Fine silver (99.9% pure) is generally too soft for producing large functional objects; therefore, the silver is usually alloyed with copper to give it strength, while at the same time preserving the ductility and beauty of the precious metal. Other metals can replace the copper, usually with the intent to improve various properties of the basic sterling alloy such as reducing casting porosity, eliminating firescale, and increasing resistance to tarnish. These replacement metals include germanium, zinc and platinum, as well as a variety of other additives, including silicon and boron. A number of alloys, such as Argentium sterling silver have appeared in recent years, formulated to lessen firescale or to inhibit tarnish, and this has sparked heavy competition among the various manufacturers, who are rushing to make claims of having the best formulation. However, no one alloy has emerged to replace copper as the industry standard, and alloy development is a very active area. lehmanbros fine silver fine silver jewelry fine sterling silver 999 fine silver fine silver bracelet fine silver wire one troy ounce 999 fine silver $100 bill 999 fine silver $20 fine silver $20 fine silver coin 1 oz. fine silver 10z fine silver 10z fine silver-one 999 fine silver ingot 999 fine silver rounds assayers refiners fine silver fine silver bezel cups fine silver bezels fine silver chains fine silver earrings fine silver findings fine silver flatware fine silver granules fine silver ingot fine silver necklaces fine silver pendant fine silver per fine silver rounds silver spoon silver spoons the silver spoon silver baby spoon silver spoon ring sterling silver spoons sterling silver baby spoon silver serving spoon silver spoons antique silver spoon rings silver spoons tv silver spoons show silver spoon book silver tea spoons silver demitasse spoons silver souvenir spoon coin silver spoon coin silver spoons silver serving spoons silver plate spoons silver spoon italian cookbook the silver spoon cookbook antique sterling silver spoon silver spoons dvd silver spoon kids silver spoon phaidon silver coffee spoons sterling silver salt spoons russian silver spoons silver spoon price silver spoons tv series vintage silver spoons sterling silver sterling silver ring sterling silver jewelry sterling silver pendant sterling silver bracelet sterling silver earrings sterling silver necklace sterling silver rings sterling silver charm chain-sterling silver sterling silver chain sterling silver gold 925 sterling silver celtic sterling silver sterling silver cross sterling silver pearl sterling silver bracelets sterling silver charms sterling silver necklaces sterling silver amethyst sterling silver bead sterling silver earring wholesale sterling silver mens sterling silver sterling silver cuff sterling silver pendants sterling silver turquoise sterling silver hoop earrings gemstone sterling silver sterling silver bangle sterling silver beads sterling silver butterfly sterling silver charm bracelet sterling silver flatware sterling silver locket antique sterling silver