Silver: The Reasonable Choice
Silver is a metal that has many uses. It is used in a lot of industrial applications as well as in jewelry making. Like gold, silver also reflects the status and wealth of its owner. But when it comes to price, silver is relatively cheaper than gold. The type of silver primarily used for jewelry is referred to as sterling silver. It is a combination of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. So if you see the 92.5 mark written all over the walls of silver jewelry stores, it is the indication of the concentration of silver in the jewelry that they are selling. Other than jewelry, silver is also used to make tableware, medals, and coins.
Silver is a white, soft, and lustrous metal. It is the inexpensive alternative to gold but has characteristics that are comparable to it. Silver is the perfect day-to-day ornament with its soft pale tone. It is not as striking and as obscure as gold.
When it comes to its physical properties, silver is slightly harder than gold. But it is a very malleable and ductile metal just the same. It is brilliant and shiny, making it the favorite ornament of a lot of people. Bolivia is the world's largest producer of silver today. The use of silver can be traced back to the ancient times, as far as 4 BC. Silver is rich in folklore and stories as well. And these stories have been passed on to many generations throughout time, including the silver bullet needed to kill vampires.
Other than jewelry making, silver is also used in dentistry, electronics, optics, and medicine. The worth of silver in the economy can't be ignored. Its commercial value is always monitored because there are still some currencies that depend on its worth. Just recently, the price of silver reached a high $21.34 an ounce.