silver

Silver, one of the first metals used by
humans, is obtained from the ores
argentite, cerarygrite, pyrargyrite,
stephanite, and proustite. Pure silver is
lustrous . . . nearly white. Soft and
malleable, it is an excellent conductor
of heat and electricity. Silver nitrate
is its most important compound.

Sterling silver is the term used to
describe silver alloy that contains
92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Legally,
7.5% of any metal may be used, with
the product still marked "sterling."

Coin silver is the term used to describe
silver alloy that contains 90% silver and
10% copper.

While fashioned for jewelry, ornaments,
utensils, and money in ancient times,
present day silver uses include photographic
materials, mirrors, electrical and electronic
components, dental and medical products,
and coins. Although men have exchanged
goods without money for thousands of
years, the invention of money effected
a major social and economic metamorphosis.

An ancient true metal currency came in the
form of ingots of silver. This first officially
sealed means of exchange originated from
Cappadocia in the late third millennium BC.
World use of silver coins continued to
evolve. After large silver deposits were
discovered in the New World during the
18^th and 19^th centuries, however, silver
lost its status as the basis for the world’s
monetary systems. Although most
monetary systems then converted to
the gold standard, the belief in the value
of silver remained.

The art of silverwork was highly developed
in ancient times. Although Egyptian,
Phoenician, Roman and Byzantine pieces
still exist, much of the later European works
have been lost or destroyed due to melt
downs for other uses, as well as loss
during the Reformation and wars. In the
18^th century, European silverworkers
migrated to the United States as colonial
American silversmithing became an
important trade. Ornamental silverwork
remains a traditional art of native Americans.