subject: Silver Jewelry - An Ancient Precious Metal [print this page] Silver's use traces back to about 4000 BC, but have been at a steady increase since the 1700s. Turkey is considered to have been the first source of silver for the East as well as Greece and Italy. Silver was used in religious ceremonies and to create articles of worship, as well as for jewelry and was considered more precious than gold in many parts of the world. Peru and Mexico were areas of the world where silver jewelry was more readily available. Therefore, it was made in these areas.
Silver has been used in jewelry by ancient civilizations and cultures, to indicate status, and it was only with the Industrial Revolution and the advent of mass manufacture that silver jewelry became available to the masses. Semi-precious, and precious stones were combined to make competitors for those using gold and platinum.
Silver is one of the most supple metals. Silver has the most brilliant polish of any metal.
Pure silver is too soft to create jewelry, so it is mixed with other metals to make it harder - most often copper. Although copper makes the silver harder, it also gives it a tendency to tarnish when it comes into contact with certain substances or reacts with particular gases in the air.
Sterling silver can only be marked as this or solid silver if they have at least a level of pure silver of 92.5%.
Highly polished silver gives a reflective finish which suits any gemstone. Rhodium gives a darker finish to silver, which is now more popular for men.
Because silver has a long history, silver artisans are some of the most highly skilled craftsmen in the world today. Some of the finest craftsmen in the world are master silversmiths, using their skills that are handed down through the generations.
From manufactured mass items to handmade pieces, including antique or ethnic pieces, silver can be made into any of these. You'll see anyone, from celebrities to your neighbor wearing silver jewelry. Silver can be a wonderful accessory to anything you wear.
When buying silver jewelry, check for the silver mark, as this will give you the assurance that the piece is genuinely made from at least 92.5% silver. When cared for properly, silver can make a great gift and last for years.
