Features of silver 84

People began to use silver in ancient times. The use of beautiful silver metal does not lose relevance today. Jewelry and cutlery are made of silver with a breakdown of at least 800. However, in antique stores you can find products with a breakdown of 84, and they are quite expensive.

Sample 84 does not mean that before us very poor quality silver. The figure relates to the spool system of samples, which was introduced in tsarist Russia in 1798. Its operation continued until 1927, when it was replaced by the metric one. The Russian pound, consisting of 96 spools, was taken as the basis for building the system. Spool in those days was used as a unit of mass, it weighed more than 4 g.

Like any sample system, spool means the amount of precious metal in the alloy.

The lowest was 36 spools, the highest was 96, which corresponded to almost pure silver.

We learn what silver 84 is. This number can easily be converted into a familiar and convenient metric system of measures for us. To do this, we need to divide the spool sample by 96 and multiply by 1000. Having performed some simple actions, we get the result 875.

Today silver 875 is not considered the most expensive, and they don’t make luxurious jewelry from it.

As you know, silver is a rather soft and flexible metal, therefore, material without impurities is not used for the manufacture of products.Material properties depend on the quantitative and qualitative composition of impurities. In Russian silver 84 samples had a significant copper content, which led to both positive qualities of the products, and negative.

There are a lot of pluses.

• First of all, copper gives strength to silver alloys. The products are strong, which allows you to use the material for items that are used every day.
• The alloy has high stability, does not wear, which ensures a long service life of products. They do not lose their attractive appearance for a long time.
• Things are resistant to mechanical stress, they do not form scratches.
• Products lend themselves well to washing and cleaning, are not afraid of tarnishing.

However, some disadvantages are present:

• the alloy is not suitable for exquisite jewelry;
• due to the high copper content, silver has a yellowish tint;
• the work was not always accurate due to the strength and hardness of the metal.

Silver is a representative of the precious metals group. Otherwise, they are called noble, since they do not oxidize and do not corrode.

Its distinguishing characteristic is a beautiful white-silver color..

However, silver in this group is the most unstable metal. And its other feature is a gradual darkening. This occurs when in contact with certain chemical elements. Nitrogen, oxygen, carbon do not act on silver. Active yellowing and darkening cause sulfur compounds. Their small concentration is always contained in the air, since it is a product of the metabolism of living organisms and humans, as well as sulfur is widely used in industry. Changes in the appearance of silver can cause iodine and bromine.

Due to its great ductility, pure silver is used as a sputtering by an electrolytic method in order to improve decorative properties and protect products from other metals and silver alloys from oxidation. To give precious metals certain properties, they introduce a ligature - additional elements. They help increase the hardness and wear resistance of the base metal, and can also change its color.

In silver 84 samples, its share is 12.5%. This ratio makes silver resistant to mechanical damage and wear, however, the metal is well forged. And also thanks to copper it has a specific shade.

In some cases, masters could add other impurities. For example, platinum helps to increase the durability of products, but at the same time makes them more expensive. And also zinc, cadmium, nickel could be added.

In Russia, interest in silver arose under the influence of Peter I. The first service was made in 1711 in accordance with his order. Then talented craftsmen began to appear, and manufacturing technologies improved. Under the pressure of Peter I, the country underwent transformations, European customs entered the life of the nobility. It has become fashionable and prestigious to have beautiful silver objects in everyday life.

Silverware has become commonplace for serving in rich homes. The composition of the services was extensive: spoons, forks and knives, dishes, trays, cup holders, other items. Services intended for 6, 12 and more persons were especially appreciated. Silverware became family, inherited.

In addition to dinner sets, the use of tea with a samovar, coffee, wine sets became widespread.

The use and collection of silver items determined the status of the family. Buckets for cooling wine, candelabra, vases, cigarette cases and silver snuff-boxes, desk-top writing instruments were purchased. Cutlery, accessories and decorative items made in the Faberge workshop were especially appreciated..

The price of silver is influenced by many factors, some of which relate to the field of economic processes taking place in the world today. Price may rise and fall in a fairly short time. For instance, over the past year, the price of silver 875 tests ranged from 26-36 rubles per 1 g. And in a pawnshop or buying it will be even less. Finished products will cost much more, since the cost of work will be taken into account.

Although sample 84 corresponds to the current indicator of 875, it is hardly appropriate to say how much a gram of antique silver costs, because the products are of cultural and historical value. They are often evaluated as a work of art, exhibited as exhibits in museums. Often such things are in private collections. World Antique Market Appreciates Russian Silver.

Since the alloy is highly stable, many products are well preserved to this day.

For instance, the cost of a silver dish can reach 50 thousand rubles. In addition to the test, the products have the mark of the master, which can also increase the cost. The fact is that until 1899 there was no uniform brand, each workshop or master had it. The stamp could contain information about the name of the master, the place and date of manufacture of the product.

Valuable items require a competent approach to storage and care in order to ensure their good appearance. They will periodically have to be cleaned of the appearance of plaque. This is best done in a jewelry workshop, where cleaning will be carried out professionally. This is especially true for products that have enamel decor or stone inserts.

Items without inserts can be cleaned independently at home.. The use of special tools designed for silver, which are offered in a wide variety by modern manufacturers, is suitable. It is important to follow the instructions that came with the tool.

The item can be washed in hot water with a soap solution. If the product has reliefs, you should use a brush (you can use a toothbrush) with non-rigid bristles. With this method, it is necessary to thoroughly dry the product with a napkin or towel in order to avoid the appearance of stains. After washing, it is desirable to polish the surface.

For polishing, you can use special creams or liquids, which are also sold in stores. Special compounds will protect silver from the effects of aggressive substances contained in the air, provide shine.

Antique silver items should be stored in a room where there is no excess air humidity, and you must also ensure that sunlight does not fall on them.

You can learn about the features of branding silver in the next video.