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The
history of silver can be traced back to Babylon when silver was used
as tender or credit instrument around 4500 BC. It started to be used
for decorative and practical use and reached a culminating point in
Ancient Greece. Around 2000 BC techniques such as embossing, engraving,
casting and so on were already known. |
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It
was in the 12th and 13th centuries that craftsmen
joined together in Guilds, to gain acceptance for the standard of
their precious metals. These hallmarks represented the quality symbol
of pureness. This was more important so, since silver was used for
cash and was melted down for coin metal also.
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In
the Renaissance period, in the 15th and 16th
centuries, styles from the Antique came back into being again. Acanthus
leafs, flowers and medallions were used in various styles and decorations.
Presumably the most important period of silversmithing started in
the cities of Nuremberg and Augsburg, the then centres of art in the
16th century.
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In
the 17th century, the Baroque Period, naturalistic motives
were introduced, such as masks, cherubs, fruits, animals and birds
as well as landscapes.
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By a 1874 law the buyer and user of silverware of German origin is protected in such a way that the supplier is compelled to take the responsibility of stamping each and every piece with his registered mark next to the silver standard. Wherever precious metal is concerned, it is recommended to look for registered trade marks; only these guarantee their true silver standard.. The stamp of the "Imperial Crown" for German silver and the "Half Moon", the sign for Silver (Argentum) should complete the hallmark. |
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