Sublime Silver!

Continuing on a theme after yesterdays gold blog, I thought you might like to know a little more about silver. Another element, silver can be found in its pure form in compact masses, dendritic formations and nuggets. Formed along joints and druses in other rocks and is often associated with other precious metals, including gold. It rarely forms crystals, but when it does, these are cubic. There are many minerals which are mined for their silver content, including proustite, pyrargyrite and argenite to name but a few. Some of these have a characteristic red colour. Native silver can also be found in steams and rivers or placer deposits. It is used in several industries, such as metallurgy, photographics, electronics etc as well as for coins, and my favourite, jewellery! It was always quite an expensive metal, but in recent times it is becoming more so and prices are rising. .......................................................................................................................................................... Fine Silver....................... Fine silver is the term used for pure or almost pure silver(999/1000) parts native silver. This is the most expensive and is becoming popular with the use of precious metal clay silver techniques. Precious metal clay is the by-product of industry - often the car industry, where very high concentrations of silver are contained within a soft and pliable clay substance. The clay can be made into any shape or design and, once fired, burns away all non silver elements leaving the design created in pure silver. This is a very expensive way of creating jewellery, but fantastic, detailed results can be obtained using it - please click on the pictures of fine silver designs from Folksy Artisans to be taken to their shops: These fine silver sage leaf earrings by Charlotte Mather show how stunning, natural details can be captured using silver clay techniques. Unusual 3D shapes can also be created using Silver clay. This pillow bead necklace was created by Anthonia Onwordi One of my own designs, this unusual ring features a satin finish and a grey moonstone. This beautiful bracelet in fine silver is by Clara Smith Sterling Silver:................... Sterling silver is 925/1000 parts pure silver and is the silver standard in the UK. Most jewellery that is marked as silver has been created from sterling silver. There are so many stunning examples of sterling silver work on Folksy - please click on the pictures below to see the links to the items I have chosen to find out more: The work that has gone into making this lovely bracelet by Faith Bowman is amazing. This lovely pendant features several metal working techniques, including hammering. It is by Jacqueline Ostrowka A feminine and decorative necklace in sterling silver and featuring Swarovski crystal elements, by Helen Murphy A superb natural opal has been set into this unusual pendant by Lizzyanthus Jewellery This apatite sterling silver ring can be found in my shop. The lovely stone was set into a pretty cast sterling silver mount. Silver Filled, Silver Plated and Silver tone........................ As silver has become so expensive, it is now possible to buy silver filled products. Silver filled is where a sandwich of silver has a core or filling of other metals, such as copper or a base metal, to make it less expensive than sterling silver. Silver vermeil is a bonding of sterling silver to another metal - this is durable and should last a lifetime of normal wear. Silver plated is also available and has a less durable yet long lasting finish, with the look of a sterling silver item. Silver toned is usually a silver coloured base metal where the silver finish may not be that durable, making it suitable for occasional wear. An impressive cuff in silver plated wire and purple sparkle beads, by Maria Palmer This gorgeous necklace, with a selection of natural gemstones, is by Colleen Campbell For a real splash of colour, how about these sweet little stud earrings featuring polymer clay cabochons by Vicki Cockcroft ................................................................................................................................................................ There are silver pieces available in every finish to suit every budget. All are stunning and beautiful - especially items that have been handmade by Folksy designers. Please take the time to have a look at the site and enjoy these gorgeous goodies! Jacqueline x