| Q. |
What is silver and its features? |
| A. |
Chemical symbol is Ag. It is a shiny, stainless, valuable and white metal. It is the whitest metal in all metals. When fully polished, a perfectly reflective surface is acquired, thus silver is used for optical panels. Silver is conductive –one of the fastest and best conducting metals. Negative energy in human body is quickly cleared if the person has silver on. It also conducts heat; that is why heat is distributed quickly throughout the textile products where silver is used. Silver is antibacterial: It does not host germs but destroys them. It is a ductile metal which is easy to be processed. |
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| Q. |
What is “925 carat” and how is it determined? |
| A. |
In effect, 925 is the amount [per cent] of pure silver within the copper-silver alloy. Pure silver is 1000 carat. Due to the softness of silver, some difficulties occur in its processing or use. Therefore, slight amount of copper is mixed into silver to solidify. This way it becomes more durable and healthier while being processed and used. |
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| Q. |
Why does silver tarnish? |
| A. |
There is one metal silver cannot chemically accord with, and that is sulphur. And considerable amount of sulphur exists in air which is caused by gases from vehicle exhausts or chimneys. Human sweat may also tarnish silver. This occurence does not mean that a metal is not silver; on the contrary, its silverness must be doubted if it does not tarnish despite its contact with air and/or sweat. |
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| Q. |
What should we pay attention to while buying silver? |
| A. |
The most important point is the existence of ‘925’ seal. There might be exceptional cases but most probably the seal is found. Another consideration is the seal of the producer firm which reads the name of the brand or company. Stone pieces and platings on the product and quality of craftmanship are very important, too. Problem-free long time usage of the product depends on these factors. |
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| Q. |
How do we know silver is genuine? |
| A. |
Only experts can recognize whether a piece of silver is genuine or not. It is very difficult to determine that by just looking at its color. If it has ‘925’ seal on it, the piece is probably silver. Silver oxidizes [tarnishes] through reaction with sweat or air. This distinguishes silver from other metals. Also, silver can be turned back to its original color with very simple tecniques, while this is very difficult for other metals. |
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| Q. |
What is German silver? |
| A. |
Contrary to popular belief, German silver has nothing to do with silver. It is made out of metals such as sheet iron or copper, and is plated by silver and/or nickel. Differentiating it from silver requires expertise, because it is very hard to figure it out by its color. Unlike silver, it attracts magnet. Also, it is about fifteen times cheaper than genuine silver. |
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| Q. |
What features of silver jewelry determine its price? |
| A. |
The value of 925 carat silver mine does not change in any product. However, craftsmanship, stones adorning it, and the quality of its plating determine the jewelry price. Besides, weight of silver is a significant factor in cost. |
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| Q. |
How to keep silver? |
| A. |
It is convenient to keep silver with no contact with air and light when it is not used. This way it can be saved for a long time without losing its first-day look. |
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| Q. |
How to clean and shine tarnished silver? |
| A. |
The most practical way of cleaning silver is to rub it softly with a silver-cleaner cloth [cotton fabric can also do it] by adding silver-shiner cream. This way silver turns back to its previous color. However, this method may not work in elaborate/recessed products. In such case professional help is needed. |
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| Q. |
How good is silver for human health? |
| A. |
Silver is one of the best conductor metals. Silver jewelry that touch the body relax the person by taking away negative ions accumulated in the body. In addition, the "Oligo Activity" feature of silver destructs potentially harmful amounts of radiation on people. In short, wearing silver is one way of getting rid of stress.
Silver objects cleanse bacteria and kill germs. Since it has been known for a very long time, people who were worried to be poisoned drank water from silver cups. Water kept in silver cups/plates is cleared from germs and poison and can be drunk safely. That is also why water is advised to be given to babies in silver cups. In these days, silver foils are used in water filters. The use of silver plates, spoons, or forks is also effective in destroying germs. For example, Greeks used silver to clear bacteria in food and water containers. Scientists found that no microbe could survive in silver for more than six minutes. Dr. Mark Hovel reported in “British Medical Journal” that silver is especially useful in virus control. It is also known that surgical instruments are made out of silver. |
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| Q. |
Is silver allergenic? |
| A. |
Silver is anti-bacterial. It does not cause allergy; on the contrary, it destroys germs where it touches. In some cases, chemicals mixed with silver may cause allergy. Tekbir Silver products do not contain such chemicals. |
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| Q. |
What is rhodanising? |
| A. |
Rhodanising is a kind of plating over silver. It gives silver the look of white gold by slightly darkening its color. Rhodanized products take longer to oxidize and keep their brilliance for a long time. |
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