A Taste of Asia – Asian cuisine and antiquities

History/origins of Sterling Silver Jewellery    by Derek Rogers

Silver has been used for thousands of years as jewellery, tableware, ornaments, and even currency. In the periodic table, silver has the symbol Ag for argentums, which originates from the Indo-European “arg” for ‘white’ or ’shining’. Sterling silver is a mixture of silver and another metal, so that the material has qualities of both metals. The practice of producing this alloy is thought to have started in Germany around the 13th century. Recently, the most common metal to be combined with silver is copper.
Sterling silver is generally 92.5% silver and 7.5% another metal, normally copper. This has advantages and disadvantages. The problem with pure silver is that it is quite soft and malleable – but it is incredibly useful in other fields including medicine due to its antibacterial properties. The alloy of sterling silver means that it is stronger and more manageable, but the combination of metals means that sterling silver can be tarnished, unlike pure silver. Fortunately the tarnishing on sterling silver, which a lot of jewellery is made of, is easily cleaned.
The word “sterling” is thought to have originated from Norman coins which had stars printed on them in the 14th century. The “ster” part of the word comes from the description of the star on the coin, with the added suffix on “ling”. The phrase “sterling silver” is most likely to come from the description of the new material, as it would shine “like a star”.
Silver, unlike gold, is rarely found in metallic form. It is found as mineral ores that miners and refiners have to pass through various processes to extract the silver. The first mining of lead ores dates back to 6000 BC and the earliest silver jewellery dates back to 3000 BC. The origins of the mainstream creation of sterling silver comes from the early 1300s, when King Edward I ordered that all silver objects must meet the sterling standard of 92.5% pure silver, or sterling 925 (925 parts of silver per thousand). This is known as the sterling standard, and pieces that were then certified under this new rule would be stamped, or hallmarked to show their fineness.
As well as being used to make jewellery, sterling silver is also incredibly versatile. Sterling silver has been and still is used for tablewear, including cutlery, pots and during the height of silver’s popularity in the early 20th century, shoehorns. Musicians have also used the material to produce instruments including saxophones and flutes have been made using sterling silver, giving them a unique timbre.
Sterling silver is now mainly used for jewellery. Peru is currently the world’s largest silver producer, closely followed by Mexico, although silver is not confined to one continent, as it is also mined from as far afield as Russia and Australia. Silver is still a relatively cheap precious metal, based on current prices, silver is sold at around $18 per oz (May 2010), whereas gold sells at around $1140 per oz (May 2010).
Sterling silver remains one of the most beautiful and versatile materials for jewellery, a timeless and elegant metal that is also widely available mean that after thousands of years, silver will never go out of fashion.

About the Author

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who writes for a number of UK businesses. For silver jewellery, he recommends Seriously Silver.
The Difference Between Sterling Silver and Silver Plating

International 53-Piece Simplicity Flatware Set $33.25 This 18/0 stainless steel has graceful styling, perfect for any occasion. Set includes 8 each: dinner fork, salad fork, dinner knife, dinner spoon, teaspoon and steak knives, plus a 5 piece Hostess Set, which includes 1 each of: sugar spoon, butter knife, tablespoon, pierced tablespoon, and cold meat fork. Dishwasher safe….

Nambe Baby Nambe Loop Spoon, Fork and Feeding Spoon 3-Piece Set $28.98 Nambe Baby utensil set has a modern look for a traditional gift. Perfect gift for the new addition to your family. This gift will be passed down as a family heirloom. 18/10 Forged Stainless Steel. Superior quality. Designed by Sean O’Hara. Part of the Nambe Baby Collection, pair with any part of this collection….

Lenox Opal Innocence Cake Knife and Server $30.99 With one hand on the cake knife and the other on the server, you ll be able to feel the intricate sculpting that graces each handle. These serving pieces give you the best of both worlds – the beauty you d expect of sterling silver, the convenience you appreciate of stainless steel. Length of knife: 7 3/4″, server: 11″ Crafted of silverplated metal. Dishwasher-safe and tarnish-resistant. An ideal …

The Promise $4.75 IL DIVO THE PROMISE…

Fashion Nugget $4.79 The twisted cover of Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” is a statement of intent, while the cool jazz riffs from the band’s trumpet player are part of what makes tracks like “Daria,” “It’s Coming Down,” and “Frank Sinatra” so original. “The Distance” is a funked-up jam with a Chili Peppers chorus. –Jeff Bateman …

Six Pieces of Silver $5.50 This CD can be considered somewhat rare now….

Conspiracy Theory [VHS] $0.99 What is it about director Richard Donner that Mel Gibson enjoys so much that he’s appeared in five of Donner’s films? Is it the on-set pranks? Could it be the big-budget perks and $20-million paychecks? Or is it just a well-stocked catering table? Whatever the case, the Lethal Weapon star and director teamed up again, along with fellow superstar Julia Roberts, for this typically glossy, entertaini…

Sterling Silver Chain $34 Sterling Silver.

Silver Story Ring, Sterling Silver $1345 Silver Story Ring, Sterling Silver

Silver Anemone Ring, Sterling Silver $1438 Silver Anemone Ring, Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver Earrings $99.99 Sterling Silver Earrings crafted in 925 Sterling Silver

Silver Story Korshänge, Sterling Silver $1794 Sterling Silver 925.

Open Heart in Sterling Silver $40 Handmade Recycled Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver Waterlily Necklace $69 Sterling Silver Waterlily Necklace

Sterling Silver Butterfly Ring $44.95 Sterling Silver Butterfly Ring.

Sterling Silver Ladies Ring $44.95 Sterling Silver Ladies Ring.

Sterling Silver Heart Locket $59.95 Sterling Silver Heart Locket.

Sterling Silver Bangle Bracelet $189.95 Sterling Silver Bangle Bracelet.

Always Love Granddaughter Children’s Expression(Case of 3) $56.97 “Always Love Granddaughter” Children’s Expression(Case of 3)

Angel of my Heart Photo Frame Angel Pin(Case of 36) $251.64 “Angel of my Heart” Photo Frame Angel Pin(Case of 36)

Atlanta Braves Sterling Silver Field Charm 5/8 $41.99 A great gift for any Atlanta Braves fan! Express your team pride when wearing this unique Atlanta Braves Sterling Silver Field Charm. Unique in style, sure to catch everyone?s eye. Officially Licensed by the MLB. Measures approximately 5/8? by 2?

Baltimore Ravens Giant Silver Pendant $85.99 Show your team spirit everywhere you go with Baltimore Ravens jewelry. Officially licensed by the NFL.Made of sterling silver. Custom made when ordered.

Dance Smile Shine Children’s Expression Bracelet(Case of 3) $56.97 “Dance Smile Shine” Children’s Expression Bracelet(Case of 3)

Detroit Tigers Sterling Silver Field Charm 5/8 $41.99 A great gift for any Detroit Tigers fan! Express your team pride when wearing this unique Detroit Tigers Sterling Silver Field Charm. Unique in style, sure to catch everyone?s eye. Officially Licensed by the MLB. Measures approximately 5/8? by 2?

Florida Gators Gator Head Sterling Silver 2 Giant Pendant $91.99 Show your team spirit everywhere you go with Florida Gators jewelry. Officially licensed by the NCAA. Made of sterling silver. Custom made when ordered. Please allow 2-6 weeks for delivery.

Forever & Always bracelet(Case of 18) $359.82 “Forever & Always” bracelet(Case of 18)

Jimmie Johnson Bracelet: #48 Sterling Silver 5X Champion Pendant Bracelet $233.99 “We are the Champions! Jimmie Johnson continues to bring home NASCAR victories. Show your fan spirit with a beautiful Jimmie Johnson #48 Sterling Silver Bracelet. 7 1/2″” in size, this bracelet features a blue enameled charm pendant with the classic Jimmie Johnson signature and NASCAR Sprint Cup logo. This elegant piece will definitely add glitz and glamour to any jewelry box and to the die hard Jimmie Johnson fan’s wrist. High quality sterling silver with rhodium plating for lasting shine Measures 7 1/2″” in length Lobster claw clasp for security Comes with velvet gift box Officially licensed by NASCAR”

Jimmie Johnson Money Clip: #48 5X Champion Black Leather Card Holder $59.99 We are the Champions! Jimmie Johnson continues to bring home NASCAR victories. Show your loyalty to Jimmie Johnson with the #48 black Leather money clip. This genuine leather money holder features credit card slots, magnetic clip to secure extra cash, and a sterling silver emblem with the classic Jimmie Johnson signature and NASCAR Sprint Cup logo. Now you can show everyone who you’ve got your money on! Genuine black leather High quality sterling silver emblem Gift box included Officially licensed by NASCAR

Jimmie Johnson Pendant: #48 Enameled Sterling Silver 5X Champion 1/2 Pendant $49.99 “We are the Champions! Jimmie Johnson continues to bring home NASCAR victories. Show your fan spirit with a beautiful Jimmie Johnson #48 Enameled Sterling Silver Pendant. 1/2″” in size, this pedant features a blue enameled background with the classic Jimmie Johnson signature and NASCAR Sprint Cup logo above it. This elegant piece will definitely add glitz and glamour to any jewelry box and to the die hard Jimmie Johnson fan’s neckline. High quality sterling silver Fits any chain up to 3mm Comes with velvet gift box Officially licensed by NASCAR”

Love, Mother, Forever Expression Bracelet(Case of 3) $62.97 “Love, Mother, Forever” Expression Bracelet(Case of 3)

Miami Hurricanes New Fighting Ibis Sterling Silver 1-1/2 Giant Pendant $77.99 Show your team spirit everywhere you go with Miami Hurricanes jewelry. Officially licensed by the NCAA. Made of sterling silver. Custom made when ordered. Please allow 2-6 weeks for delivery.

Minnesota Twins M Giant Silver Pendant $105.99 Officially licensed by the MLB. Made of sterling silver. Custom made when ordered.

New York Mets Baseball Giant Silver Pendant $99.99 Officially licensed by the MLB. Made of sterling silver. Custom made when ordered.

North Carolina Tar Heels 10K New UNC Pendant With Foot 5/8 $177.99 “Wear your North Carolina Tar Heels Sterling Silver 5/8″” Soccer ball Pendant with pride. This pendant is crafted just for the Tar Heels Fan. Officially Licensed by the NCAA.”

North Carolina Tar Heels Sterling Silver 3/4 Lacrosse Pendant $43.99 “Wear your North Carolina Tar Heels Sterling Silver 3/4″” Lacrosse Pendant with pride. This pendant is crafted just for the Tar Heels Fan. Officially Licensed by the NCAA.”

Oakland Raiders Giant Silver Pendant $115.99 Show you are a true fan at all times with Oakland Raiders jewelry. Officially licensed by the NFL.Made of sterling silver. Custom made when ordered.

Oklahoma Sooners New OU Sterling Silver 1-1/2 Giant Pendant $91.99 Show your team spirit everywhere you go with Oklahoma Sooners jewelry. Officially licensed by the NCAA. Made of sterling silver. Custom made when ordered. Please allow 2-6 weeks for delivery.

Pittsburgh Steelers Giant Silver Pendant $133.99 Show you are a true fan at all times with Pittsburgh Steelers jewelry. Officially licensed by the NFL.Made of sterling silver. Custom made when ordered.