The Care of Silver Silver has been used since ancient times in the fabrication of decorative and functional objects because of its working properties and pleasing color and shine. Pure silver is too soft for normal use, and so it is combined or alloyed with another metal for strength.
German silver is alloyed with copper, zinc and nickel.
If the object is not sterling but silverplate or electroplate, the hallmark will indicate so. Silver plate is made from a base metal such as copper with a thin coating of silver electrolytically deposited on it. A more durable technique is employed for Sheffield plate, where thin sheets of silver and copper are sandwiched together in a furnace. Like gold leaf, very thin sheets of silver foil can be applied to a variety of surfaces to create a decorative effect. Aside from the fact that it is soft, and therefore scratches easily, silver is durable, and the only problem generally associated with it is tarnish.