Five thousand years ago it was the early Egyptian people who first discovered and began to mine silver, though not in the typical form that we know it today. Lead was habitually smelted into the mix to strengthen the metal, with disastrous consequences for the mine workers. Modern silver jewelry US is lead free and safe to wear. In those early days however, it was used as a symbol of wealth in affluent households and for personal adornment.
In Athens, it was used to fund the first Greek navy thanks to mines discovered in Anatolia. This country was the largest producer of silver until the discovery of even larger mines in Peru. In 2500 BC the refining process was improved greatly by the Chinese, who also introduced better excavation procedures making mining easier. The Americas boosted production thanks to the discovery of their vast silver stores and Spain's vast trading empire.
In modern times the United States of America is one of the worlds largest producers of silver, along with Mexico, Argentina and Canada. Today there are many outlets that offer jewelry that can range in quality and price. Silver is an extremely versatile metal able to be used in the creation of earrings, necklaces, lockets, pendants, bracelets, anklets, toe rings and dress rings.
This product is also freely available thanks to online traders who sell a staggering variety of products, accessible from the comfort of your own home so long as you have Internet access. When compared to other metals like gold, titanium, palladium and platinum, it ranks as amongst the most affordable while still offering a high standard of quality. The sterling or . 925 stamp is a mark of highest quality.
This denotes the highest grade of silver, with the remaining percentage consisting of a variety of metals, including nickel, zinc and copper. These metals are added to make the product stronger and more durable. Initially lead had been added during the manufacturing process, but this lethal ingredient was responsible for the death of many workers on the mines.
Once it was discovered that lead was the cause of so many untimely deaths, volunteer workers were replaced with slaves, due to the increasing demand for this metal. Over time lead was removed from the equation and replaced with these much safer additives.
It remains a popular choice for jewelry today due to the fact that it is not only beautiful, but durable and inexpensive when compared to other similar precious metals. If stored in a pouch to prevent surface scratches and if cleaned regularly using a soft cloth, it can become an heirloom that lasts a lifetime. Be careful not to expose the metal to harsh chemical agents that may damage the surface.
This precious metal is now given as a token of love and affection and as a reward for various achievements, in both business and sports. On occasion silver jewelry US is finished with a surface layer of rhodium, which gives it a slightly darker lustre while mimicking the characteristics of white gold. It can also be used successfully in conjunction with other precious metals for various visual effects.
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