Sterling Silver Heart Earrings with Garnet or Rose Quartz stones. Both pair have shining, lovely charm.
Sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper). Developed as a solution to pure silver’s fragility, this precise blend was first standardized in 12th-century England and remains the global benchmark for high-quality jewelry and silverware today
1100s: The term “sterling” originated from “Easterling” coins. These were high-purity silver coins used in trade by German merchants from the Hanseatic League. The British, who traded grain and cattle with the League, adopted the trusted standard.
1275: King Edward I officially codified the 92.5% standard in English law to regulate the purity of silver used in both coins and wares.
1300s: Hallmarking practices were formalized in England. The “lion passant” mark was later introduced to guarantee that items met the required 92.5% fineness.
1600s – 1700s: European settlers brought silversmithing to Colonial America, forging items like buckles, tankards, and flatware
1800s: The Industrial Revolution and the discovery of massive silver deposits drastically lowered production costs. This allowed working-class families to afford sterling silver flatware and decorative items.
1900s – Present: While no longer used for everyday currency, sterling silver remains a beloved medium for fine jewelry, luxury goods, and decorative arts