In the past, silver was mainly used for the production of silver coins,
which served as means of payment. Until 1871, silver coins, or thalers, were the dominant means of payment in Germany. This currency was backed by silver stocks. Afterwards this so-called silver standard was replaced by the gold standard. Because of their low reactivity and high stability of value, these precious metals were suitable as means of payment. Today silver coins only play a role as commemorative and special coins. Furthermore, silver plays an important role in the production of jewellery alongside gold and precious stones. Silver has also been used for centuries for exquisite cutlery, silverware and church utensils. Silver can be alloyed with many metals. Gold, copper and palladium are among the precious metals best alloyed with silver. The most common alloys of 800, 835, 925 and 935 silver are known. The 925 silver is called sterling silver after the British currency pound sterling silver. This is the most important alloy and is used for jewellery, carcasses and cutlery. German silver is not silver, but a base metal alloy of copper, nickel and zinc, which has a visual similarity to silver. For the production of our wedding rings in Mokume Gane technique we always use 925 sterling silver. This offers the most beautiful contrast to the other precious metals. Especially in the white shades silver is the most beautiful and at the same time the most important precious metal besides palladium. Especially these two form a wonderful contrast. This can be seen most beautifully on the Mokume Gane wedding rings Iroko.
