Good grief! It is pretty hot out today! The thermostat in my car registered 95 degrees (F) on my way from working outside at the garden center to my volunteer shift at the Generator makerspace! Yikes! That’s a little unusual for Vermont. It also explains why I can’t seem to think very well right now.

I like to inform people about silver and the metals I work with to create unique jewelry. So today, I’m going to give a brief overview of virgin silver and where it comes from as well as a quick primer about how it is used in making sterling silver. If this post / newsletter feels a bit dry, it’s not just you. It’s informational and it’s not quite as much fun as reading anecdotes.

Before we get started, I want to say that I do my best to buy the sterling silver I use in my jewelry from sources such as Rio Grande, who do their best to buy from suppliers who recycle silver and other fine metals. In other words, they buy from what are called secondary refiners. Those are refiners who don’t buy their silver (or gold and copper, etc) from mines.

So without further ado…

The Journey of Sterling Silver:
From Mine to Jewelry Box

Sterling silver jewelry is a timeless accessory, known for its gleaming beauty and versatility. Whether it's a delicate necklace, a striking bracelet, or a pair of elegant earrings, sterling silver has been a staple in the world of adornment for centuries. But have you ever wondered where the sterling silver in your jewelry comes from? This blog post will take you on a fascinating journey from the depths of the earth to the sparkling piece in your jewelry box.

The Origins of Sterling Silver

What Is Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver is an alloy consisting of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. This combination enhances the metal's durability and workability while maintaining its brilliant luster. The name "sterling" is believed to have originated from the Old English word "steorling," meaning "little star," a reference to the star-shaped Norman silver pennies.

Where Is Silver Mined?

The journey of sterling silver begins in mines located across the globe. Silver is typically found in ores alongside other metals such as lead, copper, and zinc. Some of the world's largest silver mines are located in countries like Mexico, Peru, China, and Australia.

• Mexico: As the world’s largest silver producer, Mexico is renowned for its rich deposits and long history of silver mining. The country has numerous mines, including the famous Fresnillo and Saucito mines, which produce vast quantities of silver annually.
• Peru: Known for its ancient silver mining history, Peru is the second-largest silver producer. Mines like the Uchucchacua and Antamina mines contribute significantly to the global silver supply.
• China: China, the third-largest producer, has large reserves of silver, primarily found as a by-product in lead and zinc mining operations. The Ying mine is one of the notable sources of silver in the country.
• Australia: Australia’s Cannington mine is one of the world’s largest and highest-grade silver operations, producing significant amounts of silver along with lead and zinc.

The Extraction Process

Mining Silver Ore

Silver is usually extracted from the earth through a process called underground or open-pit mining, depending on the depth and location of the silver deposits. In underground mining, tunnels or shafts are dug to reach the ore deposits, while open-pit mining involves removing large amounts of surface rock to access the ore.

Refining Silver

Once extracted, the silver ore undergoes a series of refining processes to separate the silver from other metals and impurities. The primary methods of refining include:

• Flotation: In this process, crushed ore is mixed with water and chemicals that make silver particles hydrophobic. Air bubbles are introduced, causing the silver particles to attach to the bubbles and rise to the surface, where they are skimmed off.
• Smelting: The flotation concentrate is then smelted, a process that involves heating the material to high temperatures in a furnace. This separates the silver from the remaining waste materials.
• Electrolytic Refining: In this stage, the silver is further purified using an electrolytic process. The silver is dissolved in a solution and then re-deposited onto a cathode, leaving impurities behind.

The result is almost pure silver, which is then melted and cast into bars or granules for further processing.

From Pure Silver to Sterling Silver

Creating the Alloy

To create sterling silver, pure silver is alloyed with other metals, typically copper. The addition of copper not only enhances the strength of the silver but also improves its resistance to tarnishing. The standard composition is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, although other metals like nickel or zinc can also be used.

Rolling and Annealing

The alloy is then rolled into sheets or wires of varying thicknesses, depending on the intended use. This rolling process hardens the metal, so it is often annealed—heated and then slowly cooled—to soften it, making it easier to work with for jewelry making.

Forming and Finishing

Jewelry makers use various techniques such as casting, stamping, and forging to shape the sterling silver into beautiful jewelry pieces. Casting involves pouring molten sterling silver into molds, while stamping uses dies to cut and shape the metal. Forging requires hammering the silver into the desired shape.

After the pieces are formed, they undergo finishing processes like polishing, buffing, and sometimes plating to enhance their appearance. These steps ensure the silver has a smooth, shiny surface and the desired aesthetic qualities.

Ethical and Sustainable Considerations

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental and ethical impacts of mining. As a result, many jewelers and consumers are seeking more sustainable and ethical sources of silver. Recycled silver, which comes from industrial applications, old jewelry, and electronics, is becoming increasingly popular. By using recycled silver, the demand for new mining is reduced, thereby lessening the environmental footprint of silver production.

Some companies are also committing to fair trade practices and ensuring that their silver is sourced from mines that adhere to strict environmental and labor standards. These efforts aim to protect both the environment and the rights and well-being of mining communities.

Conclusion

The journey of sterling silver from mine to jewelry box is a complex and fascinating one. It involves extensive mining and refining processes, as well as meticulous craftsmanship to transform raw silver into stunning pieces of jewelry. Understanding the origins and processes behind sterling silver not only enhances our appreciation for these beautiful items but also highlights the importance of responsible sourcing and sustainability in the jewelry industry. So, the next time you wear a piece of sterling silver jewelry, you'll have a deeper connection to its rich history and the intricate journey it has taken to adorn you.

News of late

• Working on a few charcoal castings
• Playing around with water casting
• I finally ordered some business cards because people have been asking
• Working on having a rubber stamp created so that I can stamp the craft paper boxes I use to package jewelry
• Doing my best to enjoy the summer!

Until next time,
Justin