Athena Silversmith Blog

Why Sterling Silver Jewelry Makes the Perfect Heirloom

Have you ever wondered what heirloom you can leave your loved ones that will capture the essence of your personality and evoke memories of you in the mind of your loved ones once you pass away? Heirlooms can come in all shapes and sizes, but one that can be passed down from generation to generation is sterling silver jewelry.  Whether it be a ring, bracelet, necklace or earrings, sterling silver will withstand the test of time due to the unique properties of this metal. 

According to Rock and Gem by geologist Dr. Ronald L. Bonewitz (2008), the earliest silver ornaments and decorations date back to 4000 BC while the first silver coins appeared around 550 BC.  Six thousand years later, silver remains the metal of choice for many jewelry lovers!

Silver next to gold is the most malleable and ductile metal, making it a principal medium for jewelry. However, silver as it appears in nature is too soft to wear well, so it is alloyed with other metals to make it sturdy.  Sterling silver is 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent copper and has become a standard worldwide for jewelry.   Another intrinsic characteristic of this precious metal is its silver-white color which can be cleaned and polished to bring back the luster and give it a timeless appearance.

Another important factor to keep in mind when you are contemplating an heirloom piece is price.  Sterling Silver is the most affordable of all fine metals and can fit any budget. The shiny metal is ten times less expensive than gold or platinum.  For more ideas, on an heirloom piece visit www.athenasilversmith.com .