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Reading Room
Sterling Silver Jewelry:
From Humble Beginnings to Exquisite Craftsmanship
by: Chris Robertson
When we think of silver, the first thing that comes to mind is sterling
silver jewelry. Yet, the history of silver and the uses for silver are rich and
varied. According to The Silver Institute, a worldwide association of silver
miners, refiners, fabricators, and manufacturers, the area today known as Turkey
was the first location where silver was mined. That was around 4000 B.C. Around
1200 B.C., the center of silver mining moved to an area near Athens. According
to The Silver Institute, during the height of production, the mines near Athens
produced about one million troy ounces each year.
Over the first millennium A.D., Spain became a prominent producer of silver,
which was vital to the Asian spice trade. From 1500 through 1800 A.D., Peru,
Mexico, and Bolivia produced most of the world's silver. In the late 1800s and
early 1900s, the discovery of silver deposits in Nevada, Colorado, and Utah
caused production to explode. According to the Silver Institute, "Production
over the last quarter of the 19th century quadrupled over the average of the
first 75 years to a total of nearly 120 million troy ounces annually."
Today, the vast majority of silver is used in industrial applications ranging
from the medical use of silver sulfadiazine to treat burn victims to solar
energy's use of silver paste in crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells. Still,
over 250 million ounces of silver are used each year to make silverware and
silver jewelry. Your silver chain, silver bracelet, locket, silver earring, and
wedding ring are all part of a rich history of silver.
Sterling silver jewelry comes in a variety of forms. One of the most popular
uses of sterling silver jewelry is in silver chain. Silver chain is made in a
number of different styles, including curb, cable, figaro, rope, box, snake, and
herringbone. Some artisans use custom styling and may make silver chain in
shapes like the rolled anchor, figure eight, alternating short- and long-link,
diamond cut, and double rope. Silver chain provides the perfect backdrop for a
locket or charm bracelet. A simple sterling silver necklace, bracelet, or ankle
bracelet can also be worn on its own for understated elegance.
The craftsmanship of sterling silver jewelry is apparent in the glint of a
silver earring or the selection of a once in a lifetime wedding band. Used as
the setting for any number of pieces, today's most popular sterling silver
jewelry items include Celtic designs, pentagram and pentacle designs,
handcrafted glass bead designs, and Bali designs.
Related Articles:
Silver Jewelry
Exquisite and classic are the middle name of silver that gives a different look
to a person’s overall personality. Simple and plain silver jewelries can
actually give an everlasting effect to your dressing and gives you a
contemporary look.
Sterling Silver Jewelry Exposed
Sterling silver jewelry is enjoying an unprecedented popularity with today's
fashion conscious public. You know how beautiful sterling silver jewelry is and
how brilliantly it shines. Now here is the rest of the story.
Celtic Jewelry - A Beautiful Mystery
Unraveled
Celtic jewelry like the Celts themselves has a rich history and a proud
tradition. Immensely beautiful with intricate Celtic symbols and delicate
designs, Celtic cross jewelry, Celtic knot jewelry, and beautiful Claddaugh
rings have been admired and desired for thousands of years.
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Chris Robertson is a published author of Majon International. Majon
International is one of the worlds most popular internet marketing and internet
advertising companies on the web. Visit their main business resource web site
at: http://www.majon.com
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