The truth about silver

MANILA, Philippines - There are plenty of stories going around silver, but you might be surprised that there’s more to silver than meets the eye.

One of the most popular myths about silver is that it is less valuable than gold. Yet while gold prices are higher, silver is more valuable as there is a greater demand for this metal. Gold’s popularity is mostly limited to its use in jewelry, but silver is a necessary commodity among various industries.

Many may think of silver as the poor man’s gold, but this myth just might have been started by those who can’t afford it. Silver was actually a status symbol among early civilizations and even until the 17th century, when only the very wealthy could afford such luxurious items as silver jewelry, dishes and tableware. This was because silver was a by-product of gold. In refining gold, it is only then that silver reveals itself.

Does silver really have health benefits? This belief has its roots in history as the use of silver for medical purposes can be traced back to the Greek and Roman empires. Olden civilizations believed that silver has healing powers, and it was a popular germicide and antibiotic in those times. It is also believed to benefit circulation, detoxify the blood, and balance hormones. Modern scientists have proven that silver is indeed anti-bacterial and most surgical implements are made with silver as a main component.

Contrary to what many may believe, items declared as sterling silver are not inferior just because they are 92.5 percent silver. Pure silver is actually very soft, which is why other high-quality metals are needed to make the silver item sturdy and durable. In fact, the term “sterling” actually connotes that the silver item is of the highest quality, because by law, sterling silver items must 925 parts of pure silver in every thousand parts metal.

There are many more exciting facts about silver, but one special thing remains true: silver’s popularity is steadily on the rise. It is not just an important commodity for industries; silver’s versatility has also translated magnificently in the fashion arena.

For those who want to see silver transformed into amazing pieces of jewelry and gift items, visit Michelis, the premiere sterling silver jewelry brand in the country. Known for excellent craftsmanship and innovative design, Michelis has a diverse range of silver products for serious silver lovers.

Michelis’ product lines include classic, traditional pieces such as necklaces, earrings and bracelets, which are made even more precious with the addition of the finest gemstones, pearls and other valuable materials. Michelis also features collections with bolder, unique designs. Michelis gift item line includes bookmarks, photo frames, and desktop curios.

With Michelis, consumers are guaranteed they get only the highest quality items. Each Michelis sterling silver item is made of 95 percent pure silver — a level of purity that is higher than is required by the international market — thus distinguishing them from other silver boutiques. Every Michelis item is also handcrafted according to European standards by a team of local talents, and the design and materials used are all made and sourced locally in support of the Philippine jewelry industry.

Michelis is located at Greenbelt 5 and its branches located at Rustan’s Ermita, Rustan’s Alabang Town Center, Rustan’s Tower Shangri-La Plaza, The Atrium, at SM Megamall, The Podium, The Block at SM City North EDSA, and at the lobby of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Michelis is also available at Rositi Fine Jewellery, Silk Coccoon, Sp Boutique at Hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza, and online at Filfgifts.com.