Silver

Finding the elixir of youth and immortality was the dream of every alchemist in the Middle Ages, and of course, turning base metals into gold and silver. Popular beliefs gave the latter the power to drive away demons, kill witches and werewolves. Because of its magnificent luster, this precious metal was consecrated to the goddess Moon, the eternal mother, and associated with feminine yin energy.

Less appreciated than the yellow metal – “the word is silver, silence is gold” – it always takes second place in sports awards and other competitions. Nevertheless, silver is synonymous with wealth, abundance, purity, and perfection. Its symbol Ag comes from the Latin Argentum, which means white or shiny. It is only a bit stronger than gold, that is why it is used in goldsmithing to make large pieces. It is also much more discreet to wear as an ornament and more affordable for any pocket. Because of its antibacterial power, it was used in ancient times until the discovery of antibiotics, although it is still very important in medicine. Of all known metals, it is the one with the highest electrical and thermal conductivity. This second particularity becomes a test to tell if a silver piece is a real one: put an ice cube on it, if it melts quickly, it is silver. Many silver-plated pieces, which we believe to be solid silver, have only a thin layer adhered to copper or bronze, using the electroplating technique.

Silver exploitation from the mines of the Anatolian peninsula around 3,000 BC, led to the flourishing of ancient Greece and the Near East civilizations. At the beginning of the Middle Ages, the mineral was mined extensively in Germany and Central Europe. Used to make war weapons (spears, swords, and arrowheads), utensils such as cups and vessels for kings and their courts, and for many religious objects, but above all it was used to make coins.

From 1500 onwards, the Spanish empire was supplied by the Americas, where mining dates back to the pre-Hispanic civilizations of Mexico, Perú, and Bolivia. It was used for commercial transactions with Asia on trips in search of exotic merchandise and luxury goods. China’s products – porcelain, fine silk, wooden furniture, and pearls – were highly coveted by Europeans for their high quality. The Chinese were not as interested in foreign goods as they were in their silver, so they set taxes in bars.

Today the two main silver producing countries are Mexico and Perú, with 1/3 of the world’s production, followed by China and Russia.

This metal has been widely used as a raw material for its multiple qualities for the electronics industry, the automotive industry, renewable energy systems, and medicine during the last century. Market analysts consider it to be highly depreciated but that it is still a safe haven in case of a financial crisis and as an investment for the future: world reserves are not many – there are 10 to 20 years of exploitation left – and its price should rise considerably in the long term.

Finally, we will suggest cleaning the patina that darkens the jewelry due to hydrogen sulfide present in the air: the piece is immersed, provided it does not contain stones, in a plastic or glass container lined inside with aluminum foil. Mix a spoonful of salt, a spoonful of bicarbonate and enough hot water to cover the jewel, which must be in contact with the aluminum. Wait a few minutes until the black surface disappears. Remove the piece, rinse with warm water, and dry. Shine assured, they say.