Silver is one of the most versatile and elegant precious metals, widely used in jewellery, goldsmithing, and industry. When polished, it has a bright-white colour and an intense metallic sheen. It is stable in pure air and in water, but can darken (oxidise) when exposed to sulphur, hydrogen sulphide, or ozone.

Because it is highly malleable and ductile, it is ideal for making detailed jewellery and decorative pieces. Silver jewellery contains 92.5% pure silver, with the remaining 7.5% made up of copper or another metal, which gives the piece added strength.

Beyond jewellery, silver is widely used in mirrors, electronic circuits, batteries, electrical contacts, and medicine. It also has antibacterial properties — silver nanoparticles are used in fabrics and footwear, helping to prevent unpleasant odours and the growth of bacteria.

Silver 925 and Sterling Silver are exactly the same thing — they mean that the alloy is made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. This composition is the international purity standard used in fine jewellery, ensuring shine, durability, and strength.

The term "de lei" (sterling standard) dates back to the 13th century, during the reign of Dom Afonso II, when a law was created punishing goldsmiths who made items with lower-standard alloys. Since then, this standard has remained a benchmark of quality in Portugal and around the world.

Investment silver bars have an even higher purity, corresponding to 999‰ (99.9%) silver, virtually pure silver.

All silver items legally sold in Portugal must carry:

• A maker's mark (identifying the manufacturer or goldsmith);
• A hallmark from Casa da Moeda (INCM), which officially confirms the purity of the metal.

To confirm whether a piece is genuine silver, look for these details:

1. Hallmarks — look for numbers such as "925", "835" or "999", and the eagle's head from Casa da Moeda.
2. Shine and colour — real silver has an intense metallic shine and a white tone with a slight warm hue.
3. Magnet test — silver is not magnetic, so it should not be attracted to magnets.
4. Ice test — ice melts quickly on contact with silver, due to its thermal conductivity.
5. Weight and feel — silver is a dense metal, heavy for its size.
6. Professional appraisal — at Loja do Ouro and Gold Store Premium, we offer free appraisals of your items using precise methods certified by Casa da Moeda.

Avoid using acids or abrasive homemade methods, as these can damage the pieces. A professional appraisal is always the safest way to confirm the authenticity of silver.

Silver is a precious and noble metal, valued for its shine and purity, while steel is a common metal alloy (usually of iron and carbon). Steel is more resistant and affordable, but it has no intrinsic market value.

Silver pieces are more valuable and long-lasting, and can be resold and recycled. Steel, on the other hand, is ideal for everyday jewellery due to its resistance, but it is not considered a precious metal.

The darkening of silver is a natural oxidation process. When silver comes into contact with sulphur present in the air, sweat, or cosmetic products, a thin film called silver sulphide forms, darkening the surface. This phenomenon does not damage the piece or reduce its value — it is simply a surface reaction.

The good news is that oxidation is reversible — simply clean it with a suitable cloth or an appropriate cleaning solution.

Tip: Store your silver pieces in dry places, away from chemical products. You can also use anti-humidity sachets in jewellery boxes to reduce oxidation.

Silver 925 is hypoallergenic and rarely causes skin reactions. However, some very sensitive individuals may react to the copper present in the remaining 7.5% of the alloy. In these cases, it's best to opt for rhodium-plated pieces, which create a protective barrier between the metal and the skin.

All pieces from Loja do Ouro and Gold Store Premium are nickel-free, complying with European dermatological safety standards.

Silver is resistant, but frequent contact with salt water, chlorine, perfume, and chemical products can cause it to darken and lose its shine. It's therefore recommended to remove your pieces before showering, or going into the pool or the sea. After wearing, clean with a soft, dry cloth and store in a place free from humidity.

Over time, it's natural for silver jewellery to darken due to oxidation. This is only a surface phenomenon and can be easily reversed. Follow these effective methods:

1. Cleaning Silver with Salt and Aluminium Foil

• Pour hot water into a bowl with salt and pieces of aluminium foil;
• Submerge the pieces for 5 to 10 minutes;
• Remove, rinse in cold water, and dry with a soft cloth. The shine will be restored instantly!

Avoid this method if the pieces have glued-on stones, as hot water can affect the glue.

2. Cleaning Silver with Toothpaste

Apply a small amount of white toothpaste to a soft-bristled brush and gently rub the piece. Then rinse and dry well. The natural shine will return immediately.

3. Specific products

There are silver polishes and liquids available for purchase that are safe and effective. At Loja do Ouro and Gold Store Premium, we also offer a professional cleaning and polishing service, ideal for antique pieces or those with delicate stones.

Tip: Always store your pieces clean and thoroughly dry, individually, in cloth or felt pouches to prevent scratches and oxidation.

The price of silver is determined by the international market, and is set in US dollars per ounce (28.35g) on the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA). In Portugal, this value is converted into euros per gram or per kilo.

You can see the quotation here, which varies daily according to global demand, inflation, mining production, and exchange rate fluctuations.

Before selling silver — whether in the form of jewellery, coins, decorative items, or utensils — it's important to know the factors that determine its value:

1. Silver purity: the higher the percentage of pure silver (for example, 925 or 999), the more valuable the piece.
2. International quotation: silver is quoted on the stock exchange, and its value changes daily.
3. Hallmarks: these guarantee the authenticity and quality of the alloy.

Free appraisal: at Loja do Ouro and Gold Store Premium, we offer free appraisals of your silver items and let you know the best selling price.

Yes. Loja do Ouro buys jewellery, coins, cutlery, bars, and decorative items made of silver, even if used, oxidised, or incomplete.

The appraisal is always free of charge and immediate, and payment is made on the spot, by transfer, cheque, or cash (up to the legal limit).