How Silver is Used in Different Cultures

How Silver is Used in Different Cultures

Sterling silver is a precious metal that is synonymous with true poise and elegance. From lavish bracelets to fashionable and trendy earrings, sterling silver jewelry sets continue to soar in global popularity. While mainly for fashion and design purposes, silver has many uses across a myriad of cultures. In fact, it was a common staple in Transylvania thousands of years ago – to fend off vampires and clans of werewolves. While many still believe in these myths today, the fact is that silver plated jewelry pieces are widely utilized for their spiritual and mystical powers. From tackling certain medical ailments to warding off the evil eye, silver has many meanings in countless cultures and traditions across the world.

The Impact of Silver on Camelot

While silver serves a symbol of status and power, countless individuals over the ages have used this metal to define themselves and their places in society. No truer is this then when it comes to the Knights of the Round Table. While under the tutelage of King Arthur in Camelot, the Knights draped themselves in silver, gold, and even platinum. This was said to bring unforeseen power and strength, while helping them capture the true allure and essence of royal servitude. As subjects of the King, Sir Lancelot and his fellow knights also wore silver on the battlefields – to foster greater inner strength and divinity against the evil forces that surrounded them.

Silver and the Philistines

As an ancient culture, the Philistines relied on silver for trade and village growth. While they too believed in the mystical and healing powers of silver stones, their use of the metal was primarily for commercial purposes. It was silver that helped the Philistines foster greater communications and commerce with local tribes and village trading posts. Like gold dust, some were said to even consume silver as a way for purifying the body, mind, and soul. While this practice is long gone, the cultural significance of silver is still felt in many parts of the world today. Like the ancient Mayans, Incas, and Aztecs, Indonesian tribes use silver as a way to celebrate the bonds of holy matrimony. From Java to Sumatra, silver is also offered a gift to families celebrating the birth of a child.

Silver and the Mystics

While gold is considered the metal of the sun, silver has long been seen as the metal of the moon. In fact, many cultures believe that silver has a profound effect over the mind and emotions. Similarly, silver has mystical healing powers, and is designed to protect the wearer from evil eyes and malicious thoughts. By reflecting and illuminating light from the moon and sun, silver is said to have natural energies that can ward off evil and shield from negativity. For thousands of years, cultures have taken to silver for promoting love, mental clarity, and inner happiness. This is no different today; however, most consumers prefer sterling silver jewelry stores for dazzling ornaments and sets that will be cherished for years to come.