Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is usually associated with jewelry. However, it is also used to make silverware. The composition of sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of another metal. The reason for mixing the silver with another metal is simple. It makes it solid so that it can be used to make jewelry and silverware. Pure silver, 99.9% will not hold the shape it is intended to hold so mixing it gives it strength. Normally silver is mixed with copper.

Silver is an affordable alternative for jewelry and some people prefer it to gold. The metals that are mixed with sterling silver, other than copper may be used for certain properties that are desired. The use of geranium, zinc, or platinum for reducing tarnish as well as making the metal less porous is widely known for the stabilization process it provides as well.

When it comes to purchasing either silver or gold, the price for silver is very affordable. The current price for silver is about $12 per ounce. The go ld price is around $550-$600 an ounce. Gold has been steadily increasing over the past several months. Although many people prefer one over the other, gold is not affordable for some.

The price of sterling silver not only makes it more affordable when it comes to buying jewelry but many people purchase it for an investment. The years from 1840 to 1940 were best known for the silver craze. Using silverware made of sterling silver was considered the proper etiquette. The sets of silverware during this time could include over 100 pieces Each had a specific use and meals went from being three course to sometimes ten.

Serving pieces of silverware often were embellished with ivory and the fancier your silver, the more prosperous you were believed to be. The use of this type of silverware was considered in vogue and parties hosted without using real silver were not considered very high on the social calendar.

Not only was silver used for the dinner party utensils but many businesses joined in this silver frenzy and had many office supplies that used silver. Paperclips, letter openers, mechanical pencils, and many other supplies were made using silver. The abundance of personal items for the home also utilized silver during this time. There were many ladies items, including hair brushes and perfume bottles that were made of silver.

With the advent of World War II silver grew out of favor. Due to the fact that it was largely hand-made, the personnel required to make the silver utensils declined with the war and other more serviceable items were used for replacement

If you are thinking of buying silver or gold for investment purposes, the cost of silver is much more affordable. The investor buys more or less junk silver for the prospect of the price rising in the future. Old silver coins are another way to go if the investment value is what you are after. There are many types of silver that can be purchased an d collected. Just make sure when you are buying silver, you have it checked out and verified to be real sterling silver.

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Ed Terran is the pen name for the editor of a US bargains journal USA jewelry auctions UK jewelry auctions