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-   -   Types of silver (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=517958)

  • Oct 18, 2010, 01:52 PM
    dsilvanu
    Types of silver
    Hi. I am aware that silver has a metallic shine to it. My question is, is there another type of silver with a tinge of yellow to it? Is there some other metal combined with the silver? I want to polish some of my collectibles but am afraid to use silver polish as it might not be the correct polish. Please advise.
  • Oct 18, 2010, 03:14 PM
    ma0641
    Silver is alloyed with other metals and because of impurities is never pure. Electrolytic grade silver is 99.99, sterling is 92% or so, coin silver less. Wikipedia lists alloys of silver. Silver oxidizes in air, that's what you polish off. Most "silverware" is EP, electroplate. Look at the hallmark on your pieces. Nornal tarnish has a blacky yellow color. If you have worn through the silver plate, it will be yellow for sure since almost all of the plating is done over brass, a bright yellow alloy of copper and zinc.

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