Silver has used for thousands of years and was believed to have magical powers which could promote healing and bring good luck. In ancient times, silver was used for jewelry, ornaments, utensils, and as a substance bartered for other goods and services. The belief that silver had an underlying "value" led eventually to its use as the basis for monetary systems such as that of the Roman Empire and as a means of paying for international trade.

Silver is the most reflective and affordable of the precious metals. Its lower price permits bold, innovative looks. Sterling silver jewelry is often fashioned by top designers and can range in price from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Sterling silver is the standard of quality for jewelry containing 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper.

Common Silver Marks