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