Scottish Chalcedony Sterling Silver Ring

Scottish Chalcedony

Our Chalcedony is sourced from Ardownie in Dundee. A gem traditionally esteemed by Scottish jewellers , this delicately clouded variety of Agate formed throughout the country's ancient lava flows. Popular in Victorian jewellery, particularly in Scotland, where they were cut, faceted and set into 'pebble jewellery', which are fast becoming collector's items.

Sterling Silver (925%)

Why do silversmiths use 925%? Measured in parts per thousand, pure silver (999%) is too soft so silversmiths mix it with other metals to make it it harder. The purer the metal, the higher the polish, but it is a lot softer (thus less durable). The harder the metal is, the more hard wearing the jewellery is, but it will also tarnish easier as it has less silver content. Therefore, the silver industry set a standard percentage content for fine silver (925); what we know as "sterling silver". At Two Skies our silversmiths use 925 (sterling) silver for ring shafts and moving parts, and a very high 950% on our stones settings, which enables us to get a strong jewellery item with a beautiful and secure stone setting, without any gluing. Each piece of our jewellery is hand stamped with our Two Skies Hallmark alongside the recognised industry 925 Hallmark.