Humanities Information

Sterling Silver Jewelry - The Rest Of The Story


Silver is widely diffused but is rarely found in the native state.

Silver is originally as widespread as gold, occurring in nearly all of the volcanic rocks. Whereas gold remains unaltered by the action of the elements and is often carried long distances from its original place of occurrence, silver on the contrary is only to be found in the rocks where it originally occurs. When these rocks are broken down or worn away, the silver is either driven into new mineral combinations, or more often dissipated and lost. Silver, therefore, is only to be obtained by subterranean mining. Shafts are driven and the ore brought to the surface, and by use of various processes the silver is extracted, refined and made ready for commercial purposes.

An old process and one still employed extensively throughout Mexico where a large quantity of silver is produced, is to take the ore after it has been crushed or reduced to a fine mud or puddle and spread it about two feet deep over the floor of a large courtyard. Powered sulfate of copper is spread over the mass and then horses or mules are driven around in circle to tread the sulfate in and mix it thoroughly with the ore. After about one day's treading a quantity of common salt is added and after two days more treading quicksilver is added. This mass is trodden over for a period of about fifteen days, and is then shoveled into a large tank through which a rapid stream of water is passed. This washes away all but the silver and quicksilver, which is then poured into cone-shaped canvas bags. Most of the quicksilver runs out leaving the silver, which is then retorted. The quicksilver is used over and over again to assist in recovering the silver.

Pure silver has a beautiful white color and luster; it is almost as plastic as pure gold and like it very soft. Silver does not tarnish in natural air, but when it comes in contact with sulfur compounds it readily forms black silver sulfide. The sulfur compounds which act on silver are found in small quantities in the air as a result of burning coal and illuminating gas, while larger amounts occur in vulcanized rubber, wool, and foods like eggs.

Pure silver is too soft to make durable objects that require lightness and stability of form. This defect is overcome by alloying it with a little copper.

An alloy of 925 parts fine silver and 75 parts copper is called 925-1000 fine or what is commonly known as sterling silver. This alloy is used almost universally for jewelry and the best silverware.

For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of "How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off." This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com


MORE RESOURCES:

11/20/2024
Is Europe ready for xenotransplantation?

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Published online: 20 November 2024; doi:10.1057/s41599-024-04126-7

This comment addresses recent advancements in xenotransplantation research, which suggest that new types of transplants could become possible soon. It argues that the ethical concerns surrounding xenotransplantation in humans are particularly complex. These concerns go beyond the traditional medical ethics of informed consent and patient care, or balancing patient risks against benefits. The potential risk of xenosis—diseases transmitted from animals to humans—makes xenotransplantation a broader issue, one that relates to public health. The key question is whether the reduced risks of xenosis can justify the possibility of detrimental consequences, such as a pandemic. It is argued that these concerns should not be limited to expert discussions but should engage the wider public through a broad debate involving all sectors of society. Emerging technologies, such as gene editing, amplify the need for such ethical discussions. Have these new technologies made xenotransplantation safer and more acceptable? Now is the time for public dialogue on this complex issue.

more info


11/20/2024
Podcasting for interdisciplinary education: active listening, negotiation, reflexivity, and communication skills

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Published online: 20 November 2024; doi:10.1057/s41599-024-04119-6

Podcasting for interdisciplinary education: active listening, negotiation, reflexivity, and communication skills

more info


11/20/2024
Assessment of national economic repercussions from Shanghai’s COVID-19 lockdown

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Published online: 20 November 2024; doi:10.1057/s41599-024-04100-3

Assessment of national economic repercussions from Shanghai’s COVID-19 lockdown

more info


11/20/2024
Promoting collaboration in regional healthcare systems in Hong Kong, Macao, and the mainland of China: midrange strategies

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Published online: 20 November 2024; doi:10.1057/s41599-024-04105-y

Promoting collaboration in regional healthcare systems in Hong Kong, Macao, and the mainland of China: midrange strategies

more info


11/20/2024
Unveiling consumer satisfaction and its driving factors of EVs in China using an explainable artificial intelligence approach

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Published online: 20 November 2024; doi:10.1057/s41599-024-04120-z

Unveiling consumer satisfaction and its driving factors of EVs in China using an explainable artificial intelligence approach

more info


11/20/2024
Traditional family fertility values and performance evaluation of grassroots governments: evidence from the China Family Panel Studies

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Published online: 20 November 2024; doi:10.1057/s41599-024-03677-z

Traditional family fertility values and performance evaluation of grassroots governments: evidence from the China Family Panel Studies

more info


11/20/2024
Do the pathways of child development before age three matter for development at primary school? Evidence from rural China

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Published online: 20 November 2024; doi:10.1057/s41599-024-04104-z

Do the pathways of child development before age three matter for development at primary school? Evidence from rural China

more info


11/20/2024
Woman on board, corporate social responsibility and financial performance: new evidence from China

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Published online: 20 November 2024; doi:10.1057/s41599-024-04029-7

Woman on board, corporate social responsibility and financial performance: new evidence from China

more info



home | site map | contact us