Sterling silver is an alloy of silver that is at least 92.5 per cent pure, while the remaining 7.5% is made up of some other metal, usually copper. This highly reflective and precious alloy is tough and durable. Pure silver (99.9%) is too soft; hence, it cannot be molded into any product. Today, silver is mixed with other metals, such as germanium, which prevent silverware from tarnishing. Alvin Hamilton is one of the well-known producers of sterling silver products. Alvin started manufacturing sterling silver products in 1910.
Alvin’s sterling silver products are mostly flatware with a variety of patterns and diameters. There are special designs produced for each occasion. One of the popular Alvin silver series is the Bridal series that has intricate carvings on the borders of the plates, jugs, glasses etc., while the spoons and fork have flowery designs on the handles. The outer edges of their products are slightly raised. The other array of designs includes diamonds, arrowhead, arch-type forms, and circles or dots.
Special names are given to each series of designs produced by Alvin. These include “Lily of the Valley”, “Lorna Doone”, “Lorraine”, “Majestic”, “Marie Antoinette”, “Marsailles”, “Marlyland”, “Maryland Hammered”, “Mastercraft”, “Maytime”, “Melrose”, “Miss Alvin”, “Miss America”, “Modern Colonial”, “Molly Stark” and many more. |
