Sterling Silver Jewellery - History
What is Sterling Silver?
Silver is
a white, lustrous metal, that is able to take a high polish. Silver is one
of the most malleable and ductile of all metals and is generally superior
to most other metals with respect to its ability to conduct heat and
electricity.
Silver is about 66th in natural abundance. It occurs
in the pure state to a small extent. The richest deposits of native silver
are in Peru and Norway. Pure silver may also be found alloyed with pure
gold (electrum) and large amounts of silver are obtained in the production
of gold. Silver is usually found combined with other elements (especially
sulphur) in minerals and ores. Silver also occurs in lead, copper, and
zinc ores; in fact about half of the world's production of silver is
obtained from these ores. Nearly all of the silver produced in Europe is
obtained from the ore galena (lead sulphide). In the U.S. the silver is
usually mined along with lead, copper, and zinc. Most of the mined silver
is from Australia, Canada, Mexico, Peru and the U.S.
To make
sterling silver jewellery the silver is alloyed with small amounts of
other metals to make it harder and more durable. For example, sterling
silver, used in jewellery is 92.5 % pure silver and 7.5 % alloy, the alloy
usually being copper.Sterling silver should always be described as 925,
.925, 92.5% or Sterling Silver to separate it from imitations silver such
as German silver or nickle silver. All MySilver products have clear
descriptions showing their 92.5 % sterling silver status.
When did it emerge?
For thousands
of years silver has been used in coins and for ornamental purposes. Silver
mines were probably worked before 2500 BC, mainly in Asia Minor. The
alchemists called the metal Luna or Diana (the moon goddess), which is why
silver is sometimes represented by the symbol of a crescent
moon.
Arguably, on a historical basis, silver is first mentioned in
the Bible in the time of Abram, were in the book of Genesis, Chapter XIII,
2, "Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver and gold."
'Pounds
Sterling,' the modern name of the British currency system, can be traced
back to the reign of Henry II in the 12th century. The derivation of the
Sterling word is likely to derive from the use of 'Easterling Silver,'
which took its name from the Easterling area of Germany. This region was
noted for its 92.5% pure, hard and high quality coin-grade silver. It was
also noted for its expertise in silver refining, and it was these
techniques as well as the silver itself that Henry II imported when he
arranged for the production of 'Tealbay Pennies', which formed the basis
of the silver coinage quality standard established at the time. Another
supporting theory is that the hallmark for what became known as Sterling
Silver featured a starling bird, which many believe became distorted
through misinterpretation into 'sterling'.
A myriad of uses
The ancient
Byzantine, Phoenician and Egyptians created beautiful silver jewellery.
The ancient Egyptians wore silver jewellery to protect against bad luck
and evil, or with religious worship and symbolism. According to ancient
mystic lore, silver can ward off werewolves and other demons, even some
claim it can enhance psychic powers. Consequently sterling silver
jewellery has been used to symbolise a person's religion or their
interests, such as their favourite hobbies, pets, family and feelings. It
can also be used for special events, such as birth, baptism, wedding,
anniversaries and passing exams or graduating university. Silver jewellery
may also be used as a present to show your appreciation or love. Or quite
simply, it can be used to project an image or feeling, or compliment a
design in a item of clothing.
Silver Jewellery pieces are very
wearable as they are versatile and can be casual or dressy and most styles
may usually be worn with anything. No wonder sterling silver jewellery is
many people's number one choice when it comes to young, trendy, and
affordable fashion jewellery.
Please note:
Our understanding of history, interpretation of knowledge and opinions expressed above are given freely. However, we cannot accept responsibility for any loss or consequence in the unlikely event of inaccurate or misleading information.
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