Do you know what makes your shampoo foam? All that foam and bubble – is this an entirely necessary effect? Sodium Lauryl Sulphate is the most common foaming agent used and in most cases it really isn’t necessary, nor is it ideal for skin health.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) is widely used as a detergent in all types of foaming personal care products from liquid soap and shampoo to toothpaste.

As a detergent, SLS is used in cosmetic agents to break the surface tension of the skin which allows dirt and oil to wash away. All detergents act to dissolve the fats and oils from the skin but also strip it from the top layers of the skin. This can lead to thinning and permeability of the skin. The skin is a barrier to the outside world and by washing away the natural oils produced by the skin SLS reduces the effectiveness of this natural barrier.

The most common reaction seen to SLS containing products is a dry, flaky scalp. What many people think is dandruff can actually be a reaction to the stripping effects of SLS. Those at greatest risk of this effect are babies, those with any skin irritation such as in eczema, dermatitis, acne and psoriasis, those with thinning of the skin such as the elderly or those with dry skin. However, long term use will also affect those with “normal” skin.

A search of PubMed (an internationally recognised database of scientific papers) supported these claims. Numerous trials showed that SLS can cause skin irritation, particularly in those with atopic eczema or dermatitis, as well as increase transdermal water loss. Essentially this means that when applied topically SLS will irritate and dry out the skin.

Other research suggests that SLS can mimic the hormone oestrogen. Too much of this hormone in the body (or substances that mimic its effects) can have a disruptive effect on the reproductive system. There are a range of less harsh detergent agents such as Ammonium Laurel Sulphate that are promoted as SLS alternatives, but they may also be harmful for those at risk and still have a drying effect.

So what are the alternatives? One alternative is olive oil based liquid Castile soap. It can be safely used with babies, those with skin conditions, the elderly and those with sensitive or dry skin. Third Stone Botanical Lavender Shampoo is a liquid Castile based product. It is ideal for dry and damaged hair.

Coconut based cleansers are also seen as safer alternatives. Nature’s Symphony shampoo and conditioner are based on coconut based cleansers. Good products for all hair types, feedback from users of these products say the health of their hair and scalp improves with ongoing use.

Given the potential harmful effects of SLS, both known and suspected, it is one synthetic chemical that is best avoided particularly as there are good alternatives available.

For more information about natural & organic skin care products contact Ananda Mahony ND at http://www.vitalenatural.com.au or at info@vitalenatural.com.au

As a naturopath Ananda has been involved in the natural skin care industry for many years. She specialises in the treatment of skin disorders such as acne, eczema

, rosacea and dermatitis as well as anti-aging.

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Move over Botox and cosmetic surgery, there’s a natural alternative becoming popular in the U.S. It’s an ancient Chinese technique called cosmetic acupuncture. A technique that once was only reserved for the Chinese nobility is now a readily available option for regaining that youthful appearance.

At a time when consumers are bombarded with miracle cures that promise to restore a youthful appearance, cosmetic acupuncture is an age-old solution that really works for an age-old problem.

In contrast to the bruising, swelling and lengthy recovery associated with plastic surgery, cosmetic acupuncture is a facial rejuvenation procedure that is relatively painless and requires no recovery time.

Although a relative newcomer to our western culture, the procedures used in cosmetic acupuncture were used by the Chinese nobility for thousands of years. It takes a whole-body approach that produces more youthful and toned skin without the use of drugs, surgery or electrical stimulation. It works remarkably well on the face and abdomen.

One form of cosmetic acupuncture that is gaining popularity in the U.S. is called Mei Zen. Practitioners of Mei Zen acupuncture are highly specialized acupuncturists. They follow a very precise protocol and incorporate unusual needling techniques. Its teachings are rooted in the ancient Chinese medical texts that stipulate the precise location and configuration of needles so they can work synergistically to restore balance to the body and rejuvenation of the complexion. The placement of the needles work to effect change in three ways: 1) improved circulation of blood and chi (pronounced “chee”) through the dilation of local blood vessels resulting in better distribution of nutrients to the cells to aid regeneration; 2) the increased production of elastin and collagen that reduce wrinkles; and 3) the underlying elevation of health that shows naturally in our appearance.

A facial rejuvenation course of treatment entails two one-hour sessions per week for a minimum of five weeks. During treatment, tiny, less than hair-width needles are inserted into selected points superficially into the skin’s surface. Those who have experienced cosmetic acupuncture often report feelings of warmth, tingling, lightness and lifting immediately following a session, as well as an overall feeling of wellness.

With facial acupuncture, fine lines disappear, deep lines lessen, and there is an overall improvement in the complexion. Even skin conditions such as rosacea and acne are improved. Because acupuncture is based on the idea that optimal health is achieved when the body’s systems are in balance, there are other benefits from treatment as well. For example, women who choose facial acupuncture can expect reduced depression and less anxiety, better digestion and sleep cycles, and fewer hot flashes and night sweats. Those who opt for abdominal acupuncture are likely to benefit from increased fertility and/or sex drive.

The technique is gaining popularity, and there is evidence that it works. A study published in the International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture showed that of 300 people who received facial acupuncture, 90 percent saw marked results after their first course of treatment.

From a consumer standpoint, one of the most attractive features of cosmetic acupuncture is its cost, which is a fraction of most other forms of cosmetic enhancement. Additionally, maintenance is relatively inexpensive.

Cosmetic acupuncture is not for everyone. A practitioner must carefully evaluate a patient to determine if the procedure is appropriate and whether or not there are any underlying imbalances that must be addressed first. Those who suffer from serious chronic diseases, seizure disorders, high blood pressure, or have had a stroke are not suited for this procedure, but may find relief from these conditions in other forms of Chinese medicine.

The Mei Zen Cosmetic acupuncture program is comprehensive in that it provides many supportive aspects to the 5-week procedure. One important component is the use of Chinese herbal formulas. These formulas contain herbs known to benefit the skin and treat the body’s imbalances. They are quite specific and formulated in accordance with each individual’s particular needs. Another important adjunct is the inclusion of food therapy that outlines a customized program of foods that will help rebalance the body while nourishing the skin. Qi Gong exercises may also be added to the program to facilitate the restoration of health and vitality.

Although the individual results of cosmetic acupuncture will vary, this holistic approach will yield noticeable improvements. How long the new look will last depends on how much a person addresses other areas off attention such as nutrition, exercise and stress reduction. But at a fraction of the cost of surgery

, cosmetic acupuncture is a sound alternative that can restore a radiant glow both inside and out.

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Breastfeeding has been proven to benefit both the mother and child, but what about the rest of the family, our friends and even the environment? Here are a couple reasons to make time to breastfeed so we all benefit.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breast milk helps protect your baby from:

Allergies – Eczema Bacterial Meningitis – Juvenile Diabetes Crohn’s Disease – Respiratory Infections Diaper Rash – Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Diarrhea – Urinary Tract Infections Ear Infections (American Academy of Pediatrics, 1997)

Benefits to Baby

Mother’s milk provides complete and valuable nutrients for baby’s ideal growth and development. It’s rich in antibodies for protection against diseases, proteins for growth, and carbohydrates, fats, and minerals for brain and nervous system development.Some studies even indicate mother’s milk enhances cognitive development (American Academy of Pediatrics, 1997) and reduces the risk of childhood obesity (von Kries, 1999).

Since its inception, the American Academy of Pediatrics has been a staunch advocate of breastfeeding as the optimal form of nutrition for infants, with artificial milk (formula) a very distant second alternative. The American Lung Association states that babies who are breastfed for at least four months are less likely than formula-fed babies to develop asthma, the leading cause of childhood hospital stays in the United States and Australia (Kaufman, 1999).

Benefits to Mother

Babies aren’t the only ones who benefit from breastfeeding. Mothers who breastfeed lose weight more quickly after giving birth and their postpartum bleeding is usually lessened when compared to mothers who do not breastfeed. Oxytocin, a hormone released during breastfeeding, helps shrink the uterus and return it to pre-pregnancy size. The hormones released with breastfeeding act as a type of contraceptive to delay ovulation and fertility (American Academy of Pediatrics, 1997). In addition, breastfeeding activates a calming effect through the release of the hormone prolactin, which increases mother-baby bonding while initiating and maintaining milk production.Some studies even indicate that breastfeeding may reduce the incidence of breast, uterine and ovarian cancers (Radetsky, 1999) and in the long term may reduce a woman’s risk of osteoporosis by increasing bone strength.

Benefits to Society

Because breastfed babies are generally healthier than formula-fed babies, they require fewer expensive medications, doctor visits, medical tests, and hospital stays. Costs to the federal and state governments could be reduced by billions of taxpayer dollars if we had more breastfed babies-and this estimate does not factor in “lost work time” by parents who stay home to care for a sick child (Riordan, 1997).

From an environmental standpoint, breastfeeding requires fewer natural resources in the form of glass, aluminum, paper, and plastic for packaging plus the products required to prepare and provide baby formula.

A special Time

This is a very special time for you and your baby. You’re forming emotional bonds that will last a lifetime and offering your baby the healthiest combination of nutrients possible-an ideal way to start life. Although you’ll be very focused on your newborn, it’s also important that you consider your own needs. In the long run, that will benefit both you and your baby. For instance, try to rest when your baby rests rather than catching up on housework or laundry. The extra rest will help elevate your attitude, complete your postpartum recovery, and help establish your milk supply. Limit visits from neighbors and friends and simplify the activities of daily living as much as you can to reduce the stress level. Although you’re thinking of your child’s nutrition, don’t neglect your own. Eat a well-balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids. If possible, try to take a walk or occasionally schedule some stretching or aerobic exercises-with your doctor’s approval. It’s amazing how much better you’ll feel with a little time to yourself. If you experience mood swings, which are normal after giving birth, reach out for support. Call another mother, join a peer group of new, breastfeeding mothers

, or talk to a lactation consultant or member of La Leche League International (LLLI).

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Back in 1447, weddings in the UK were typically announced by means of a town-crier; a man who would walk round the streets announcing the news of the day to the people of the town. So anyone who heard the news would become part of the celebration.

Complete Guide To The History Of Wedding Invitations If you understand more about the history of wedding invitations it could help you in your decision-making and planning. In the beginning.. Back in 1447, weddings in the UK were typically announced by means of a town-crier; a man who would walk round the streets announcing the news of the day to the people of the town. So anyone who heard the news would become part of the celebration. The more noble people, who were more literate, begun the practice of written wedding invitations. They used monks who were skilled in the art of calligraphy to hand-craft their invitations. The invites often carried coat of arms, or personal crest, of the individual and were sometimes sealed with wax. Today, the use of a crest or seal is still a common choice in society for wedding invitations and a useful way of adding a touch of class. Onwards..As metal plate engraving became more common, the art of announcing weddings via newspapers grew in popularity.

The Present..

As technology has advanced so have wedding invitations. At first, invitations were still delivered by hand, due to the unreliable postal system. A ‘double envelope’ was sometimes used to protect the invitations from damage en route to its recipient. During the last century, the emergence of the graphic design trade and the arts has led to millions of designs of wedding invitations in all different forms and colours

, becoming available to everyone at an affordable price. Wedding Invitations Uk Click the link for more information and to view templates and designs for Wedding Invitations

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Surgical procedures are not the only solutions to enlarge the chest area. Patients may choose to follow an alternative that makes use of non-invasive methods. One notable product of this method is the breast enlargement pill.

Breast enlargement pills are quickly becoming the choice for women who prefer firmer, healthier and larger breasts. This form of natural breast enhancement is painless, more convenient and less expensive alternative to surgical breast enlargement procedures. This form of breast enhancing is admittedly a longer process but the privacy, the comfort and the savings a woman may accumulate throughout the course make it a worthwhile choice.Most breast enlargement pills are based on women physiology and hormonal changes that occur during the stages of life. The producers of breast enlargement pills normally take advantage of the basic body processes that induce the growth of the breast. Estrogen and other growth hormones in a teenager’s body induce the breast tissues to develop which in turn increases the size of the breasts. The shape, the size and the fullness of a woman’s breast is largely determined by the level of the hormone produce in the body during this critical stage.This the same principle that most breast enlargement pill manufacturers adapt. Their products attempt to regenerate actual tissue growth in the breasts. Some may cause the braching and lengthening of the ducts that are connected to the nipple. Other products, while inducing the growth of the breast tissues, also trigger the ligaments and the fatty tissues to create support for the growing organ.This seemed to be a safe method. But recently, the effectively of breast enlargement pills became subject to debates. Although it is true that some plants have hormone-like effects on human body, many breast enlargement pills have been noted to produce adverse effects on the end users. It is not actually the plants and herbs themselves but the actual doses that the breast enlargement pills companies recommend. What is more questionable is the significant lack of substantial studies and researches to support the claims of such companies. On one study made by a scientific group, they discovered that fennel seed, a component in many breast enlargement pills, could cause the weight of the mammary glands of laboratory mice to increase in weight. Much higher doses induce the enlargement of the uterus. These questionable effects had led many patients to become skeptics. However, there are wide range of breast enlargement pills and products circulating the market today. To be safe

, it is best that a patient first consult the authorities in the field.What is the Best Natural Breast Enlargement Product? Click Here=========Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR’S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.=========

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What keeps your hair healthier, glossy and wonderfully engaging? Here is all about hair care.

Your hair certainly make or ruin your appearance. It’s the way you maintain them. Beautiful hair completes the entire looks undoubtedly. A healthy lifestyle will mean healthier hair. Excessive stress, smoking, not exercising and not eating properly is not healthy for hair. A good nutrition (well balanced diet with fresh fruits and lots of water) and 7-8 hours sleep is a major key to wonderful hair. Follow a few guidelines to keep your hair in lustrous condition.

1) Keep your hair clean. Regular wash is very important. The circulation provided by the shampoo stimulates the oil glands to work more efficiently and brings natural oils into the hair. Use shampoo that is pH balanced and designed specially for your hair type (dry, oily, etc). Rinse your hair thoroughly before applying shampoo to remove dust, dirt, etc. Apply shampoo, massage gently using fingertips and rinse properly.

2) Use conditioner to moisturise your hair. It gives extra protection, adds shine, and makes your hair easier to untangle. Spread it evenly throughout your hair and leave for a couple of minutes before rinsing out. Put the conditioner at about an inch away from scalp. Be gentle and don’t use excessive force rubbing your hair since hair is most vulnerable when wet. Rinse.

3) Always use mild hair products, enriched with natural ingredients and essential oils. Shampoos and conditioners containing strong chemicals may damage your hair.

4) Never brush soaking wet hair, as the hair is quite elastic at that time and can be pulled and stretched to the breaking point. Try to make them tangle free by using your finger tips, followed by combing with a wide-toothed comb. Minimise the use of a brush on wet hair.

5) As much as possible avoid using electric hair dryers and hot curling irons. These weaken the hair. To speed up the drying process, pat your hair with a towel gently and let the remaining moisture dry naturally. In case of an emergency, if you have to use dryer, then use low to medium heat. Hold it 6 inches away from your scalp.

6) Avoid using nylon, stiff brushes, rollers, pony-tails and styles that put great pressure on the hair. This will prevent falling out hair.

7) Regularly massage the scalp with coconut oil or almond oil with the tips of your fingers, always using a circular movement. This accelerates the growth. A warm mixture of olive oil, lemon juice and coconut oil is very beneficial to keep the dandruff away. Castor oil is also good for healthy growth of hair. A steam towel wrap for 15 minutes before shampooing your hair will do wonders.

Give your hair a good brushing before bed. Brush at least 50 to 100 strokes. This should be done by bending forward from the waist, head down brushing from back to front. This will help remove dirt and pollutants

, etc. from the hair in addition to stimulating circulation which will increase natural oils.

9) Keep split ends or dead hair cut.

10) Avoid sun damages by covering your hair. You may use hats or caps in order to prevent it from sun’s ultra-violent rays.

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Can you update your entire wardrobe for Fall 2007 with just one item? Here is how you can do just that.

After the cheerful summmer brights, fall and winter hit us with a sea of black. It figures. The designers would want us to buy a brand new wardrobe with each new season just to avoid looking out of place.

If you can afford just one item for fall, what would it be?

I would suggest you get a black jacket. The current jackets are mostly waist-length, or cinched at the waist either with a belt or cut to show off a woman’s curves. That is a classic look which you can wear from one year to another.

Add to the fact that the black on black look is so hot for Fall to Winter 2007, and the return of the skirt suit, the purchase of just 1 black jacket would update your entire fall wardrobe and take you through winter and many more seasons to come.

First of all, do you already own a black skirt?

That black jacket would turn a basic black skirt into a skirt suit. Two looks are fulfilled here, the black on black look and the skirt suit.

If you have a pair of black pants, your black jacket can turn that into a pant suit.

Your favourite black dress gets a lift with a black jacket, fitting in nicely with the black on black look that is so popular this season.

Since that black jacket is going to update your entire wardrobe, you would probably wear it many times over. Pick a jacket that you really love. Don’t worry if you have to pay more than normal. A cheap bargain basement jacket might be more expensive than you realize. It might cost you $19 but once you get home and try that with your other clothes, you would probably find that you look awful in it, that there is no way you would want to be seen in it so you would have thrown away $19 for just that 5 minutes worth of wear. Put it on, look in the mirror and toss it aside never to be worn again wear.

On the other hand, that absolutely gorgeous black jacket might set you back $800. But it looks so good on you and goes with everything you own in the wardrobw, you wear it every week, sometimes several times a week. It is a classic which you can wear year after year and is so well made, you could wear it for 10 years. Say you wear it once a week, autumn, winter and spring. That’s three quarters of a year. Which would mean you would wear it 39 times a year. Over 10 years, that would be 390 times. That would amount to $2.05 per wear

, which is a lot cheaper than that $19 for 5 minutes wear never to be seen again jacket.

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Beautiful and healthy skin is a big confidence booster. Some peopleare naturally beautiful and hence don’t use any ‘skin care cosmetic’.Then there are others, who don’t use skin care cosmetic due to theirlaziness. Still some feel that skin care cosmetic can harm their skin,and hence abandon the use of any kind of skin care cosmetic. However,there are a large number of people who do use skin care cosmetic. That’s why the business of skin care cosmetic is prospering.

A beautiful and healthy skin is a big confidence booster. Some people are naturally beautiful and hence don’t use any ‘skin care cosmetic’. Then there are others, who don’t use skin care cosmetic due to their laziness. Still some feel that skin care cosmetic can harm their skin, and hence abandon the use of any kind of skin care cosmetic. However, there are a large number of people who do use skin care cosmetic (that’s why the business of skin care cosmetic is prospering).  So, is skin care cosmetic useful, or is it harmful? Well, the opinions seem divided. However, one thing is for sure – Looking beautiful is surely nice and very desirable. Also, too much skin care cosmetic can surely be harmful (as such, excess of anything is harmful). So, what does one do? The first thing is to formulate (and follow) a skin care routine that will help keep your skin healthy and disease-free. The general recommendation is to cleanse and moisturise everyday, and tone and exfoliate occasionally (as and when needed).  Next thing is the skin care cosmetics that you would be using additionally (as beauty enhancers). These skin care cosmetics could either be part of your skin care routine or be applied only on special occasions (e.g. when attending a party etc). The most important thing with skin care cosmetic is its selection. Here is a set of rules that you should use when selecting any skin care cosmetic:

• The general rule is to use products that suit your skin type. This is true both for the routine products and for the skin care cosmetic. So check the label to see what it says e.g. ‘for dry skin only’ or ‘for all skin types’ etc.
• Test the skin care cosmetic before using it. This can be done by applying the skin care cosmetic on a small patch of skin e.g. ear lobes and checking the reaction of your skin to the product
• Check the ingredients of the skin care cosmetic for chemicals that you are allergic to. Do not use products that are very harsh on skin e.g. products with high alcohol concentrations; such cosmetics might work for once but cause a long-lasting damage to your skin.
• ‘More isn’t better’. Ensure that you apply the products in right quantity (neither less not more). Also, be gentle with your skin and follow the right procedures for application of skin care products. Rubbing too hard or trying to squeeze a pimple can lead to permanent damage to your skin.
• Finally, if you have a skin disorder e.g. acne etc
  
  , you should consult your dermatologist before using any skin care cosmetic.

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If you think Cubic Zirconia is JUST a diamond substitute, you should read this article.

Cubic zirconia is most commonly thought of as a diamond substitute, and rightfully so. What shouldn’t be overlooked, however, is the fascinating history and set of distinct qualities that make cubic zirconia wonderfully notable and unique all on its own

As a synthetic substitute, cubic zirconia has somewhat the same effect as gold vermeil, sterling silver, and cultured pearls: it allows the everyday jewellery enthusiast to enjoy the aesthetic marvels of a truly precious substance (diamonds, in this case) without paying an arm and a leg. To anyone without a professionally trained eye, diamonds and cubic zirconia are virtually indistinguishable.

As a naturally occurring phenomenon, zirconium oxide was discovered by German mineralogists in 1937. Many people don’t know that it occurs naturally at all, but it certainly does, albeit in incredibly scarce quantities. Natural cubic zirconia is so rare, in fact, that upon first discovery it seemed insignificant- there simply wasn’t enough to make use of.

The discovery became immensely significant, however, in 1973, when Soviet scientists at the Lebedev Physical Institute in Moscow finally perfected synthesizing the substance. Three years later their discovery was published, and by 1980 cubic zirconia was in commercial production on a massive scale. The explosively fast rise of cubic zirconia in world attention and market prominence simply goes to show how hungry the world was for a good man-made diamond substitute.

Diamonds, of course, are much harder in density, but cubic zirconia is still incredibly hard by gemstone standards (8.5 on the Mohs scale, where most gemstones are around 5-6) and therefore immensely durable and basically scratchproof. Another little recognized fact is that since cubic zirconia is synthetically produced, it is almost totally flawless in terms of surface consistency and irregularities, where diamonds are often marked by natural discolorations and other imperfections.

Cubic zirconia is often dyed as well, which is something that only happens as ‘enhancement’ of natural colour with diamonds. Presumably, the relatively low cost of cubic zirconia encourages more liberal experimentation with things like colour and cut. Far from being a just a cheap diamond copy

, cubic zirconia is a gemstone medium in its own right.

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Have you ever thought about the wonderfully shiny sterling silver piece that adorns your neck, ears, or wrists? What it is, where it’s from, and how it got here? Then read on, my friends….

Have you ever thought about the wonderfully shiny sterling silver piece that adorns your neck, ears, or wrists? What it is, where it’s from, and how it got here? Silver is ubiquitous in the jewelry industry, and widely used in many others, but there is a certain disconnection between the mines where metallic ore containing silver is excavated, and the world of high fashion where silver has reigned for millennia. If you love metal accessories as much as we do, you might enjoy a brief walk through all the hard work that goes into turning raw silver into a beautiful chain, and an understanding of why silver and gold chains are as expensive as they are. You just might come out of it with an even greater love and respect for your favourite silver jewelry!

Mining

Before anything, a site is chosen that has indicated high levels of natural metal deposits in the Earth. Once a candidate has been decided upon, the site is scrutinized by environmental specialists and mining engineers in a series of studies, tests, and calculations. Since there are rigorous government controls on mining, the very confirmation of a piece of land as the future site of a mine can be a 2-5 year process. The mining company is also obligated to ensure, before any construction begins, that after the site has been depleted of valuable minerals there will be an environmental rehabilitation process to restore the land. Huge amounts of expertise and critical thinking go into making mining projects safe, environmentally sound, and effective- before they’ve even started construction! There are generally two types of mines: surface level mines, which surround their site like an enormous football stadium, and underground mines, which can be located deeper than a mile underground, where they carve out a virtual subterranean society. Either way, the scale is huge and the technical coordination is astounding.

Silver, like all metals, is found as a mineral encrusted below the earth’s surface. What many may not realize is that silver, copper, lead, and gold are most frequently mined in the same place and found in the same ores, and separated afterward. Only about a quarter of all silver produced is mined from ores that are specifically harvested for silver. Even from those rare ores predominantly made of crude silver, trace amounts of copper, lead, and gold will be recovered and saved, just as trace amounts of silver are recovered from lead, zinc, and copper ores.

Refinement

Once the ores are recovered from the earth through painstaking physical labour and specialized mechanical machinery, they are shipped from the mine to a reduction plant to be milled. Reduction plants (also called ‘mills’) are usually located adjacent to or nearby the mine itself, established alongside the realization that the site will be profitable for years to come.

At the mill, the ores are ground into powder into giant drums to increase surface area, quickening the effect of metallurgical chemicals. Various metallurgical extraction processes are employed to isolate the desirable elements, ridding the original ore of unwanted impurities like antimony, arsenic, and tin, and separating usable metals like copper, lead, zinc. After all chemical treatments, intense heating, and physical separation, silver can emerge as pure as 95%.

At that point, it is shipped to a precious metals refinery. There the silver is soaked in nitric acid, dissolving into the mixture. Silver precipitant crystals are added to the solution, and the acid is drained and neutralized. The result is pure silver in the 99th percentile!

Alloys and Wire

Pure silver that will be used in the jewelry industry then typically gets shipped to a wire factory. There it can be alloyed with other metal to produce sterling silver, also known as standard silver, which is 92.5% silver (the remainder typically composed of copper). Sometimes sterling silver is also referred to as 0.925 silver. The alloy is heated yet again to become soft, and drawn through specially cut dies to be formed into wire. Depending on the width of the die, different gauges of wire are created.

Chains

Spools of sterling silver are shipped to chain makers, which range from small studios to fairly sizeable factories. This is perhaps where the silver industry ends and the jewelry industry begins. Automated machines are used to produce chains of almost countless different styles. Cable chains, snake chains, satellite chains, ball chains, figure eight chains, rolo chains, square chains… the list goes on. For each different style of chain link, a different specialized machine is required. Generally, the wire is fed into one side of the machine, where, depending on the style, it is bent, flattened, curved, soldered, and moved along. The following link receives the same treatment, and is joined to the first one. For simple chains this process continues until a long sequence of identical links emerges at the other side of the chain machine. Some chains are not so simple, and may involve 2 or more different kinds of links. Because most machines can only produce one size of one style of link, they must either be recalibrated to produce new effects and sizes, or, more likely, multiple machines must be used in combination.

Since there are so many different styles of chains, and a dedicated machine for each, there is indeed a smorgasbord of different chain making machines. Larger operations have upwards of 600! Other chains may feature indents, hammering, brushing and other personal flourishes that are achieved by hand, adding a human touch at the cost of skilled and time-consuming labour.

Chains that have completed the shaping process often undergo an additional electroplating process. This is where a very thin layer of an even more precious metal like gold or rhodium are plated onto the sterling silver through an electrochemical process that achieves a nearly flawless coating all over the chain. Plating is done with a number of benefits in mind, and is frequently used to change the colour, reduce the possibility of tarnishing, or increase the hardness.

And voila! The chain is born! A quick recap: silver-containing ores are mined from sites that are cultivated with the utmost of technical skill and environmental care, shipped to the reduction plant and broken down into constituent parts, shipped again to refineries that produce pure silver, shipped yet again to wire factories, and then shipped again as pure or alloyed wire to chain makers, where the chains are crafted and electroplating occurs. After that, the finished chain is, you guessed it, shipped all over the world, where jewelry enthusiasts incorporate them into original designs. The whole multi-stage process requires technical planning, environmental care, chemical engineering, huge machines, hard work, creativity, and a lot of transportation.

Silver in the World Today

The world’s most prolific silver-producing nations are Peru, Mexico, and Australia, but the most skilled and effective chain producer is Italy, where artisans have long cultivated silver working techniques and slowly amassed a virtually incomparable variety of machines. Furthermore, chain links are patented by the companies that build the chain making machines, so classic Italian designs are not commonly available outside the country. All of this means that if topnotch chains are sought after, intercontinental transit is involved, and Canadians have to buy most of their jewelry silver at a disadvantageous exchange rate. While the Canadian dollar has been remarkably successful lately, especially against the American dollar, the Euro has been quite strong. As the price of raw silver has doubled in the past 5 years, and the whole process of transforming it from an unrefined mineral to a finished jewelry chain is so extensive, there is also a great deal of economic strategy in keeping the costs as low as possible at every stage.

A quick note on silver economics: as of May 1st, 2007, the price of pure silver was $0.47 CAD/gram. After being shipped, made into wire, shipped again, made into chain, shipped internationally to the supplier (with duties applied), and marked up every step of the way, it will end up costing the consumer upwards of a dollar per gram. Not bad, really, considering all of the shipping and markups. If you find silver chains for $0.60/gram, there are generally two possibilities: either the supplier bought it when it was worth much less, or it’s not pure silver. It could be a lower grade alloy or silver plated.

Treasure the beautiful silver chains that flow into your country and around your limbs, and do not take them for granted! They are the result of skill, creativity, time, and hard work. Given everything that went into them, it is no wonder that sterling silver necklace you own is so valuable! And with recent stock market increases, your favourite silver bracelet that you bought 5 years ago is now worth twice as much. In financial terms, that’s a pretty good return on investment indeed.

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