| Today we are going to continue our series on the | | | | using it in decorative items and jewelry. When |
| uses of silver. What is the first thing you think | | | | purchasing a piece of jewelry, one of the first |
| about when you hear the word silver? For me, I | | | | things we do to make sure that it is true sterling |
| immediately think of my grandmothers silver tea | | | | silver is to check for the stamp that is usually |
| set that sits proudly on her buffet in the dining | | | | placed near the clasp. It simply states 3 numbers, |
| room. Silver is such a unique and versatile material. | | | | ..925 and having that somewhere on your piece |
| It has so many uses. | | | | of jewelry makes it authentic. |
| One of its first uses was in currency. It is a metal | | | | Many people who have allergies or reactions to |
| that does not easily corrode so it is great | | | | certain kinds of metal will tend to choose |
| conductor of electricity. It can tend to tarnish but | | | | something more pure like gold or sterling silver. |
| is easily cleaned again with a little polish. It is | | | | That is why Gilbert and Frech items are of the |
| flexible and also a great conductor of heat. I was | | | | highest quality sterling silver. Silver is such an |
| surprised to learn that most switches and | | | | attainable and affordable way to go especially in |
| electrical appliances all have contacts that are | | | | comparing it with some of the other metals which |
| made of silver. Silver is also used in materials for | | | | seem to be much more expensive. I personally |
| photography. | | | | like the color of sterling sliver much better than |
| You may be surprised to know that of the | | | | say a yellow gold. I love how, when paired with a |
| world's usage of silver, only 14 percent is used for | | | | gemstone, it reflects and enhances the beauty of |
| silverware and jewelry. This is where sterling silver | | | | the stone. It is something of quality that lasts |
| comes into play. In order to make it more durable | | | | much longer, much like a piece of gold would last, |
| and stronger, 7.5% copper is added to 92.5% | | | | and yet not as costly. Tomorrow we will talk |
| pure silver and that is how you come up with | | | | about its value and how its worth has changed |
| "sterling silver." It has reflective qualities and | | | | dramatically over the years. |
| malleability which makes it extremely attractive in | | | | |