Sterling silver is an alloy composed by weight of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The sterling silver standard has a minimum millesimal fineness of 925.
Tiffany & Co. pitcher (c. 1871) having paneled sides and repoussé design with shells, scrolls and flowers; top edge is repousse arrowhead leaf design
A Macedonian sterling silver Hanukkah menorah
A Chinese export sterling silver punch bowl, c. 1875 (from the Huntington Museum of Art)
Norman silver pennies changed designs every three years. This two-star design (possible origin of the word "sterling"), issued by William the Conqueror, is from 1077 to 1080.
An alloy is a mixture of chemical elements of which in most cases at least one is a metallic element, although it is also sometimes used for mixtures of elements; herein only metallic alloys are descr
From left to right: three alloys (beryllium copper, Inconel, steel) and three pure metals (titanium, aluminium, magnesium)
Liquid bronze, being poured into molds during casting
A gate valve, made from Inconel