Silver lady's companion composed of a thimble, bobbin, patch-box, vinaigrette and needle case, engraved decoration possibly late 18th century. Silver is a white noble metal which is very malleable and ductile. Pure silver is usually too soft to use and is frequently alloyed. The best known silver alloys are sterling silver and Britannia Silver. Silver, like gold, has been used for coinage and there has always been a link between gold and silver plate and their monetary value. There has always been a long history of hallmarking, whereby the amount of silver in an alloy is guaranteed.