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Silver
When it comes to jewelry, Silver may be second only to Gold. However Silver is the more versatile metal of the two and its wide range of uses are much more than decorative.
Silver (or Argent [from Argentum], depending on where you are in the world) is one of the oldest precious metals known to man. Its elemental symbol is Ag (again, from the Latin ‘argentum’). It is the earth’s natural antibacterial and antimicrobial agent and has been used since ancient times to dress wounds and prevent disease. In solution it becomes a disinfectant. Ancient Phoenicians used to store liquids such as water, wine, and vinegar in silver containers to keep them from spoiling, and in more modern times people have been known to drop a silver coin into their milk containers for the same reason. Some sources recommend eating with utensils made from silver (or silver-plate) because of the metal’s germicidal qualities. Because it is generally non-toxic, it is also used in dental fillings.
Decoratively, it can be molded into any desired shape. It is sometimes hammered or rolled into sheets as fine as tissue paper and used to cover home furnishings (silver-leafing). It can be electrically bonded to another metal such as brass (silver-plating), but only in its purest form. Sterling silver cannot be used in the electroplating process due to the presence of other metals in the silver. Pure silver is slow to tarnish when exposed to air, although exposure to ozone or hydrogen sulfide (sulfur in the air) as is present in larger cities will cause even pure silver to tarnish faster.
Additionally, Silver is used in the making of photographs and the backing of mirrors, and because of its extremely high conductivity of electricity, it is used in the plating of audio contacts. But some people just like wearing Silver for its elegant and timeless beauty alone.
See also Fine Silver and Sterling Silver
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