What you don't know about silver

MANILA, Philippines - Silver may have taken a backseat to gold in terms of popularity, but this precious metal actually has a number of endearing qualities that make it a must-buy for ardent fans and collectors. Here are some fun facts about silver that will turn skeptics into silver connoisseurs.

• Since silver was first mined in Asia Minor around 4,000 BC, silver has been held in high regard by many ancient civilizations and was considered a status symbol. Wearing of silver jewelry was considered a privilege enjoyed only by members of the upper class.

• By the 16th century, silver was found primarily in churches where they were used for chalices, crosses and altar appointment. Aside from the church, only the wealthiest nobles were able to afford table silver.

• Sterling silver is the most hygienic metal known to man. It is known for many medicinal qualities; silver is believed to help fight germs, benefit circulation, detoxify the blood, and balance hormones.

• Sterling silver items are all silver; by law, a silver item classified and stamped as “sterling’ must has 925 parts of pure silver in every thousand parts metal. The remaining 75 parts are added for durability and stiffness since pure silver is very soft.

• The term “sterling” comes from the word “Easterling” which was what European coins made with large portions of silver were called in the olden days, to distinguish them from low-silver alloy coins. Thus, the word sterling has always been used to denote high-quality silver.

 Locally, one can find beautiful, high quality silver jewelry, trinkets and premium gift items at Michelis.

Each Michelis sterling silver item is made of of 95 percent pure silver – higher than the 92.5 percent level of purity required by the international market – thus distinguishing them from other silver brands. 

 Michelis has shops at Greenbelt 5, 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.