Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The term "Sterling Silver", in reference to the .925 grade of silver, emerged in England by the 13th century. Like the term "pound sterling", the word seems to have acquired its meaning over a while, and from several convergent sources.
A sterling silver object that is to be sold commercially is, in many countries, taken to an Assay office for testing of the purity of the metal. The item is then marked, usually via hammer and punch, with the Hallmark of that particular nation. Because this process leaves sharp edges and spurs of metal, it is generally done before the item is sent for its final wheel polishing.
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