Sterling Silver Bracelet by Flores

Silver is a beautiful metal and has been used for jewelry, flatware, plates and many other items throughout the ages. Pure silver (.999 pure) is usually mixed with other metals to make it more durable, but this also impacts the value. Generally speaking, the higher the silver content, the more valuable the item is. It is important to understand the different terms used to describe the silver content.

Sterling Silver is a term that was first used by the British. They have been hallmarking silver for over 700 years. When refined silver is mixed with copper to be .925 fine, it is considered sterling. The item may be marked "sterling" or .925.

The purity standard for coins was at one time .900. Many silversmiths actually melted coins in order to make beautiful items. The term, Coin Silver, has continued to be used for silver at this standard.

A mark seen on jewelry is the number 800. As can be expected, this is known as 800 Silver. This means that the piece is made of 800 parts refined silver and 200 parts base metal. Many Italian cameo's were set in this silver during the 1930's to 40's.

Many of us are familiar with the term Silverplate. This is a thin coating of silver which is applied to a base metal by using an electrical current. It is kind of like painting an item with silver. Silverplated items are often marked: Silverplate, quadruple plate or E.P.N.S.

German Silver is neither German nor silver. It is also known as "nickel silver". This is really a mixture of zinc, copper and nickel. It was first used in England around the 1700's.

Enjoy when you add beautiful silver items to your collection.  I hope that this information will help you during your treasure hunt.  

Illustrated is a sterling silver bracelet by J. Flores. Click silver for more information.