Is Brighton Jewelry Sterling Silver?
Brighton is a family-owned and operated business based in California. The brand sells a variety of accessories, including Brighton jewelry, Brighton charms, Brighton sunglasses, Brighton handbags, and more.
This article will focus on Brighton jewelry, providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision when buying their jewelry. It will cover the type of metals Brighton uses to make their jewelry, whether it is considered good quality, and the pros and cons of real silver. It will also answer some of the most commonly asked questions about real silver.
What materials are used to make Brighton jewelry?
While many people are under the impression that Brighton jewelry is made from pure silver, this is not actually true. Instead, Brighton jewelry is made using a blend of different metals, notably brass and zinc, which is coated in silver plating. This gives the items the appearance of real silver minus the price tag and drawbacks associated with it.
That being said, some of Brighton’s jewelry is created from sterling silver, a cheaper, more durable option than pure silver, which is commonly used in jewelry making. This may cause some people to think that their jewelry is made from real silver. Moreover, some of Brighton’s silver jewelry creations can be quite costly, which many interpret as an indication of pure silver, adding to the confusion.
Brighton earring posts, lever backs, and French wires are made of sterling silver. On the other hand, clip-on earrings are made of stamped brass with a plating finish. Certain ring styles from Brighton are also manufactured in sterling silver. These rings will have the ‘925’ stamp on the inside of the band.
How is Brighton jewelry made?
Each piece is created through a multi-step process, beginning with a designer’s hand sketch. It is then cast in a solid brass or zinc alloy and coated in pure silver. Because silver is naturally prone to tarnishing (oxidization) and scratching, a protective lacquer is added to slow this process.
Does Brighton jewelry tarnish?
In general, few metals will maintain their luster if they aren’t well cared for and stored properly. Unfortunately, the same can be said for sterling silver and plated jewelry in particular. This means that Brighton jewelry will inevitably show signs of tarnishing over time. Of course, you can slow down this process and keep your jewelry looking good as new by following the jewelry care guide on the Brighton website.
Why is Brighton jewelry expensive?
Brighton jewelry can still be quite costly despite not being made from real silver. Especially compared to other brands that don’t use pure silver either. So, why the price tag?
One of the main reasons Brighton jewelry can command high prices is due to its protective lacquer that prevents it from tarnishing. This is a unique feature of the Brighton brand, which is reflected in the price of its jewelry.
Brighton is also renowned for its accessories, meaning you pay for the name when you buy from them.
Is Brighton jewelry worth it?
Brighton has established itself as a popular brand for jewelry, which many people believe reflects the quality of the items it produces. This is evident in the customer reviews it receives, which are fairly good regarding quality.
That being said, most consider it the equivalent of costume jewelry. This is because it is not made from real silver or another precious metal like gold. This makes it difficult to compare it to a brand that specializes in fine jewelry, like James Allen or Blue Nile, for example.
Of course, there is absolutely nothing wrong with buying costume jewelry if it suits your pocket and you like the way it looks.
Where is Brighton jewelry made?
The Brighton company manufactures a variety of accessories, including handbags and shoes. These are all made in different places around the world. However, Brighton jewelry is mainly produced in Taiwan.
Brighton Jewelry Pros and Cons
Pros
- Brighton jewelry is more affordable than real silver jewelry.
- Brighton jewelry is composed of metal alloys and silver plating, making it less susceptible to scratching. Comparatively, pure silver is very soft and easy to damage. This can be a letdown for people who pay a lot for a genuine silver piece.
Cons
- Brighton jewelry can be fairly expensive for a brand that uses cheap metal alloys to make its jewelry. This can be a turn-off for some, especially considering that it may not last as long as a piece made from a more prestigious precious metal like gold.
- Even with the proper care and maintenance, Brighton jewelry will eventually tarnish as its protective lacquer wears off. This can be a real disappointment, given the price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions About Silver Jewelry
How can you tell if jewelry is made from real silver?
The easiest way to tell if a jewelry piece is genuine silver is to look for a hallmark. This refers to a stamp in the metal, usually a number, that indicates how pure the metal is. In the case of sterling silver, the number you are looking for is ‘925’.
Sometimes, it can be difficult to find the hallmark, especially if the jewelry piece is old or worn. However, there is another way you can tell whether or not your jewelry is real silver. Consider the way the piece feels and smells. If your jewelry has a bumpy or uneven texture, it may be fake, as real silver is typically very smooth. Of course, some jewelers purposefully add texture to their silver creations, so this isn’t a good test to use on its own. If the piece also has a metallic smell, it is almost certainly fake, as pure silver is completely odorless.
Does real silver tarnish?
Like gold, pure silver does not tarnish. However, sterling silver does because it is mixed with copper. Thus, sterling silver may develop some blackness or discoloration when exposed to certain chemicals in the air.
Fortunately, this can be easily avoided by wearing your jewelry regularly, as the oils in your skin will help keep the tarnish at bay. If you don’t plan on wearing the piece all the time, though, ensure that you store it properly in a tarnish-resistant bag away from direct sunlight. You can also polish the piece with some silver cleaner or take it to a professional jeweler for cleaning if it starts to show signs of tarnish.
How do you care for real silver?
As mentioned, you can clean your silver jewelry using silver cleaner and a soft polishing cloth. Do not scrub the piece or use abrasive cleaning agents, as this may damage the metal.
Ensure the piece is completely dry before wrapping it separately in tarnish-resistant fabric or acid-free tissue paper and placing it inside a zip-top plastic bag.
Is it worth buying jewelry made from real silver?
There’s no denying that silver is a stunning choice for jewelry, and many consider it the only metal worth buying.
If you love jewelry and are willing to spend a bit more on a piece that will last for many years to come, then real silver is definitely worth buying.
Closing Thoughts on Brighton Jewelry
Contrary to popular belief, the majority of Brighton’s jewelry pieces are not made from real silver. Instead, each piece is cast in solid brass or zinc and plated with silver, then given a protective layer of lacquer. However, certain pieces are made from sterling silver. You can tell the pieces apart by looking for the ‘925’ hallmark stamp.
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