875 standard: what is this metal?
Surely you know what they are jewelry of 875 assay value. They can be made of yellow or white metal and have a characteristic shine. For the most part, this metal was used during the Soviet era, products from it were passed on from our grandmothers to mothers.
It can be difficult for an inexperienced person to determine what kind of metal such jewelry and kitchen utensils are cast from - some believe that there is a sample of 875 gold. Let's find out if this is really so.
What it is?
In accordance with the metric system adopted in Russia, gold with 875 fineness does not exist... But there is silver of the corresponding modification - this explains the origin of jewelry or other products on which the 875 mark is.
This is a noble metal, the presence of the main component in which is 87.5%, the remaining 12.5% are impurities. In other words, for every kilogram of alloy there is 125 g of master alloy, most often it is copper.
This metal is mainly used for making cutlery, while for jewelry they often take a higher quality one, the standard of which is 925.
From above, such a thing happens gildedtherefore some unscrupulous sellers pass off silver items as gold items. The sample itself looks like a head turned to the right.
Of special interest are jewelry, the brand on which looks like a star - such things were made in limited quantities from 1958 to 1994 of the last century. Today they are no longer produced, and therefore they represent a certain value for collectors.
Many people have seen jewelry with a fineness of 875 at least once in their lives. Visually, they almost did not differ from gold, which is why many believe that there are samples of gold with this value. In fact, this is completely wrong - if a person sees in front of him a gold jewelry with such a stigma, then you can be sure - in fact, in front of you is nothing more than silver with gildingrather than a high-grade noble metal.
Alloy characteristics
Items marked 875 are an alloy of silver with some other components. They are added in order to improve the performance of the metal as well as improve its appearance. Copper is most often used as impurities, a little less often - nickel and platinum. Some modern jewelry is additionally covered with a layer of rhodium on top - it protects them from scratches and enhances the shine of the product.
Strength of 875 silver higher than that of an alloy in which the presence of the main element is greater, since silver itself is a rather soft element. It is to increase the strength and hardness of the composition that some additional components are added.
Application
If we talk directly about the quality of such a silver alloy, then according to this parameter jewelers put it in second place of all existing silver alloys. The palm is held by 925 test - this metal is considered more expensive, since the concentration of pure argentum in it is much higher. This alloy has become one of the most popular in the manufacture of jewelry. If we compare products of 875 and 925 tests, then the latter will be cleaner and more expensive.
Basically, silver 875 is used for the manufacture of cutlery, which is quite expensive. Alloy 875 lends itself well to any mechanical processing, so a cutlery manufacturer can make the most beautiful and unusual products from it. Particularly attractive is the color and shine of such metal, which attracts manufacturers of dining sets.
In addition, 875 silver is often used to create:
- budget jewelry;
- costume jewelry;
- any accessories;
- interior items.
Due to its affordable price and high performance characteristics, this the material is recognized as one of the most demanded and used in industry in a wide variety of areas.
How to distinguish a fake?
There are quite a few simple, but at the same time, quick and effective methods that will distinguish any silver jewelry from a fake.
The simplest is considered to be the usual magnetization. Many remember from the physics course at school that real Argentum is not magnetized. Therefore, in order to make sure of the authenticity of the jewelry or cutlery offered to you, you just need to hold a magnet over it.
If the product becomes magnetized, then feel free to refuse the purchase, since this is a fake. In case of authenticity, the magnet will simply pass over the surface of the product.
For the second method, no additional devices are required - only your hands. The fact is that real argentum heats up very quickly even from body heat. The same cannot be said about a fake.
Just hold the proposed product in the palm of your hand - if it becomes warm, then you have a real precious metal in front of you.
To check, you can use the usual school chalk... If you rub it on a real silver surface, it will change its white tint to metallic.
If possible, drip to the surface a drop of iodine, on real silver it turns black and will be very difficult to erase.
There are some home screening methods that can be used to distinguish an authentic gold piece from a gilded argentum piece. For example, gilded silver reveals lapis pencil, which can be purchased at any pharmacy.If you draw a line with such a pencil on a silver surface, then the strip will darken, while real gold will not react in any way.
In order to be sure of the authenticity of the jewelry you purchase, it is best to shop at trusted jewelry stores.
Special care should be taken when purchasing gold sold abroad, especially in resort areas - here you can often find fake jewelry sold to tourists at the price of real ones.
How to care?
Like any Argentum alloy, the 875 metal is highly susceptible to oxidative processes in the process of interaction with air and sulfur compounds. Silver is one of the most reactive metals that interact with the elements in the air. If an object or jewelry made of silver of 875 assay value is used for a long time, then they will very quickly turn black and lose their original shine and shade. In addition, the oxidized surface of argentum 875 sample sometimes becomes unpleasant to the touch.
In addition to oxidation, with continued use this the alloy reacts with sulfur, which is present in the air in small quantities. In addition, one of the main sources of sulfur is human sweat - if you often use cutlery made of 875 silver or wear jewelry made of it, then as a result of contact with the skin, they eventually lose their spectacular appearance.
However, you should not be upset. Nowadays, there are quite a few ways that allow you to quickly clear silverware and restore their characteristic shine and color. If you wish, you can always purchase special liquids, they allow you to prevent and level oxidative processes, but these funds are quite expensive.
That is why most of the owners of jewelry of this sample use folk methods - they only need the simplest ingredients.
In the first case, you will need warm water, soda, and citric acid. If from time to time you immerse your products for a quarter of an hour in such a solution, then they will retain their shade and quickly return their characteristic shine.
The second method will also require liquid solution, only instead of lemon it contains ordinary alcohol. It is dissolved in water with the addition of soda... Such a solution completely stops or suspends oxidative processes and thereby prevents the darkening of your silver product.
However, you can use only one soda solution. To return the surface to its original shade, you need to boil the product in it for 15-20 minutes (do not forget to add some foil there).
For cleaning silver, you can use toothpaste - for this, it is applied to a soft fleecy brush and carefully rubbed the surface of the product, after which it is washed and wiped dry.
One of the most effective home remedies for cleansing Argentum is ammonia. To perform the procedure, you need to dissolve the ammonia in water and place the product there for 20 minutes. After such cleansing, it will quickly regain its aesthetic appearance and shimmery shine.
It is very important to pay special attention to the creation of storage conditions for your silver products - they should be placed in a dry place with an air supply, preferably on linen or cotton cloth.
After each use, be sure to Thoroughly wash and dry your 875 silver cutlery.
If you become the owner of jewelry made from such an alloy, take it off before going to the bathhouse or pool, avoid wearing it during other water procedures.
Below is a view of the 875 assay value jewelry.
