The best quality silver mark is symbolized by the designation “999.99,” denoting the highest level of purity in silver. This exceptional standard, often referred to as “five nines fine,” represents a nearly perfect level of refinement. Historically, achieving such a level of purity was a significant challenge. However, the Royal Silver Company of Bolivia surpassed industry standards, setting a new benchmark in silver production. Their accomplishment in refining silver to such an extraordinary degree has become a hallmark of quality.
Fine Silver
Fine silver, recognized by its silver mark, symbolizes purity and quality in the precious metals industry. This material is primarily known for its millesimal fineness of 999, indicating a composition of 99.9% pure silver. The balance consists of trace amounts of impurities, making it exceptionally pure. Known as three nines fine, this grade of silver is predominantly used to manufacture bullion bars. These bars are significant for international commodities trading and silver investment.
Moreover, fine silver has found its place in the modern world, albeit with some limitations due to its softness. This characteristic makes it less suitable for everyday applications. Nonetheless, its high purity level remains a benchmark for quality. The most refined form of silver is the “999.99” or “five nines fine.” The Royal Silver Company of Bolivia achieved this exceptional purity level, setting a remarkable standard in the industry.
Additionally, various grades of fine silver are utilized in different contexts:
- “999.9,” also known as four nines fine, is an ultra-fine silver. The Royal Canadian Mint employs this grade for their Silver Maple Leaf and other silver coins.
- “999” or three nines fine silver is commonly used in Good Delivery bullion bars and most contemporary silver bullion coins. Since 2019, it has also been used in U.S. silver commemorative and proof coins.
These classifications of silver marks represent a hierarchy of quality and purity in the world of precious metals, each serving unique purposes in commerce and coinage.
Britannia Silver
Britannia silver, distinguished by its silver mark of 958, is a testament to the ingenuity of British metallurgy. Originating in Britain in 1697, this alloy combines 95.84% pure silver with 4.16% copper or other metals. Its creation was primarily motivated by the need to protect sterling silver coins from being melted for silverware. Initially, Britannia silver was mandatory in Britain, a rule that lasted until 1720. Subsequently, the sterling silver standard was reinstated, making Britannia silver an optional choice.
The introduction of the Britannia standard marked a significant change in English silver-making practices. Enacted by Parliament, this standard replaced the 92.5% purity of sterling silver for wrought plates. Notably, the traditional hallmarks were altered; the figure of Britannia replaced the lion passant gardant, and the leopard’s head mark was substituted with a lion’s head erased. This shift was part of William III’s broader recoinage scheme, aimed at curtailing the clipping and melting of sterling silver coinage.
Despite its higher standard, Britannia silver is softer than sterling silver. This led to its optional status from June 1, 1720, after feedback from silversmiths. Presently, Britannia silver is recognized by the 958 millesimal fineness hallmark. The Royal Mint issued silver bullion coins, known as “Britannia,” in Britannia standard silver until 2012 when they transitioned to 999 pure silver.
Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States, eloquently captured the essence of potential and refinement in his famous quote, “Genius without education is like silver in the mine.” This metaphor resonates deeply when discussing the intricacies of silver marks and the standards of silver purity. Just as unrefined silver holds untapped value within the mine, innate genius requires cultivating education to reach its full potential.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver, recognized by its silver mark 925, stands as a testament to both quality and tradition in the world of precious metals. This alloy, comprising 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, originated in the early 12th century in the United Kingdom. It later spread to other nations under British influence, including Canada and Australia. Notably, the historical significance of sterling silver is deeply rooted in European trade and currency systems.
The addition of copper to sterling silver serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it enhances the metal’s durability, making it more suitable for everyday use. Secondly, it contributes to the unique characteristics that differentiate sterling silver from purer forms of the metal. Despite these advantages, sterling silver is more prone to tarnishing compared to purer alloys. This susceptibility arises from its copper content, which reacts with various environmental elements.
In response, modern metallurgy has introduced innovative alloys to reduce tarnishing. These new compositions include germanium, zinc, platinum, silicon, and boron. Examples of these advanced alloys are argentium, sterlium, and silvadium, each offering improved resistance to tarnish and other common issues like casting porosity and firescale.
The term ‘sterling’ itself has a rich etymological history. One theory suggests its derivation from the Old English ‘steorling,’ indicating a small star, possibly referencing early Norman pennies. Another perspective links it to the Hanseatic League’s influence, where the term ‘Easterlings’ referred to Baltic merchants. These merchants were known for their reliable and consistently valued currency. This reputation eventually led to the English currency being named after them, hence the term ‘sterling.’
Our story began with Recep KUMCULAR who is our founding father. Back in the 70s, when the whole world was hit by an economic crisis, he was a young man with big dreams. Despite having a large extended family, he couldn’t ignore his entrepreneurial spirit. You know, in traditional Turkish families, gold jewelry is considered priceless. He grew up seeing how jewelry became a way for his family members to express themselves and showcase their status and personality. Jewelry became a curiosity while he was growing up. Driven by his sharp business sense, Recep turned his curiosity of jewelry into a real business. That’s when YAVAŞLAR JEWELRY was born, right in the heart of Manisa, Turkey.