Sterling Silver Jewelry: From Humble Beginnings to Exquisite
Craftsmanship
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.