silvermade

Silvermade is a term used in metalworking and popular culture to denote items crafted from silver or silver-based alloys. In common usage, silvermade objects are those whose primary material is silver, including both fine silver and sterling silver, and occasionally silver-containing alloys designed to increase hardness. The term also appears in speculative fiction and game lore to describe a hypothetical class of metal with silver as its base.

In etymology, "silvermade" derives from the English words "silver" and "made" and has no formal standardized definition in metallurgical practice. Historically, silversmiths produced silver objects by shaping and joining high-purity silver, often alloyed with copper to form sterling silver (approximately 92.5% silver). The term is sometimes used to emphasize craftsmanship rather than material purity.

Properties of silvermade items include high reflectivity, excellent ductility, and good electrical conductivity. Sterling silver objects are softer than many other metals and are prone to tarnish, requiring polishing. Pure silver is more malleable and expensive; silver alloys balance cost, durability, and appearance.

Applications of silvermade items include jewelry, tableware, coins, decorative arts, and certain electronic or optical components where silver's properties are beneficial.

Notes: "silvermade" as a label can be marketing-oriented or fictional; when used in technical contexts, precise alloy specifications (purity, other metals, and mechanical properties) should be specified. See also: silver, sterling silver, silversmithing.