USEFUL AND NOT SO USEFUL (BUT INTERESTING) FACTS ABOUT SILVER

• Silver has been coined to use as money since 700 BC.

• The term 'sterling silver' in reference to the grade .925 silver emerged in England in the 13th century.

• Sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5 % silver and 7.5 % other materials - usually copper. In recent times, germanium (read that again, it does not say geranium!) is often used as a replacement of the copper portion.

• Fine silver is 99.9% or better silver content, but is too soft for general use.

• Britannia silver is at least 99.85% silver.

• Mexican silver is usually 95% silver and 5% copper.

• Alpaca Silver actually has no silver content whatsoever (and anyone that says it does is probably misinformed or telling stories). It is an alloy of metals with properties similar to that of stainless steel, in that it wont rust or tarnish.

• The hallmark on silver may be 925 (normal) or the word 'sterling' or the lion passant mark.

• In ancient Egypt and Medieval Europe, silver was often more valuable than gold.

• King Henry II coined the first silver currency in England around 1158.

• Associated with the moon as well as the sea and various lunar Goddesses, the metal was referred to by alchemists by the name Lunar.

• Hippocrates wrote that silver had beneficial healing and anti disease properties. The expression 'born with a silver spoon in their mouth' stems from health rather than wealth status, as children fed with silver utensils were believed to be healthier.

• Silver compounds were successfully used in World War I to prevent infection before the advent of antibiotics. Silver compounds are still used externally to accelerate healing in burns victims.

• The Phoenicians used to store water, wine and vinegar in silver bottles.

• Words for silver and money are the same in at least fourteen languages.

• Silver iodide has been used in attempts to seed clouds to produce rain.

• Most mirrors are backed with aluminum. For a superior quality finish, silver is used because of its high quality reflectivity.

• Legend has it that silver is a strong deterrent for supernatural beings such as werewolves and vampires. Personally, I would like to meet the person that not only believes in these creatures, but who would also take time out to find them, experience enough of them, and then be able to work out a cure for their bad habits. Silver Bullets.......a very time consuming hobby, I would have thought!

• Ralph and Julie sell fine sterling silver (but no silver bullets!).