Silver is too soft for most ordinary uses. Hence, like gold, silver is alloyed, or mixed with other metals to add hardness and strength. The standard alloy is 92.5% silver and 7.5% of another metal, usually copper. In order for an item to be called sterling, the law requires that it have a minimum silver content of 92.5%.

This page was last updated on: November 6, 2007

Silver was known as Argentum in the ancient world, and it's chemical symbol is Ag. It is defined as a precious metal which in it's compact state is a fine white color and has a lively brilliancy.

The human need for self adornment can be traced back to about 8000 B.C.  Pieces of jewelry have been found in Egypt, Babylonia, and Mesopotamia dating  from 3000 B.C. Jewelry served several purposes; amuletic, religiouus, social and symbolic, and continues to thrive in our culture today.

Silver History