Silver Coinage
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.
Silver Bullion Coins: Understanding 90% Silver Coinage
|
|
The Silver Coinage of Cappadocia, Vespasian-Commodus (Numismatic Notes and Monographs (ANSNNM)) $75.00 … |
|
|
Silver Coinage with the Types of Aeselas the Quaestor (Numismatic Studies (ANSNS)) $59.99 A thorough catalogue of the coinage of Aesillas the Quaestor. Contnets include: a preface, abbreviations, an introduction, the catalogue, metrology and production controls, overstrikes, hoards and circulation, a conclusion, indices and plates…. |
|
|
Our Silver Coinage and its Relation to Debts and the World-wide Depression in Prices $12.82 This is a pre-1923 historical reproduction that was curated for quality. Quality assurance was conducted on each of these books in an attempt to remove books with imperfections introduced by the digitization process. Though we have made best efforts – the books may have occasional errors that do not impede the reading experience. We believe this work is culturally important and have elected to bri… |
|
|
1976 U.S. Bicentennial Proof Coin Set with the 1776-1976 Patriotic designs has six Proof clad Coins in all. $6.45 - Hurray for the 1776-1976 Mint Date! Wow! The 1976 U.S. Proof Coins sets are over 35 years old, yet are still available. - The various “Proof” coins are generally one of the most desirable U.S. coinage collectables in the U.S. - The U.S. “Proof” Coinage Production Process involves: The preparation and the polishing of the coinage striking dies surfaces; The Proof Coins can be distinguished from … |
|
|
Replica Ancient Roman Coinage Twelve Caesars — Coin Set - $9.99 Replica Coin Set ANCIENT ROMAN COINAGE “TWELVE CAESARS” |
|
|
2000 Millenium Coinage and Currency Set in Original US Mint Packaging $68.95 Here is the 2000 United States Millenium Coinage and Currency Set. This set includes a 2000 Uncirculated American Silver Eagle, a 2000-D Sacagawea Dollar, and a Series 1999 $1.00 Federal Reserve Note from Cleveland. This set comes in the original US Mint packaging, which includes a box, informative booklet, and display…. |
|
|
1914 Print Henry VII Coinage Gold Sovereign Silver Groat Perkin Warbeck Money – Original Halftone Print $43.95 This is an original 1914 black and white halftone print of Henry the VII coinage…. |
|
|
Silver Testing Kit Silver Acid Test Liquid with Stone $6.25 Every Buyer will receive a one(1) NEW Half-Ounce (1/2 oz; 0.5 ounce) bottle of silver test acid along with a testing stone! (Exactly as shown in the picture) The acid will change color based on Purity of the sample you test. The Acid Test– |
|
|
Three Centuries Of U.S. Silver Dollars Coins by The Bradford Exchange Collectible Silver Dollar Coin Set with Wood Display Case! Includes 1878 Morgan, 1935 Peace and 2009 American Eagle Coins! – While silver has been closely tied to the history of man for thousands of years, it didn’t become a part of our American history until 1792 when Congress based our young nation’s currency on the silver dollar. Now The Bradford Exchange Mint has put together a collectible set… |
|
|
Long Island Classic Collection Silver Washington Quarter Roll (40 Coins Total) Circulated $339.95 Long Island Classic Collection Silver Washington Quarter Roll (40 Coins Total) Circulated You will receive: One Silver Washington Quarter Roll, 40 coins total, in Circulated condition. Includes certificate of authenticity. Coin Information: Mintage Years: 1932-1964 Type: Silver Washington Quarter Denomination: $0.25 Diameter: 24.3mm Grade: Circulated The obverse of the coin depicts the head of Geo… |