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When used in jewelry, silver is usually in the form of sterling silver. Sterling silver jewelry, by definition, is composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper alloy.

Silver is a precious metal that has been used for thousands of years for various purposes such as ornaments, tableware, jewelry, photography and money. Its value as a precious metal was long considered second only to gold and in Ancient Egypt and Medieval Europe, it was often valued more than gold. The principal sources of silver are obtained from Canada, Mexico, Peru, Australia and the United States. However, Mexico is the largest producer of silver.

Silver has the highest electrical conductivity of all metals, even higher than copper, but its greater cost has prevented it from being widely used in place of copper for electrical purposes. It also has the highest thermal conductivity, highest optical reflectivity and the lowest contact resistance of any metal.

Silver is stable in pure air and water, but does tarnish when it is exposed to ozone, hydrogen sulfide, or air that has sulfur compounds present in the atmosphere. Tarnish and dirt on fine sterling silver jewelry can be removed gently using a jewelry polishing cloth. These jewelry polishing cloths are chemically treated with nontoxic cleaning and polishing agents which are specially formulated to restore the fine silver luster. Remember, never take your silver into the pool, chlorinated water will pit your silver, sometimes, beyond repair.

W hat does nickel-free mean?

Many times nickel, another hard metal known also as Ni, is placed between the coating and the silver because it facilitates the adherence and luster of the plating to the metal. When used in silver jewelry, this can cause irritation to those who are sensitive to nickel or have nickel allergies. For that reason, there is nickel-free jewelry available. All of our nickel-free jewelry is clearly marked on the site.

W hat is rhodium?

Rhodium is a hard, durable, silvery-white metallic element that is used to form high-temperature alloys with platinum and is plated on other metals to produce a durable corrosion-resistant coating. Sterling silver jewelry that is plated with rhodium is resistant to scratching, abrasion and corrosion. Sterling silver jewelry has a tendency to form tarnish rather quickly if exposed to harsh contaminants, such as sulfur and many others that are found all around us. Also, contact with skin oils, perfumes may discolor the silver, which requires frequent cleaning and polishing. Since rhodium plating is highly acid and chemical resistant, it will withstand contact. Consequently, sterling silver is an ideal candidate for rhodium plating. In addition, rhodium is also frequently used to give silver jewelry a beautiful finish.

We Love the stuff!

Silver ain’t just a pretty face. This is a metal with many practical qualities beyond jewelry. Not that anyone’s complaining about its beauty… we’d just like to honor silver by telling you some of the little known facts you may have never heard of.

For thousands of years silver has been used for jewelry, ornaments, utensils, trade, and as the foundation for many currencies. In Ancient Egypt and Medieval Europe, silver was often prized more than gold.

The Alchemists named the metal Luna and gave as its symbol a crescent moon. They believed it held many mysterious qualities.

Silver is slighter harder than gold and has the highest electrical conductivity of all metals, even higher than copper. That’s why it’s used in computer circuits and keyboards.

With its brilliant white, metallic luster, pure silver has the highest heat conductivity and reflectivity of all metals

Mirrors which require superior reflectivity are made with silver while common mirrors are backed with aluminum.

The words for “silver” and “money” are interchangeable in as many as 14 languages because the shiny substance has been used for cash for a least 23 centuries. The United Kingdom’s currency – Pound Sterling – was originally based on the value of a troy ounce of silver

If you’ve had any dental work (and who hasn’t?), you’ll find it in your teeth. Yes, it’s used as an alloy in fillings. Chipping them out and melting them down for cash…don't do it!

And of course, the most important usage of all. Silver is an indispensable weapon used to kill vampires and werewolves. If you ever visit Eastern Europe – especially Transylvania – be sure to carry it on your person (usually in the form of a cross or a bullet).

So that about sums up silver. We think it’s a great metal. Here’s to thousands more years of the human race using and enjoying silver in our daily lives!