Silver is one of a number of metals which have been accepted as a form of currency between traders for centuries and defined as one of the precious metals by international convention. A silver ring is generally regarded as allergen-free and may therefore safely be given to young children with little risk of an adverse reaction. Silver is frequently used in the production of rings and other fine works of art.
The symbol used for silver [Ag] comes from classical Latin "argentum" and translated directly means "shining". Silver is a soft, malleable metal, which means that it is often blended with other metals to ensure it maintains its shape.
While gold has become accepted as a Standard and tends to hold a steady price, the value of silver has fluctuated considerably. Over the last 20 years it has been as high as $50/Troy ounce (1980) and 'bottomed out' at just over $4/Troy ounce (1996). Currently (May 2010) the market price is about $18/Troy ounce.
Because silver is so easy to work with, it has always been sought after as an ideal medium for making jewelry. Extrusions of silver wire can be wound and shaped to produce small, exquisite items such as rings and brooches: this gossamer thin thread can have the same diameter as human hair without losing the durability of all metals. Musicians appreciate silver for its purity and clarity of tone. This is particularly noticeable with an instrument such as a trumpet, or a carillon of bells.
Silver cleans easily, and is often used for 'droplet' ear rings and other forms of body piercing when good hygiene is an important issue.
Many communities have retained traditions involving silver jewelry, including the Irish claddagh ring. Families still follow the custom of having a Family Ring which is inherited by the first-born male child of every generation.
The only drawback to this custom is a direct consequence of the malleable quality of silver. It is very likely that the ring will almost certainly need to be repaired (or at least adjusted) every time it is handed on, as the young man receiving the ring is likely to have much slimmer fingers than the adult who is giving it to him.
Another example of the ways in which silver may be used is in medical applications, when hygiene is of paramount importance. This is especially true in dentistry, particularly when you consider that fillings based on a silver amalgam are about one-eightieth the cost of a similar filling made with gold.
The symbol used for silver [Ag] comes from classical Latin "argentum" and translated directly means "shining". Silver is a soft, malleable metal, which means that it is often blended with other metals to ensure it maintains its shape.
While gold has become accepted as a Standard and tends to hold a steady price, the value of silver has fluctuated considerably. Over the last 20 years it has been as high as $50/Troy ounce (1980) and 'bottomed out' at just over $4/Troy ounce (1996). Currently (May 2010) the market price is about $18/Troy ounce.
Because silver is so easy to work with, it has always been sought after as an ideal medium for making jewelry. Extrusions of silver wire can be wound and shaped to produce small, exquisite items such as rings and brooches: this gossamer thin thread can have the same diameter as human hair without losing the durability of all metals. Musicians appreciate silver for its purity and clarity of tone. This is particularly noticeable with an instrument such as a trumpet, or a carillon of bells.
Silver cleans easily, and is often used for 'droplet' ear rings and other forms of body piercing when good hygiene is an important issue.
Many communities have retained traditions involving silver jewelry, including the Irish claddagh ring. Families still follow the custom of having a Family Ring which is inherited by the first-born male child of every generation.
The only drawback to this custom is a direct consequence of the malleable quality of silver. It is very likely that the ring will almost certainly need to be repaired (or at least adjusted) every time it is handed on, as the young man receiving the ring is likely to have much slimmer fingers than the adult who is giving it to him.
Another example of the ways in which silver may be used is in medical applications, when hygiene is of paramount importance. This is especially true in dentistry, particularly when you consider that fillings based on a silver amalgam are about one-eightieth the cost of a similar filling made with gold.
About the Author:
Mr. Pavlik is sterling silver rings expert with nearly two decades experience in jewelry business. The company, he works for: Silver.Ag is one the biggest eshops on the world, with over 114.000 pcs of jewelry physically in stock.
