Sterling silver – Harry & Co Jewellery

History and Origins of Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is an alloy composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper.
The term 'sterling' may have originated from the Norman silver penny imprinted with a small star.
The Hanseatic League played a role in the origin and manufacture of sterling silver.
The Hanseatic League was active in London trade from 1266 to 1597.
The British numismatist Philip Grierson proposed an alternative etymology for 'sterling' based on the word 'ster' meaning strong or stout.
Norman silver pennies changed designs every three years.
A two-star design on a silver penny issued by William the Conqueror is a possible origin of the word 'sterling.'
A piece of sterling silver dating from Henry II's reign was used as a standard in the Trial of the Pyx.
The first legal definition of sterling silver appeared in 1275 during the reign of Edward I.
The standard specified that 12 troy ounces of silver for coinage should contain 11 ounces 2+14 pennyweights of silver and 17+34 pennyweights of alloy.

Sterling silver was used for currency and general goods in Colonial America.
Between 1634 and 1776, around 500 silversmiths created items in the New World using sterling silver.
American silversmiths adhered to the standard set by the London Goldsmiths Company.
Colonial silversmiths used techniques developed in Europe, such as casting and forging.
Silversmiths would stamp their personal makers mark on each piece to guarantee quality and composition.

Paul Revere, a renowned American silversmith, was regarded as one of the best during the Golden Age of American Silver.
Revere acquired and utilized a silver rolling mill from England, increasing his production rate.
He retired a wealthy artisan, primarily due to the success of his low-end goods produced by the mill.
With the onset of the first Industrial Revolution, silversmithing declined as an artistic occupation.
From 1840 to 1940, sterling silver cutlery became popular for setting a proper table.

Hallmarks were developed in some countries to indicate the purity of the silver alloy, identify the silversmith or company, and note the date and/or location of manufacture.
Hallmarks helped reduce the amount of counterfeit silver items.
Hallmarks were used to guarantee the quality and authenticity of sterling silver.
Hallmarking systems varied between countries.
The purpose of hallmarks was to provide information about the silver piece and ensure its value.

Sterling silver is used in serving pieces, cutlery sets, business items, boudoir items, and children's items.
Silver can tarnish and corrode when exposed to certain compounds and environmental factors.
Sterling silver is also used in surgical and medical instruments, some brasswind instruments, and jewelry.
There are other types of silver alloys, such as Britannia silver, Argentium sterling silver, coin silver, and weighted sterling.
Antique silver refers to silver items that are over a hundred years old and is valued for its craftsmanship and historical significance.

Reference	URL
Glossary	https://harryandcojewellery.com.au/blogs/glossary/sterling-silver
Wikipedia	http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sterling_silver
Wikidata	https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q31576
Knowledge Graph	https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/m/01g8vd