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Impressive Silver Jewelry for True Aficionados
Silver is the most popular precious metal. Though it is not as valuable or as sought after as gold, there is a lot more of it. Recent estimates put the total amount of mined silver at around 1.4 million tons, which is nearly ten times the amount of gold that has been mined in human history. But relative abundance is not the only reason silver has become ever more appealing. While it is only a fraction of the price of platinum, another precious metal, silver has long been considered second only to gold in prestige. That may be because silver has an interesting and well-known history, unlike platinum.
Like gold, silver was used in early coinage, artwork and jewelry. Archeologists have discovered silver mines in Asia minor that are over four six thousand years old. Shortly after it was mined, silver was separated from lead and was used to make decorative ornaments and utensils. It also became an important part of the world monetary system when it was used by the Romans in the early years of the Empire.
Contrary to popular belief, silver is actually the precious metal of choice for
trained artisans. Gold and silversmiths have been working with the element for thousands of years. Because it is less expensive and a bit harder than gold, it is much easier to shape into interesting and attractive shapes and designs. Not to mention the fact that it is much cheaper than gold, which is why most of the early goldsmiths practiced with silver instead of gold.
When the trade was at its zenith, most silversmiths spent most of their waking hours making silverware. Silver was readily available and most affluent families simply had to have a stunning set of silverware. Many of them also had silver tea sets, silver candlesticks and silver bowls on their tables.
Because its price as a commodity has increased over time, real silverware has become quite rare. Most utensil sets are now made by machines with more common, less expensive metals like steel. Silversmiths no longer devote most of their time to silverware sets. They now focus almost exclusively on silver jewelry.
Silver Jewelry
Most of the silver jewelry people buy is not pure silver. Like pure gold, silver is often too soft to work with unless it is mixed with a sturdier, harder metal. Sterling silver is 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent copper. It is every bit as attractive and nearly as valuable as pure or fine silver. Sterling silver can be used to create work of incredible intricacy in both decorative and functional objects.
When it comes to jewelry, silver has a few advantages over gold. For one thing, it is not nearly as flashy or ostentatious as gold, which means that it appeals to both sexes. Men sometimes feel a bit self-conscious about wearing jewelry that looks too feminine. Gold tends to have that effect, but silver does not.
As you might expect, women also love silver. In fact, it is probably their favorite precious metal in terms of quantity. Yes, gold will always be more sought after for its value, but silver is actually a more versatile decorative metal. Gold jewelry does not go particularly well with some outfits. It is, as we mentioned, flashy, and that flash can be distracting. It can draw attention
away from a nice dress or an upscale outfit. And that is not the purpose of an accessory. An accessory is supposed to add to or to complement an outfit, not to overshadow it.
That may be why many women love silver so much. In addition to its wonderful luster, silver is classic and understated. It goes well with just about an ensemble, from a formal gown to a pair of jeans and a tie dye t-shirt. Silver jewelry is also affordable and easy to find.
Silver earrings, charms, necklaces, rings, pendants, broaches and chains can be purchased at most department stores. Many young girls start their jewelry collections with a nice silver charm bracelet or necklace and then move on to gold a few years later. As it was for the goldsmiths of old, silver is a great practice metal for young girls. Because of its incredible versatility, it is a
cinch to accessorize with.
Wearing Silver
Since they believe it is bit too showy, some women are hesitant to wear gold jewelry to work. They turn to silver instead. A nice silver necklace with a matching bracelet can complement any ensemble. Pendants, pins and broaches can be worn by women of all ages. Many women like to pin them to scarves and even to their handbags to add a touch of class.
For more formal affairs, silver jewelry is often paired with gold to give the wearer the best of both worlds. They get the flash and eye-catching luster of gold and the understated elegance of silver. When mixing and matching different precious metals, it is always advisable to wear necklaces and bracelets of the same approximate length and thickness. Silver jewelry is a more affordable and versatile alternative to gold. Find some gorgeous silver pieces that strike your fancy now.
About the Author
Pat Moran is a freelance writer who writes about fashion apparel such as silver jewelry.
Angelee 1 year old tomorrow!
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Lovely pair of silvering jade lion & dragon seal $0.99 |
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Lovely silvering & jade with animals sculpture,12 piece $19.99 |
