One of the great advantages of this Internet era is that we have easy, instant access to a global market of goods. This is particularly true when you find yourself searching for sterling silver findings. There’s an international selection of beautiful sterling silver pieces that are only a few keyboard clicks away. Gorgeous two-tone Bali-style findings, including S-hooks, toggles, crimp beads, and bead caps with striking contrast patterns, are now widely available, as are unique hand-cast clasps, beads, bails, and earring wires
Sterling silver findings, of course, are the natural choice for any piece that features silver chain, silver beads, or silver pendants. But sterling silver findings also work beautifully as dramatic accents for a wide range of beads: from gemstones—turquoise, black and green onyx, amethyst, smoky quartz blue chalcedony, larimar, citrine, agates, carnelian, garnets, moonstones, and lapis lazuli—to natural beads like spiny oyster shell, wood, bone, and lacquer, as well as enamel and glass beads.
Combining metals in a single piece of jewelry has recently come into vogue, and sterling silver findings provide wonderful contrast with oxidized silver. For a unique and unforgettable piece, try mixing sterling silver chains with charms, also in those metals, and either crystal beads or a gemstone pendant or two.
“Bold and Beautiful” have become fashion catchwords over the last few years. Fashion and celebrity magazines have been filled with models and stars wearing striking, chunky pieces of jewelry. Box chain bracelets and necklaces, for example, have become increasingly popular, and sterling silver jump rings are all you need to craft this high-fashion look. Even health magazines have caught on to this trend. A recent issue of Prevention, which is hardly aimed at fashionistas, , features Katie Couric wearing a royal blue sheathe dress. And her only piece of jewelry? A thick silver cable chain necklace.
If you want your sterling silver findings to shine, there are a number of home remedies—some involving baking soda or toothpaste—as well as commercial silver cleaners and buffing cloths that have been chemically treated.
Sterling silver findings are among the most versatile of all the metal findings. They work with everything, from the casual to the trendy to the most elegant jewelry.