In poetry and prose, the silver lining is used as a signifier of good, to suggest that inherent in all perceived darkness and negativity, there is indeed scope for something positive. Because of the mysticism surrounding silver that associate it with purity, this reflective metal has long been believed to be an antidote to maladies and even mythical monsters, vampires and werewolves.
In 3000 B.C., the Egyptian Code of Menes decreed that ‘one part of gold was equal to two-and-half parts of silver in value; perhaps the world's first gold standard. Things haven't changed much since then. People still buy gold for investment, but silver makes for a dazzling display mainly because it is versatile, elegant and enduring.
In India, silver has been used rampantly down the ages. The excavations of Harappa and Mohenjodaro unearthed armoury, decorative artefacts, utensils, ornaments and even furniture made of silver, used by royalty. Over the years, Indian silversmiths and artisans have evolved exquisite styles of moulding silver employing methods of astounding intricacy.
