Black Onyx Sterling Silver Gecko Pendant and Earrings.

This pendant is a true work of art. This pendant features the traditional Pueblo Indian image of the gecko in shimmering Sterling Silver. This impressive Sterling Silver pendant has been inlaid with intricately hand cut stones of genuine Black Onyx. A hand twisted Sterling Silver wire has been included for extra detail. Non Indian made. Suspended from a complimentary chain, this pendant is 2-3/8" long. The matching post earrings are 1" long. Stamped Sterling.

All That Shines

How to clean and care for your silver, whether it's on your bridle, bola or buffet. Not all that glitters is silver - Before you clean, know your metal. In the U.S.today, there are three basic metal alloys known as "silver.": sterling silver, German silver and silver plate. You don't clean all of them the same way. In fact, one needs virtually no cleaning.

Silver is used frequently on tack and jewelry, items you really want to shine in the show ring or to just show off. To keep yours brilliant, here's a brief rundown on the composition of silver alloys and how to clean them.

Sterling silver is actually a government standard. To earn the designation "sterling," the metal must contain at least 92.5 percent silver. It tarnishes over time, requiring a regular polish to restore its luster.

German silver is a trade name and a term that came into use years ago among German silversmiths for their nickel alloys. Also called nickel silver, it's the most inexpensive metal of the three types and tarnishes more quickly than sterling.

Silver plate 99.9 percent pure silver, coated or "plated" over a base metal, that may be copper, brass or bronze, depending on the how the silversmith plans to use it. To prevent tarnish, many silversmiths then plate the silver with another substance, such as a lacquer. Despite this final outer coating, most lacquer will yellow over time. One company, Montana Silversmiths, found a way to prevent the yellowing. Using a patented procedure and material, company silversmiths plate their silver with "Montana armor," a substance the company claims is about 64 times more wear resistant than lacquer. In fact, it's so durable, the company warrants its silver plate for life. It's used on tack and jewelry for an exclusive number of companies.