Thursday, 17 March 2011

Silver.Ag: A Quick Look At The Silver Ring

By Jan Pavlik


Silver is one of a number of metals which have been accepted as a form of currency between traders for centuries and defined as one of the precious metals by international convention. A silver ring is generally regarded as allergen-free and may therefore safely be given to young children with little risk of an adverse reaction. Silver is frequently used in the production of rings and other fine works of art.

The chemical symbol [Ag] is derived from classical Latin and translates literally as "shining". Because silver is one of the more malleable metals, it often has to be combined with other metals in order to retain its shape as a finished product.

The Stock Exchange value of silver has fluctuated significantly over the years. In 1980 it almost reached $50/Troy ounce, but by comparison "bottomed out" at just over $4/Troy ounce in 1996. Currently (May 2010) it is trading at about $18/Troy ounce.

Because it is so easy to work and form, silver has always been a popular choice for making jewelry. A delicate silver ring can be cast using an extruded silver wire, which can be as fine as a human hair while retaining the strength of a metal. The purity of the metal means that it is popular with musicians, too:: it lends a distinctive clarity and tone to trumpets, or a carillon of bells.

Another advantage of silver is the ease with which it can be kept sterile. As a consequence, it may safely be used in decorative body piercings such as silver ear rings.

Many communities have retained traditions involving silver jewelry, including the Irish claddagh ring. Families still follow the custom of having a Family Ring which is inherited by the first-born male child of every generation.

There is one drawback to this tradition which is an inevitable consequence of silver's relative softness compared with other metals. The ring will be subject to frequent repairs when it is passed on, because the recipient's finger will very often be one or more sizes smaller than the fingers of the person he inherits the ring from.

A further advantage of the ease with which silver remains sterile is its use in medical applications, where good hygiene is essential. Dentistry is the most important example, as silver is almost eighty times cheaper to use as a filling than gold.




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