Peru and Mexico are the worlds leading producers of silver, however there are major silver mining areas in Australia, USA, Canada, Russia and Kazakhstan. Silver is a soft, white, lustrous precious metal which has been prized for thousands of years. Evidence has been found that the first mined silver was from Anatolia which is in the area of modern day Turkey. These mines are thought to originate from around 3000BC. Silver is used all over the world in the making of ornaments, coinage, tableware, mirrors, photography and even medicine as it is a natural antiseptic and disinfectant.

Pure silver is a malleable or soft precious metal and is too soft to wear well in jewellery. To increase its durability and strength sterling silver is made up of 92.5% silver and alloyed or mixed with 7.5% of another metal usually copper or brass. The chemical symbol for silver is Ag (Latin: Argentum) from a Greek word meaning ‘White and Shining'

For centuries silver has been one of mans greatest tools in helping the immune system fight infection. Historically silver coins were dropped into barrels of water on board ships to keep the water pure and clean. Silver was also used to preserve food and milk as it has a natural anti microbial quality.

Many food and drink vessels were made of silver to preserve the contents. The term ‘born with a silver spoon in their mouth' was derived from the fact that children of the wealthy were given a silver spoon to suck to ward off illness and infections. Today silver is still used in wound dressings and also in the treatment of antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria such as MRSA.  

Silver Folklore

Silver is said to relate to the moon for its silver white qualities. In many cultures silver is a symbol of purity and divine wisdom. Silver was said to be a repellant of vampires as they had no reflection in silvered mirrors because they had no soul and werewolves could only be killed with a silver bullet!

             

Hill Tribe Silver

You will find that some of our pieces are made using Karen Hill Tribe Silver. This refers to the many different Hill Tribes living in Northern Thailand who hand produce fine silver of a superior quality which is usually between 95% and 99% pure silver. The percentage of normal sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver. 

The Karen and Shiana are people or tribes living in the hills of Thailand who are assisted to maintain their skills which have been handed down for generations. They are supported to enable a sustainable industry and income for a fair wage, therefore when purchasing a product made with Hill Tribe, Karen Hill Tribe Silver or Shiana Hill Tribe Silver you are purchasing a Fair Trade product.

Hill Tribe Silver is usually quite ornate and unusual with lots of detail in the charms, pendants, toggle fastenings and focal pieces etc. This is due to the higher purity of the silver which makes the silver slightly softer and therefore easier to work with resulting in beautiful detail.                                                              

We adore Hill Tribe Silver as it transforms each item of silver jewellery into an individual statement piece. We continue to support these talented people by stocking their exquisite pieces of high quality silver.