Silver has been used for decorative objects for thousands of years throughout the world and for good reason.  Pure silver has the whitest color and highest reflectivity of any metal.  Due to its brilliant white metallic luster and ability to be highly polished, silver is used extensively in jewelry and tableware.  Silver jewelry is also a wonderful alternative to the more expensive white gold and platinum.  Not only is silver more affordable but there is a large variety of beautiful charms, rings, earrings, bracelets, chains and necklaces available in silver.

Here are some commonly used silver terms and their meanings

Fine silver: is 99.9% pure silver or better.  This grade of silver is used to make bullion bars for international commodities trading.  However, pure silver is too soft to be turned into functional items that can be used everyday.

Sterling silver: is a mixture of 92.5% pure fine silver and other metal alloys, usually copper.  The copper provides the silver with enough strength and durability to be used in items like jewelry without losing its precious metal content and natural bright sheen.

Silver plating: is when a base metal is covered with a layer of sterling silver.  This form of silver is more affordable than sterling silver.

Vermeil: (pronounced vermay) is sterling silver that has been electroplated with a heavy layer of gold.  The result is jewelry that looks like gold and wears well.

German or Nickel silver: is a silvery-white alloy consisting of copper, zinc and nickel but no silver. If you are allergic to nickel, you would not want to purchase any item made of this that would be worn next to your skin.

Hallmark: is a stamp that is used to mark an item.  For example a sterling silver item is taken to an assay office where it is tested for the purity of the metal.  That item would then be marked.  Hallmarks vary from country to country but in the United States sterling silver items are usually stamped 925, or sometimes Sterling, to certify that they are in fact sterling silver and not some imitation of silver.  When purchasing a sterling silver item always check to see if the 925 has been engraved onto the piece to prove it is authentic.   You will usually find the stamp on the backside or inside of the item.