You might think that doing something like buying sterling silver frames would be a simple task that anybody can complete, and whilst we do think that anybody can buy a great silver frame, it isn’t always simple if you don’t know the terms that are being used! It is essential to be familiar with all of the phrases and words that are common in the silver world in order to know exactly what you are buying and what you are looking for. With all of this in mind, allow us to help you out! Without further ado, here is a glossary of some of the most important terms that you need to know when browsing for a sterling silver frame.
Sterling Silver
You might assume that the best silver is the ‘purest’ silver, but the truth is that pure silver is just too soft to be able to make homewares with. The gold standard for things like cutlery, frames and other home objects is known as sterling silver, which contains 925 parts per 1000 of silver. You will find the purity of silver engraved into the item, alongside a number of important and essential hallmarks.
Patina
Patina is the word for the distinctive shine that is achieved by a silver frame. It is considered to be the ‘holy grail’ among silver collectors out there, as the best patina can only be gained over a number of months and years of regular polishing. The better your patina is, the bigger proof there is that you have taken care of your silver for a long, long time.
Tarnish
The biggest threat to the condition and quality of any piece of silverware is definitely tarnish. Tarnish is an unattractive black substance that forms on the surface of the silver, as a result of being exposed to certain types of airborne chemicals. In many ways, it can be compared in a similar sense to rust. Once it has formed, tarnish is very difficult to eliminate, and it can have huge impacts on the value of the silver in question.
Mount
When buying frames in particular, you need to choose your mount. This is a sheet of material that is placed into the frame before your photograph or artwork. There are plenty of different mount material options including high quality card, velvet backed card and many more. Picking the right mount can make a big visual difference for the success of the photograph placed inside your frame.
So, now that you know what everything means, it’s time to find the sterling silver frame that is going to be perfect for what you have in mind! The best place to go for the start of your shopping journey is the Sterling Silver Frame website. Take a look at the wide range of frames that we have to offer, and we are confident that you will find something that fits all of your requirements. We look forward to being able to match you up with your new favorite home decor item!