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This type of metal alloy was developed in the 19th century by German metalworkers. But did you know that this is not actually silver? In fact, it has no silver element at all. It was developed to drive down the costs of sterling silver and other types of silver for making jewellery and other items. As a result, German or Nickel Silver is a sturdy metal that looks a lot like silver. The proportions of copper, nickel, and zinc used for making German Silver will vary; however, it will be specified in the manufacture of commercial alloys.

The name German Silver is attributed to the lustrous appearance that makes it look like silver. This is why German Silver can also be referred to as “nickel silver”. It therefore exhibits the properties of copper such as its strength, sheen, and malleability. The high conduction quality makes it easy to hammer or shape it into commercial sheets.