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Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is an alloy of 92 1/2% (silver and 7 1/2%
copper). It is used commercially by craftsmen for jewelry
and flatware.
Coin Silver
Coin silver contain 90% silver and 10% copper. It is so
called because it was used for U.S.Silver coins before 1966.
Mexican Silver
It is highly used by Mexican and American Indian craftsmen.
Its silver content is generally above 90%.
Spring Silver
Sterling silver when reduced as much as ten times its
original thickness by rolling or drawing to harden it is
called spring silver. It is usually used to make tie and
money clips.
Ordering
When ordering silver, the type thickness, and width or shape
must be specified. Sterling silver is the type usually used
and is usually sold soft.
Silver may also be purchased half-hard, hard, and spring
hard. Half-hard and hard silver are used for pins and
pierced objects that are left flat and do not require silver
soldering.
Test for Silver
When a drop of nitric acid is applied
Sterling silver turns cloudy cream.
Plated ware-the base metal will turn green.
Nickel silver turns dark or blackish.
Silver when pickled (cleaned in hot sulfuric acid) becomes
glittering white; nickel silver turns red.
Pure silver, when heated to light red and then cooled
remains white while sterling silver turns black.
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