| When we think of silver, the first thing that comes to | | | | of silver paste in crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells. Still, |
| mind is sterling silver jewelry. Yet, the history of silver | | | | over 250 million ounces of silver are used each year |
| and the uses for silver are rich and varied. According | | | | to make silverware and silver jewelry. Your silver |
| to The Silver Institute, a worldwide association of silver | | | | chain, silver bracelet, locket, silver earring, and wedding |
| miners, refiners, fabricators, and manufacturers, the | | | | ring are all part of a rich history of silver. |
| area today known as Turkey was the first location | | | | Sterling silver jewelry comes in a variety of forms. |
| where silver was mined. That was around 4000 B.C. | | | | One of the most popular uses of sterling silver jewelry |
| Around 1200 B.C., the center of silver mining moved to | | | | is in silver chain. Silver chain is made in a number of |
| an area near Athens. According to The Silver Institute, | | | | different styles, including curb, cable, figaro, rope, box, |
| during the height of production, the mines near Athens | | | | snake, and herringbone. Some artisans use custom |
| produced about one million troy ounces each year. | | | | styling and may make silver chain in shapes like the |
| Over the first millennium A.D., Spain became a | | | | rolled anchor, figure eight, alternating short- and long-link, |
| prominent producer of silver, which was vital to the | | | | diamond cut, and double rope. Silver chain provides the |
| Asian spice trade. From 1500 through 1800 A.D., Peru, | | | | perfect backdrop for a locket or charm bracelet. A |
| Mexico, and Bolivia produced most of the world's silver. | | | | simple sterling silver necklace, bracelet, or ankle |
| In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the discovery of | | | | bracelet can also be worn on its own for understated |
| silver deposits in Nevada, Colorado, and Utah caused | | | | elegance. |
| production to explode. According to the Silver Institute, | | | | The craftsmanship of sterling silver jewelry is apparent |
| "Production over the last quarter of the 19th century | | | | in the glint of a silver earring or the selection of a once |
| quadrupled over the average of the first 75 years to a | | | | in a lifetime wedding band. Used as the setting for any |
| total of nearly 120 million troy ounces annually." | | | | number of pieces, today's most popular sterling silver |
| Today, the vast majority of silver is used in industrial | | | | jewelry items include Celtic designs, pentagram and |
| applications ranging from the medical use of silver | | | | pentacle designs, handcrafted glass bead designs, and |
| sulfadiazine to treat burn victims to solar energy's use | | | | Bali designs. |