| Silver is one of the three classic precious metals, | | | | of the term "sterling" puts forth the notion that |
| alongside gold and platinum. All three of which | | | | the term in question stems from an area in |
| have been used for centuries in the production of | | | | modern day Germany (circa 1300 AD) called the |
| fine jewelry. Fine (bullion) silver, which refers to | | | | "Easterling." It was in this particular area that |
| silver at 99.9% purity, is too soft and malleable | | | | sterling silver emerged as component of primary |
| for most uses, used most often for the | | | | local currency. |
| production of minted treasury bars. When it | | | | Sterling silver as a form of currency was later |
| comes to the manufacture of jewelry, sterling | | | | adopted by the English and remained a mainstay |
| silver is the silver of choice. | | | | for centuries. Today, however, sterling silver is no |
| Sterling silver is a mixture of pure silver and, | | | | longer prevalent as minted currency. Despite this, |
| typically, copper. The ratio of which is 92.5% silver | | | | sterling silver, harder than gold, more plentiful, and |
| and 7.5% copper, though other metals are used | | | | more affordable, remains popular as a precious |
| on occasion as well (e.g., nickel and zinc) to form | | | | metal for a host of other purposes. |
| the alloy. The addition of other metals provides | | | | Sterling silver was extremely popular in the form |
| for hardness and durability as well as to aid in the | | | | of flatware and ornamental dining implements |
| prevention of tarnishing. Sterling silver has a | | | | from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Today |
| natural white luster, though is prone to tarnish due | | | | however, sterling silver is most popular as the |
| to a reaction occurring between the silver itself | | | | base metal for quality, fashionable--yet |
| and sulfur in the atmosphere. As well, oxygen | | | | affordable--jewelry. |
| may tarnish the copper content of sterling silver. | | | | Sterling silver can be fashioned into a wide variety |
| The term "sterling silver" itself apparently | | | | of interesting and ornamental jewelry pieces. |
| emerged in England around the 13th century, a | | | | From sterling silver rings, sterling silver bracelets, |
| product of a convergence of terms in reference | | | | sterling silver charms, sterling silver necklaces, to |
| to 925 silver--i.e. sterling silver. The meaning | | | | sterling silver earrings--sterling silver is extremely |
| seems to reference a "firmly planted little star," | | | | popular among both jewelry artisans and |
| likely a reference to sterling silver's luster and | | | | consumers. You can't go wrong with sterling silver |
| durability. Another perspective on the emergence | | | | jewelry. |