| Good quality is always a preference when | | | | the item have good quality clasps bearing the |
| shopping for sterling silver chains and it's wise to | | | | silver mark? Are the individual rings professionally |
| be aware that there are individuals who are willing | | | | worked off and of uniform thickness and size? Do |
| to sell inferior quality silver at inflated prices. It is | | | | you notice any imperfections such as rough edges |
| important to be able to discern the difference | | | | or surfaces? Are the lines of the piece clean and |
| between a poorly made item and a high quality | | | | symmetrical? Does the chain feel silky and |
| silver item. You pay for quality and although we | | | | lustrous to the touch? |
| appreciate a good bargain, be sure that your | | | | An inferior quality product will immediately appear |
| bargain does not turn out to be of poor quality. | | | | too shiny and feel lightweight in the hand. High |
| Your first clue to a good quality sterling silver item | | | | quality sterling silver chains will be able to stand |
| is whether there are any hallmarks on the | | | | years of use and should not easily lose their |
| product. Hallmarks, or assay marks, are used to | | | | shape or lustre. A poorly made product will have |
| determine the quality, year and place of | | | | noticeable imperfections to the finish and will |
| manufacture and will often include a maker's | | | | tarnish more easily. |
| mark. A quality sterling silver chain will surely have | | | | Take your time to scrutinize these aspects of |
| a sterling guarantee, often in the form of a lion | | | | your possible purchase. Does the clasp open and |
| stamped into the metal. A town marking and date | | | | close easily or is it rather stiff? Do you see a |
| letter will also be present. These markings can | | | | hallmark on the clasp? Take note of the general |
| range from such symbols as castles and crowns | | | | lustre of the sterling silver chain. Does it feel silky |
| for the town of assay, along with a date letter | | | | smooth or do you detect imperfections or sharp |
| set in either a square, circle or a shield. The | | | | edges? These are all telltale signs that can point to |
| maker's mark will be represented in simple initials. | | | | an inferior product. |
| In the beginning of 1999 all European silver was | | | | A sterling silver chain is a gift to be treasured for |
| set to conform to a specific standard and now all | | | | years to come and a good quality purchase will |
| sterling chains and other items without the 925 | | | | bring you years of pleasurable use. Long after |
| stamp are to be regarded as white metal, | | | | inferior products have fallen by the wayside, your |
| meaning that their silver content cannot be readily | | | | favourite piece, perhaps a gift from your |
| established. Aside from the telltale stamp, one can | | | | granddaughter, or the family heirloom given to |
| tell a good quality piece by weight and | | | | you by your mother, will still be as beautiful today |
| appearance. | | | | as it was all those years ago when it was gifted |
| How well made is your sterling silver chain? Does | | | | to you. |