, but it will discolour far down the line. However, when it comes to jewellery, fine silver is too malleable to retain its shape, which is why rigid sterling silver is often used to create beautiful pieces. Does sterling silver tarnish? Unfortunately, yes. The same alloys that help strengthen sterling silver jewellery also break down metals through a chemical reaction. The sulfur in the atmosphere collides with the non-silver elements resulting in tarnishing. Fortunately, there are easy steps to take to make your silver jewellery shine. 

6. Can you wear sterling silver in the shower?
You should not wear sterling silver jewellery in the shower. Taking off your silver jewellery before you jump in the shower may be inconvenient, but it’s worth the effort. Water, soaps, and beauty products contain chemicals that can harm or change the colour of your beloved gems and jewels, so tuck your House of B away before you indulge in a shower or bath. 

7. Is sterling silver hypoallergenic?
In its pure form, silver is hypoallergenic. However, since 925 sterling silver is an alloy comprised of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, whether or not it is hypoallergenic will depend on which alloy the silver is mixed with.

8. Find the best sterling jewellery at House of B House
House of B has been offering thoughtfully crafted, best-in-class sterling silver jewellery. With a commitment to quality and selection, we’ll always have unique pieces for you to discover. Browse through our many collections, and don’t forget to check out our sterling silver jewellery.