Other Types of Silver
- Britannia silver is a higher grade than sterling silver, possessing a minimum silver content of 95.84%. It originated in Britain in 1697.
- Mexican silver is a premium silver that contains 95% silver and 5% copper, however, this type of silver is no longer available in Mexico.
- Coin silver has a lower silver content than sterling silver, possessing only 90% silver and 10% copper. Between 1820 and 1868, the United States was the primary location where coin silver was circulated.
- German silver consists of 80% silver and is often used for silverware, tableware and other silver decorations and accents.
When it comes to jewelry, sterling silver reigns supreme, with a specific composition, longevity factor, and price to consider among its many benefits. Let's take a closer look at the history of sterling silver and how it became the most popular material in jewelry today.
History of Sterling Silver
Sterling silver has been long regarded as the whitest precious metal to date. For centuries, it has held this title due to its lustrous appearance and versatile usage. Despite being harder than gold and softer than pure silver, sterling silver is still considered one of the most malleable metals today, able to be easily cut and shaped into any desired form of jewelry and touting a melting point of 1760 degrees—200 degrees lower than gold.
Primitive civilizations were believed to use silver to make tools and equipment. Years later, sterling silver found even more popularity through 12th-century folklore by way of an age-old legend claiming that a group of Germans compensated their British companions for the English cattle they bought with silver coins monikered as "Easterlings." As time went by, the Easterlings became the standard currency of England, until it was reduced to "sterling" which, today, is used to refer to the highest grade of silver available.
In Fine Dining
During bygone times, any formal dinner party would have likely featured sterling silver flatware. Because of its bright gleam and timeless grace, sterling silver was beloved for its ability to turn everyday events into special occasions, and such items would go on to become treasured heirlooms.
Sterling silver flatware and utensils saw their peak popularity between 1870 and 1920. During this period, the production and sales of silver climbed to unprecedented numbers due to the seemingly insatiable demands of society. At one point, it became the most significant precious metal in the United States and Europe.
During the Victorian era, etiquette was standardized in royal courts. This meant how people sat, spoke and eat their food, for example, had to be domesticated and carried out using customary practices of polite behavior. As part of this progressive movement, monarchs created a manual that guided nobility on how to conduct themselves during mealtime—which included instruction on the handling and use of sterling silver utensils. Since a king would likely look down upon a person caught handling food using their bare hands, any noble that desired the attention and fidelity of the king would adopt these etiquette standards without question.
During this period and as time went on, sterling silver held tightly to its position as the ultimate standard in flatware. The United States and Europe began to incorporate sterling silver utensils into their table settings, and some individuals even began collecting silver flatware as a result of its growing popularity—sometimes acquiring as many as 100 pieces! As a result, the late 1800s and early 1900s would invite even more extravagance to mealtime and food-centric events among aristocrats, eventually including up to 10 or more courses that would each require different sterling silver utensils. This luxurious concept, however, was not always appreciated, specifically by middle and lower-class citizens. Consequently, as a result of societal pressure, the middle class would make efforts to imitate the cutlery of the upper class by inventing alternative silver tableware—an endeavor that would ultimately only increase the gap between the rich and the poor.
Aside from flatware for fine dining, sterling silver was also used to create serving spoons, large forks, cake knives, carving knives, and soup and gravy ladles. Building upon the elevated aesthetic of the matching flatware, sterling silver serving utensils became very appealing to the upper class who were delighted to expand their array of high-end tableware. As a bonus, sterling silver's durability and stability made it the highest quality material for cutting and serving.
Through the years, the use of sterling silver in fine dining continued. Tableware that had started so simply, continued to evolve, with new additions including decorative table napkins, sterling silver napkin rings, coasters, intricate silver candlesticks and sterling silver teapots, liquor goblets, water pitchers and mint julep cups.
In the 1900s, the popularity of sterling silver utensils decreased due to the rising costs of silver production, which in turn led to the gradual decline of multi-course dinners. As modernity enveloped the world, people became busier with domestic and professional life and in turn started to favor quick, convenient meals over the elaborate traditions of the past. Throughout this transitional period, only the upper class seemed to maintain the standard of fine dining.
Today, it's no longer widely used for fine dining and has instead found a much more popular use: creating fabulous jewelry.
In Jewelry
Sterling silver, or silver, originated from the old Anglo-Saxon word "seolfor." The root of the word is Germanic and derives from Old English words with the same etymology.
Sterling silver is a precious metal with the highest thermal and electrical conductivity. Moreover, it is the most lustrous and reflective of all metals.
During 4000 BC, a process called silver smelting began. Archeologists were able to recover the remains of this ancient industrial practice, proving that humans were already adept at manipulating it for many practical purposes, such as creating hunting and gathering tools. At this point in history, humans had only identified and found use for seven metals: gold, silver, copper, iron, tin, lead and mercury—more well-known as The Seven Metals of Antiquity. Despite the limitations during this period, many useful items were created.
In and around 3000 BC, ancient civilizations in Greece practiced silver mining, bringing sterling silver to more popularity. During 1500 BC, Egyptians started using it to make jewelry pieces exclusively for royalty. Finally, in the 13th century, King Edward I decided that all silver items were to be made partly of 925 pure silver. It was during this period that the gradual ascent of sterling silver jewelry began.
Sterling silver arrived in America during the 1800s when silversmiths began to manipulate the metal to create brilliant sterling silver jewelry. Across the ocean, Queen Victoria wore sterling silver mourning jewelry when her husband King Albert died in 1861, specifically a piece featuring oxidized silver with dark gemstones. She spent the next four decades dressed in black garments paired with fabulous, fashionable jewelry that gained her much attention worldwide.
In the 1920s, Art Deco jewelry took prominence. Women bought as much sterling silver jewelry as they could as a statement of their liberation in modernizing Western society.
Through the following years, right up until the present day, sterling silver jewelry has remained quite a common choice for women throughout the United States. It is most often fashioned into earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings, and has become very popular in casual attire. Sterling silver jewelry can be further enhanced, often adorned with gemstones, such as rubies, sapphires, turquoise or diamonds—however a simple sterling silver bangle, anklet or pair of drop earrings can make the perfect statement alongside your everyday wear.
Ross-Simons Sterling Silver Jewelry
We offer a wide selection of sterling silver jewelry, with styles ranging from simple sterling silver earrings and bracelets to embellished rings and necklaces. Whether you're looking for a single piece of sterling silver jewelry, or a matching set to complete that special outfit, Ross-Simons has something for everyone. If you are on the hunt for a unique and captivating statement, try our sterling silver jewelry plated in yellow or rose gold with a black or colored rhodium finish to help you stand out in the crowd.
The Allure of the Sterling Silver Jewelry
By today's fashion standards, sterling silver jewelry might seem like an ordinary choice, but it can also be elegant and enchanting. When partnered with other precious stones such as diamonds, rubies or turquoise, it makes the perfect adornment with a pop of color that anyone would appreciate. Unmatched in luster, when hit by a ray of sunlight, it sparkles from every angle to enhance your look.
Sterling silver accessories are a fundamental element of any collection for both male and female jewelry enthusiasts. A fantastic sterling silver necklace or statement ring has major allure, merging its elevated aesthetic with everyday functionality. Silver necklaces can be paired with simple gemstone studs, while a sterling silver bangle can be paired with sterling silver and turquoise earrings. The versatility to mix and match pieces, creating your own style, allows an endless variety of options.
Handling and Caring for Sterling Silver Jewelry
Though sterling silver jewelry does not tarnish easily when exposed to air or water, proper handling and care are still required.
When wearing sterling silver jewelry, it is important that you do not expose it to direct sunlight for any extended period. While the sparkle looks beautiful in the light, it is not favorable for the jewelry piece and could weaken the integrity of its form.
To ensure your sterling silver jewelry will last a lifetime, store it safely in a box that does not attract moisture, when not in use. Remove it from time to time for polishing with a special metal fluid and cloth to not only rid the piece of dirt and everyday debris, but also revitalize its exceptional shine.
Shop our extensive collection of sterling silver jewelry today.
