Silver, a precious metal which is highly conductive and malleable, is the most reflective and whitest of all metals. Silver has always been valuable since its discovery in 4000 BC in Anatolia (present-day Turkey). Due to its softness and polishability, silver was first notably used during ancient times to create tableware with elaborate designs and a mirror-like shine. In 12th century Europe, people discovered that silver could be alloyed with other metals to create a more durable and useful material, known today as sterling silver. Sterling silver, also known as "Standard Silver," is silver alloyed with other metals to increase the hardness and durability, which is important in the making of jewelry. Generally, sterling is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals such as zinc, copper, or nickel. Silver really began to accelerate throughout the world when North and South America were discovered. Mexico and Peru were found to hold silver mines which dwarfed the deposits that had recently been mined to the East. Soon it was said that more than three quarters of silver in the world was mined from Peru and Mexico.
Without silver, mirrors and other modern luxuries would not have been able to exist!
P.S. Were doing a silver jewelry set giveaway for Mother’s Day! To enter find us on instagram @normansjewelry