Silver is a unique precious metal that has been used in several forms of art, jewelry, currency, table and hollowware and many other domestic uses across human history. But do you ever stop to think about what silver is, where it came from, and what makes it different from other kinds of metals? Let's look at the composition, benefits, and uses of silver so we can better define what it is and why it stands out.

The whitest of all the precious metals, silver has been heralded for centuries for its highly lustrous finish and versatile applications. Although harder than gold, silver is still considered one of the more pliable metals. Its malleability makes silver easy to hammer and mold into various forms and shapes. Silver melts at a slightly lower temperature than gold (1760 degrees F as opposed to 1960 degrees F).

Our word for silver comes from the Germanic roots of many older English words. We’ve provided a few uses of the word silver from different cultures to see the similarity of the noun in so many different ancient language groups, where the word 'Arg', means 'White or To Shine'.

Latin = Argentum
Celtic = Argent
Greek = Argos

Although no one is quite sure when silver was first recognized and made, Archaeologists have found the remains of silver smelting operations dating earlier than 4000 BC. In 1400 A.D., At the time there were only seven metals known to man. These metals are known collectively as: gold, silver, copper, iron, tin, lead and mercury (Mercury was thought to be a type of liquid silver, now known as ‘quick silver').

Unlike gold, copper, and occasionally meteoritic iron which ancient man found in natural nugget form, silver very rarely occurs in its pure metallic state. Silver had to be discovered and extracted from ores which happened when heating copper deposits. Even today, most silver is produced as a small by product of smelting other metals such as lead. For each ton of lead, a few ounces of silver are produced.

 

Properties of Silver

For over 6,000 years silver was the wonder metal of mankind for domestic and jewelry use. 

• Silver is malleable and ductile. It is one of the few metals which can be beaten into delicate thin sheets of leaf or pulled to make a strong wire. Hence its appeal to makers of jewelry.
• It is the whitest and most reflective of metals. Without silver, mirrors would not have existed as we know them until quite recently.
• Silver has long been used in medicine for its natural bactericidal properties.
• Pure silver has the highest thermal and electrical conductivity of all metals, not to mention being the most reflective.

 

What is sterling silver?

The official designation of "sterling" to a piece of silver indicates that it contains at least 92.5% of pure silver. The remaining 7.5% can be comprised of any other metal alloy, usually copper. The added copper also gives sterling silver a slightly darker color than fine silver. Although it may seem that an even higher silver content would be desirable, that's not actually the case. Metal alloys with a silver content of more than 92.5% are too soft to be used without suffering from dents and dings. The second alloy is required to ensure the metal's stability and resilience.

Inevitably, such a valuable commodity as sterling silver needs protection and oversight.

In 1300, King Edward I enacted a statute ordering that all silver articles must meet the Sterling silver standard (92.5% pure silver), and should be assayed by 'guardians of the craft', who would then mark the item with a leopard's head stamp.

There is some debate as to where the term 'sterling' standard comes from, but it is thought that it is derived from the common name for the English silver penny of the time which is 925 parts per thousand, called a Starling for its shine. Starling is middle English for 'Little Star'. 

As second passed-down story of how the word "sterling" was incorporated into the name is rooted in 12th-century lore. As payment for English cattle, an association of eastern Germans compensated the British with silver coins dubbed "Easterlings." Eventually, the Easterling was widely accepted as a standard of English currency. The name was ultimately abbreviated to "Sterling," which is now used to refer to the highest grade of silver metal.

In 1327, King Edward II granted a charter to the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths (more commonly known as the Goldsmiths' Company), marking the beginning of the Company's formal existence. This company was headquartered at London's Goldsmiths' Hall of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, from whence the English term "hallmark" is derived.

Sterling silver is generally used in manufacturing jewelry, flatware, hollowware, trophies, and other items. It's also a popular material for creating musical instruments like flutes and some drums. Additionally, it can be used in the production of coins or medals, or for sculptures and works of art.

 

Difference between Sterling Silver, Fine Silver, and other Silver Alloys

In addition to sterling silver, which contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% other alloy (usually copper), there are many different varieties and grades of silver in production throughout the world:

 

Fine silver: Sometimes called pure silver, his type of silver has a silver content of 99.9% or higher. Fine silver is soft and can be easily scratched or damaged, so it is not commonly used for everyday applications of jewelry or tableware. This premium class of silver is used to make bullion bars for international commerce.

Britannia silver: A higher grade than sterling silver, Britannia has a silver content of at least 95.84%. Originating as a standard in Britain as far back as 1697, Britannia silver is denoted by a hallmark stamp of "958" to indicate its silver content, sometimes accompanied by the symbol of Britannia. Some designers use 950 silver as their alloy of choice. These pieces tend to be chunkier and in more modern settings and feel heavier than sterling.

Mexican silver: Another premium silver, Mexican silver consists of at least 95% pure silver and 5% copper. This elite form of metal is not currently in wide circulation; most of the silver jewelry and accents sold in Mexican marketplaces are forged from 92.5% sterling.

Coin silver: Comprised of 90% silver and 10% copper, coin silver is made from melting down standard silver coins. Lower in silver content than sterling, this metal was widely used as silver tableware in the United States between 1820 and 1868, and as common currency until 1964.

German silver: This term is usually used to refer to 800-standard silver, which consists of 80% silver and is commonly used for silverware, silver tableware, and decorative silver accents. 900-standard silver is another higher-grade version of German silver and has a 90% silver content.

 

Why use sterling silver?

Sterling silver is a great choice for those who want to wear a precious metal but can't afford the price of gold or pure silver. It's also hypoallergenic and tarnish resistant, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin or allergies. In addition, sterling silver jewelry is durable and easy to care for--you won't have to worry about your pendant losing its luster after every washing! 

 

Does Genuine Sterling Silver Rust or Easily Tarnish?

When getting sterling silver items, the most common question is if sterling silver tarnish or does sterling silver rust. 

Short answer will be yes, and no. 

Sterling silver tarnishes over time which is common with most metals used in jewelry-making. But the tarnishing process is not limited to sterling silver; both pure silver and sterling silver undergo this process. 

Tarnishing is a natural process that occurs when silver reacts with sulfur-containing substances in the air, such as hydrogen sulfide. This reaction creates a layer of silver sulfide on the surface of the silver, which gives it a dull, darkened appearance.

However, both sterling silver and pure silver do not rust. Rust is a specific type of corrosion that occurs on iron or iron-based alloys, such as steel, when they are exposed to moisture and oxygen. Real sterling silver is an alloy that typically contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper or other metals, and it does not contain iron. 

Sodium chloride or common table salt is known to corrode silver-copper alloy, typically seen in silver saltshakers where corrosion appears around the holes in the top.

Several products have been developed for the purpose of polishing silver that serves to remove sulfur from the metal without damaging or warping it. Because harsh polishing and buffing can permanently damage and devalue a piece of antique silver, valuable items are typically hand-polished to preserve the unique patinas of older pieces. Techniques such as wheel polishing which are typically performed by professional jewelers are reserved for extreme tarnish or corrosion.

 

Ways to care for your sterling silver jewelry collection.

Another thing to keep in mind is that sterling silver jewelry can oxidize if exposed to water and air for too long. This means that over time, your pieces will begin to turn from a shiny white color into a dull gray one. To prevent this from happening, make sure you store your sterling silver jewelry in an airtight container or bag with an anti-tarnish strip when not wearing it!

There are a few things you can do to keep your sterling silver jewelry looking great. First, clean it regularly with a soft cloth or polishing cloth. You can also use a toothbrush and mild soap to brush away any dirt or buildup on the metal surface of your jewelry.

Secondly, avoid wearing your jewelry in the shower or swimming pool--the chlorine in these environments will cause discoloration over time if you're not careful!

Thirdly, don't use harsh chemicals like bleach or vinegar (or any other kind of acid) when cleaning your sterling silver pieces; this could permanently damage them! Instead, opt for products made specifically for cleaning precious metals such as an anti-tarnish cloth or liquid polish product, or have your local jeweler assist you with any cleaning questions or needs.

 

The Best Way to Care for your Jewelry is by Wearing it!

The best way to care for your jewelry is by wearing it! If you can't wear it, store your sterling silver pieces in a dry place away from chemicals and cleaners. When storing sterling silver jewelry, make sure to keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heat and water sources such as radiators or hot water pipes.

So, there you have it: the ins and outs of silver, a quick history, and the differences between pure silver and sterling silver and different alloys to how to care for your jewelry. We hope that this article has been helpful in answering any questions that might have arisen during your search for the perfect piece of jewelry!