How is silver used?
Silver is a precious metal widely used in jewellery, coins and other products. Its properties make it an ideal material for making beautiful pieces that will last a lifetime. Silver has been valued for centuries for its rarity, shine and malleability. It is also hypoallergenic and does not tarnish easily, making it a particularly popular choice for jewellery.
How is silver actually made?
Silver is mined and refined. The most common form of silver in nature is sterling silver, which consists of 92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% copper. This alloy makes the metal stronger and more durable than pure silver alone. Silver ore is extracted from the ground and then heated until it liquefies, allowing the pure silver to be separated from the other elements. The liquid silver is then poured into moulds to make ingots or coins.
How do I recognise real silver, fake silver and silver-plated jewellery?
Silver-plated jewellery consists of a base metal (usually copper) covered with a thin layer of silver. This layer only covers the surface of the underlying metal and can wear away over time. Silver-plated jewellery can still look beautiful, but needs occasional polishing to maintain its luster.
Fake silver is easy to spot by looking closely. Fake silver often has an unnatural shine or colour, and rough edges or imperfections in the finish that cannot be seen in real silver. In addition, fake silver usually feels lighter than real silver because of its lower density.
Should I invest in silver?
Silver has long been considered a good investment because of its ability to increase in value over time and maintain its value during periods of economic uncertainty or decline. A number of countries use silver coins as currency instead of paper money, showing their belief in the lasting value of the precious metal itself. As a result, many people buy and sell physical silver on the open market as an investment strategy or to store wealth over time. Of course, like any investment, this is not a certainty and there is no way to get guaranteed returns.
Is it safe to buy silver?
When buying silver jewellery or coins, always make sure that you buy from a reputable dealer who will give you clear information about the purity, provenance and condition of the item before purchasing. Look for hallmarks from recognised organisations, such as the London Assay Office, which indicate that the item meets certain standards of authenticity and quality assurance. In addition, consider working with a certified appraiser who can give you an unbiased assessment of any piece you want to buy before making a financial commitment.
Conclusion
In short, silver is an incredibly valuable material that can be used to create beautiful jewellery that will last for generations. With proper care and maintenance, these items can remain beautiful for years to come, while protecting against inflationary pressures by providing a store of wealth over time, as well as potential profits if they are later sold on the open market. Always be careful when buying any type of silver product by looking for guarantees of authenticity and consulting with knowledgeable professionals before investing your hard-earned money in something you are not sure about. Also, always read reviews of a shop or dealer before buying, this can avoid many disappointments.
