Silver dollars are a favorite of most US coin collectors. In fact, it is not unusual to find a silver dollar or two away by people who have no particular interest in coins at all. Why is this? What is it about silver dollars that makes people want to collect them or, just hang onto them?

Well, for one thing, they are really Big. And Heavy. And Beautiful,too. (Okay, big, heavy, and beautiful. We are just talking coins here, right? What else?) They are a piece of American History. (Well, I guess so, but what history do you mean?) Pretty much all of it. They were first made in the 1700s, not too long after independence. And they were really a big deal in the days of the Wild West. And how about gambling in Las Vegas? You used to be able to get them in your change there, even if you were just buying gas!

(I see. So why were they made of silver, anyway?)

Because, back when the mint started, in 1792, coins were actually worth the amount of money they stood for. A dollar was made from metal worth one dollar. Silver was the best metal to use, because that way the dollar would still be an easy size in your pocket. Copper would have weighed a ton (not really, but a dollar in copper would have made a better doorstop than a coin. And a gold dollar would be really tiny and easy to lose. (Actually, they tried that in the 1850s. People hated them. They said they were tiny and easy to lose. Go figure.)

(Okay, hold on. Just what do we consider a silver dollar?)

Strictly speaking, it is made of silver (very good!) That means it was likely struck no later than 1935. Some of the Eisenhower dollars made from 1971 through 1976 were 40% silver, but the last of the mostly silver (90%) dollars was a 1935 Peace dollar. And, though it was rumored that the mint actually struck over 300,000 pieces of 90% silver Peace dollars in 1964, all were reportedly destroyed by the mint without exception.

The early dollar coins were really something. Just gorgeous coins.

But I guess the art critics had a problem with them. They said the first American dollar coin, the one they called the Flowing Hair dollar, made Miss Liberty look kind of trashy and undignified. So the next design showed a calmer sort of Liberty. More of a lady I suppose. They called that one the Draped Bust dollar, which seemed to make the grade, until the price of silver rose up to the point that you could make money by melting down your dollars, then trade them for gold.

So then the dollars disappeared. And the mint stopped making them for another thirty years (1805-1835). Then along came the Seated Liberty dollars, designed by Christian Gobrecht, who had worked his way up in the mint to Chief Engraver, after spending a lot of years making number punches for the dates they put on coins. Just imagine spending years making 1s and 8s and 2s and the other numbers, day after day.

The Gobrecht Seated Liberty design was well enough liked that it was put on all of the silver coins except the three-cent piece. Then there were the Morgan dollars, lots of them, beginning in 1878. During these years lots of silver was discovered out West. So much silver was mined that the price of silver tanked.

But silver mine owners had a fair bit of clout in Washington, so a law was passed that said for every paper dollar printed, an a silver dollar had to be struck. No one really needed that many, so they piled up in banks and Federal vaults, bags of uncirculated Morgan dollars.

When the town of Las Vegas began to boom, after construction of the Hoover Dam, out came the silver dollars, onto the gambling tables and into our hearts (so to speak.) As late as the early 1960s, Federal banks had considerable quantities of brilliant uncirculated dollar coins from the 1880s on hand, available for one paper dollar each.

Trust me, that was cool.

The topic of silver dollars has always interested me. These coins really are quite beautiful to look at, so I've added some information and some great photos on my website at http://www.valuable-coin-stories.com/pictures-of-us-silver-dollars.html and also at http://www.valuable-coin-stories.com/dollars-pictures.html that you may enjoy.

I've collected coins since age 11 -- so, more than half a century. Coins have been a pleasant distraction over the years. Though I've never been a coin dealer, I have occasionally sold a coin or two at a nice profit, when the market was right. These experiences have taught me a bit about coin value in the marketplace. But I have to say that my greatest pleasure with coins has been the hooks they have to history and other areas of learning. And, I can never quite get beyond the feeling that, if any of my coins could talk, the stories would be priceless!

Check my website at http://www.valuable-coin-stories.com for more.

If you love the white metals and are drawn to white gold and/or platinum, then sterling silver is an affordable alternative that allows you to get the same look at a fraction of the cost. When you wear a piece of jewelry, it says something about you. Your personality. Your style. Your attention to detail. Truthfully, the jewelry that you choose is all about you and your taste in accessories. Below are five fun facts about your favorite sterling silver jewelry:

Rings can elongate your finger. If you choose a ring style that is longer than it is wide, it can actually make your fingers appear longer. If you have short fingers, perhaps you enjoy the look of an elongated and graceful hand. The length of a ring is measured from top to bottom or, visually, as it would appear from knuckle to knuckle. The width of a ring is measured from side to side or, visually, as it appears horizontally while sitting on your finger.

Colorful cubic zirconia jewelry offers a glimpse at wealth. Cubic zirconia is the world’s most popular simulated diamond, which instantly gives it a look that’s far beyond its cost. Because this stone is a created one, it’s much more affordable than a genuine diamond. Still, the naked eye cannot distinguish between the real thing and an imitation. It has been said that for every one colored diamond, there are 10,000 white diamonds. This means that a colored diamond is much more rare and, therefore, more expensive. Popular diamond colors include yellow, pink, red, blue, black, champagne, chocolate and even green. Cubic zirconia jewelry that imitates these colors give the wearer an instant ‘wow’ appeal.

Dangle earrings are taking a ‘swing’ at current trends. The popularity of today’s earring is centered around the jaw line and having a length that reaches it with ease. Movement in your sterling silver jewelry is always terrific, which is what you will get with a chandelier or chain design, but a large hoop or drop earring is also a smart pick in terms of drape.

Sterling silver is the perfect backdrop for cubic zirconia. Because sterling silver is a white metal, it compliments the flawless cubic zirconia perfectly. If you were to set genuine diamonds in sterling silver, they would have to be of very good quality and nearly eye clean in order to get the perfect look. If the diamonds were less than eye clean, their cloudiness would be obvious. With cubic zirconia, you don’t have to worry about inclusions or other imperfections, which is why they work beautifully with the white tone of sterling silver.

Sterling silver measures high on the hardness level. It is estimated that sterling silver ranges between 2.5 and 2.7 on the hardness level, which makes it stronger than some types of gold. When you wear a piece of jewelry, it’s important that it be sturdy enough to hold up for everyday wear. Whether it’s a ring, bracelet, earring or necklace, your jewelry should be able to withstand regular use.

Almost Diamonds, a popular online retailer specializing in sterling silver jewelry, has a complete line of items featuring cubic zirconia and genuine gemstones in a variety of styles to choose from. If you are looking to maximize your jewelry collection without minimizing your wallet, consider the affordable option of sterling silver. Not only is this a precious metal that’s designed to last forever, but it also is an economical way to get the look of platinum or white gold without spending a fortune. For more information on sterling silver jewelry and sterling silver rings, visit Almost Diamonds at http://www.almostdiamonds.com

Silver rings have become a part of fashion for the general public compared with gold rings. It is also one type of jewelry which anyone could afford to purchase and lose without much regret.It was in seventeenth century when silver rings became more notable to be used as wedding rings in England, as well as, in France. It symbolizes faith and hope. Rings are most commonly worn on the left side of the third finger from the thumb. Its because, people believe that the vein on that certain finger directly goes through the heart.Silver rings are at the same time used as a wedding rings, the plain wedding rings are the most common. It is commonly recognize as a symbol or pledge of the joining of man and woman as a couple. As it shape shows, the ring has no ending as well as no beginning. Likewise, life has no ending and no beginning, it will return to itself. With the hole at the center symbolizes as a gateway that will lead to both person to the things that are unknown and known to them which will bring them to all the pains and happiness in this world. This is just a belief that most people believe. Ring is a sign of eternity.


How to Buy Quality Silver Jewelry

First, consider the source. Look for jewelry stores online or off-line that offer quality jewelry pieces at an affordable rate. Be sure the store is reputable and offers informative descriptions and accurate photos of the silver jewelry that's being offered. Store clerks or online sales representatives should provide prompt answers to your questions and be willing to help you find that special silver jewelry chain, earrings, pendants or other items for your needs. If shopping online, be sure the company offers secure ordering methods before entering your credit card information.Know the difference between custom or handmade silver jewelry and manufactured jewelry. Handmade jewelry offers added benefits such as the ability to order your silver chains "by the inch" and the ability to choose the type of clasp you want for necklaces, bracelets or anklets. If you want specialty jewelry, use keywords in the search field online to search for specific types of jewelry, such as "handcrafted Bali jewelry" or "handmade silver herringbone chains."

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Choosing Sterling Silver Charms

When you are buying a sterling silver charm, you should definitely check if the charm is an antique. Popular charms today come from the world- war 2 Era. Often, these charms can be found in online auction sites such as E-bay. You need to be careful, however, as many charm dealers tend to hype their products by promoting them as "vintage", when they are not.The age of the charm can also be used as a theme for your sterling silver charm bracelet. Buying sterling silver charms based on their age is not as uncommon as you think. This helps give your sterling silver charm bracelet an appearance of time-travel. This transforms you sterling silver charm bracelet into a time capsule, serving to remind you of times past.

Caring for Sterling Silver Jewelry

Sterling silver jewelry is always made of silver that is 92.5% pure. It is composed of 925 parts of pure silver and 75 parts alloy, usually copper. Sterling silver jewelry always has the stamp of sterling silver on it, accompanied at times with the name of the designer or jewelry manufacturer. The word "sterling" is the most respected in the jewelry business today. Since pure silver by itself is too soft, another metal such as copper is added to it, to give the silver its added stiffness and other qualities. The resulting mixture is composed of 925 parts pure silver in every 1000. This proportion never varies. It is fixed by law. This is referred to as sterling and is often incorrectly called solid silver.

http://silversterlinginfo.blogspot.com/2010/01/caring-for-sterling-silver-jewelry.html

Not all of us can afford to spare a gold.Thus, silver ring and other silver jewelry are bound to stay because of the public benefits they have.

Silver Jewelry- Fashionable Accessory

Silver jewelry is a well-liked and accepted ornamental fashion these days. It makes every woman look appealing and attractive. Silver bracelets and silver earrings gives a strong appealing element to your dressing and contemporary look.

Need of silver jewelry

Silver jewelry is gaining mass popularity as it plays a significant role in making a woman look gorgeous and fashionable. Silver earrings, which are easily available in new and trendy designs, are gaining unprecedented popularity with today's fashion conscious public. It adds to the glamorous look of every woman, thereby enhancing her looks. Similarly, a silver pendant looks elegant both on formal and informal occasions. The silver is available in exquisite designs that give an altogether different look to a person's overall personality.

Ways to store and prolong the use of silver jewelry

As it your precious jewelry, therefore its storage is also important. It is essential to store your favorite silver jewelry as silver gets tarnished easily due to the effect of air, light and water. So, the jewelry abrasion can be prevented by storing the jewelry in separate plastic zip lock bags.

The silver jewelry should be stored in robust cases with supple and lined interiors that evade impact against scratching and hard surfaces. Keep the silver bracelets and the silver earrings pouches made of soft fabric in case you can't find jewelry cases. It will help to prevent its wear and tear and thereby prolonging its use. It is recommended to use cloth that is tarnish resistant to store your silver.

To keep the beautiful pieces of jewelry safe and durable for a long time use, keep the jewelry cases at a safe distance from extreme heat and moisture, as it can harm these precious items.

While buying a jewelry box for the silver ornaments consider a box with a key and lock facility. It works as an additional safety for the priceless jewelry.

While you may be tempted to wear a favorite piece of jewelry all the time, it is extremely essential to take care of the piece too. Therefore, prior to using any type of abrasives or chemicals, such as bleach, ammonia, chlorine, turpentine, alcohol or acetone on the jewelry, check for the information on the effects of these chemicals on these jewelries. There are chances that such products can greatly harm the gemstones and also the silver jewelry.

Also, keep separate bags for different jewelries, so that it does come into contact with anything, which can cause kinks in chains, scratches or damage the gemstone. The jewelry should not be placed on wooden surfaces as it can damage the finishing of the ornaments. The tarnishing process is also caused by cardboard and paper, so avoid their contact too. If the above measures are followed prudently regarding the storage of your silver jewelry, the pieces will look fine and fresh for many more years to come.

Silver is a precious metal that needs to be taken care like gold and platinum. If apt care is taken, silver jewelry can remain lively with its gleam and luster for a lifetime and beyond. If proper care is taken of, silver earrings and silver pendants will keep on serving you with years of aesthetic and ornamental pleasure.

Sarah Carnagie is a silver jewelry lover, and DreamlandJewelry.com's head of quality assurance for Sterling Silver Jewelry. You can find a huge selection of Sterling Silver Chains at 70% off by visiting today.