SILVER GRADING AND SILVER JEWELRY PRODUCTION

Silver is graded by its fineness. There are basically two grades of silver, 999 and 925. 999 is termed fine silver, as, at 99.9% silver, it is as pure as it gets. This is the silver used for bullion bars and investment. Being too soft for most practical purposes, it is made into an alloy. The result is called sterling silver, or 925 silver, as it is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals such as copper. The alloy actually enhances the properties of the silver, making it more durable while leaving it ductile. 925 sterling silver is the standard used for making silverware and silver jewelry. When fine silver is used in jewelry manufacture, such as in hilltribe silver, the solder used forms an alloy with the silver, so the finished product may be between 95% and 99% pure, but it is still classed as fine silver.

SHIVA EYE

Shiva Eye is an organic gem. It is the natural protective door of the shell of the turban snail, a mollusk that inhabits reef crevices and tidal pools in many parts of the world, notably the Indo-Pacific. When preyed upon, by rock crabs, otters and some species of starfish, the mollusk will withdraw into its shell and turn its 'eye' toward the attacker in the hope of warding it off. The eye resembles the powerful third eye of Lord Shiva which was opened to end illusion and save the world, according to Hindu mythology.

As Shiva Eye, or Shiva's Eye shell, as it is called in Asia, is found in many of the world's seas, it goes by a host of different names according to local lore and language: Buddha Eye, Cat's Eye, Money of Mermaids, Sea Eye, and Naxos Eye, to name a few. Whatever the name, there is a legend behind it that attests to the miracle power of this eye. Along with the variety of names, there is a diversity of size and color. Shiva Eyes found in Tahiti can be quite large, some 4 inches across; those from southern Thailand are noted more for their intense natural coloring.

NATURAL HANDMADE BEAD JEWELRY

Though usually thought of as being made of precious metals and gems, jewelry can in fact refer to any object used to adorn the body or clothing, and beads were probably the very first form of jewelry. Early humans handcrafted beads from natural materials found in their environment, most likely for utilitarian purposes such as fastening clothing.


Beads from archeological excavations were found to be handmade from wood, natural animal substances such as bone, claws, teeth, ivory and shell, and also soft stone. Later, in ancient Egyptian and Greek and Roman times, jewelers hand carved increasingly intricate and decorative beads, worn as belts and amulets. Beads then took on value as symbols of status and wealth. The practical use for the bead as a fastener was taken over by the clasp and later the button.