A Brief History of Silver
Sterling silver is the most reflective metal with the highest known thermal and electrical conductivity. A truly beautiful metal, it is unknown when silver was first recognised among humans, though archaeologists have found silver remains dating back as far as 4000 BC.
Until around 1400 AD there were only around seven metals known to man, which were collectively known as the seven metals of antiquity. These were gold, silver, copper, iron, tin, lead and mercury, which was originally thought to be a type of silver. Natural silver is very rarely found in its pure metallic state, which means it had to discovered and extracted from ores. Originally this probably occurred when copper deposits were heated. Even in modern times, silver is produced as a fractional by-product from other metals. For example, for each ton of lead, a few ounces of silver are created.
Silver is an extremely attractive metal for jewellery, though it is only slightly harder than gold. Silver has always been an impractical metal for weapons and tools, and is also not as rare or practicable as gold. However, it has always been in high demand and at various stages in history has been considered more precious than gold.
History saw plates and spoons being created from silver as a status symbol amongst the wealthy. Gold is a metal that is too soft, heavy and rare to use in these circumstances. Wood and horn could be used, though it didn’t give off the allure that you had money. For over 6000 years silver has been used as the predominant metal for domestic and jewellery use. Did you know 9ct gold contains more silver than actual gold? Silver is an extremely soft and supply metal, which appeals to jewellery makers as it allows the metal to be manipulated into beautiful patterns and shapes.
As silver is a valuable metal, it needed protection, which is why testing and marking was introduced. Testing and marking of precious metal items dates back to the earliest records in history. In 1300, Kind Edward I indorsed a decree that all silver pieces must meet the sterling silver standard of 92.5%. It is widely debated where the term ‘sterling silver’ comes from, though it is thought to have derived from the English silver penny of the time, named the Starling for its impeccable shine.
It was in 1327 that King Edward II granted a charter to the Goldsmiths’ company (then known as the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths) to mark the beginning of the company’s formal existence. The headquarter in London’s Goldsmiths’ Hall, which is how the term ‘hallmark’ came about.
Silverware is still taken to the same location to be tested and marked. Some countries allow silver lower than 92.5%, though the majority of silver found in the UK will be of sterling silver 925 standard, or even the slightly higher 958 Britannia standards.
At Cuttings, we stock a range of stunning silver jewellery. Take a look at this beautiful silver cufflinks, for example, that are perfect for any formal occasion. If you’d like to discuss our jewellery pieces further, you can visit us in store at Margate or Ramsgate or get in touch via our contact page.