silver }

silver is a chemical element (ag from latin argentum, derived from the greek ὰργὀς: shiny or white) + atomic number 47. pure silver (1000) is soft, to make the metal workable it's mixed with copper resulting in a variety of alloys, all precious matters jewelry are made with sterling silver : 925 parts silver / 75 parts copper

maintenance }

to keep your silver items beautiful make sure to sleep, shower, swim, perform household chores, sport without them. 

oxidation }

silver will eventually change from white to black in time. if you don't like this antique patina for your item you could make it shiny + new again with a polishing cloth or silver dip. totally black silver items are oxidized through a chemical process, the blackness is always a very thin layer, it will wear of a bit in time. 

hardness }

2,5 - 3 on the scale of mohs. glossy becomes a bit matte, matte becomes a bit glossy over time.