The History of Silver Jewellery

Silver, called “Argentum” in Latin — from where its periodic table name (Ag) comes from–, is a very special precious metal in many ways. Its color is bright white, metallic, lustrous and shinny. In its native form it is found sometimes on the surface of the earth in the pure native form of nuggets or dendrites. Other times it appears in strata, mixed with other metals. When mined, the silver ores can be found in alloy with other metals like Arsenic, Gold, Antimony, Lead, Copper, Zinc, etc.

Some of the oldest silver mines known are the Laurion mines in Greece. The Greeks were already mining Silver about 3000 BC and trading it with other countries. They minted silver coins and made them popular. Other civilizations like the Romans, Phoenicians, Egyptians, Israelis, Spanish, Carthaginians, etc., used it as currency and also hoarded them in their treasuries.

Silver is malleable and ductile and easy to work with. These properties make it a metal of choice for manufacturing handcrafted precious silver jewellery and other more common artifacts. Silver goblets, cups, plates, dishes, silverware, utensils, knives, armours, beds, chandeliers, candelabras and all kinds of artifacts have been produced through the ages with this amazing metal, very strong and durable that does not dissolve in the water.

Silver is the best existing electricity conductor on Earth. It is used for high performance electronic instruments and machinery, but due to its expensive price, it is not frequently used in common electric applications.

Designer Silver jewellery has been a favourite for women of all ages throughout History. Silver rings, silver earrings with all kinds of designs and sizes, silver necklaces and bracelets, anklets, diadems, belts and bangles have been used and treasured by many. Passed down as an heirloom,handmade silver jewellery is a valuable possession. Mens silver rings are also much priced.

The only problem with silver is that -although very resistant – its special components make it react with the sulphur in the atmosphere and it tarnishes and changes its beautiful shiny color into yellowish or black. This can be remedied by polishing it with special fluids, or just buffering it with a special silver cloth and the silver shine returns in all its splendour. This same peculiarity leaves some greenish-bluish stains in human skin. This is one of the reasons that jewellers mix silver with some gold, copper or other metals, to make it untarnishable and harder. Sterling silver is the result of mixing 92.5% silver with 7.5% copper to give it more strength and less tarnishing. Sterling silver jewellery is very popular and affordable and many people purchase 925 silver rings as wedding rings.

Pure Silver jewellery needs to be taken care of in order to prevent tarnishing, polished from time to time and kept wrapped up in a silver cloth inside of a box or in a drawer.

Source by Rose Gagnon

The History of Silver Jewellery