SILVER...

... was the basis of most common coinage in North America until the mid 1960's. Today silver is too valuable to use in currency, but is used widely in jewellery as a low cost alternative to gold or platinum.

Pure silver is almost perfectly white, very ductile and malleable. It is the best conductor of electricity.

Pure silver is considered to be too soft for today's jewellery, it is hardened by alloying with copper.

Care & Cleaning of Silver:

Silver reacts to the air, especially sulphur, and will develop a black tarnish (oxidation).

To clean silver use a good silver polish or solution. Avoid soap and soapy water since it can create a film. Dry and polish with a soft cloth.