Nickel silver, also known as German silver, is a silver-white metal alloy that is composed of copper, nickel, and zinc. Despite its name, it does not contain any silver at all. The name “German silver” comes from its origin in Germany in the 19th century.

Nickel silver has a bright, shiny surface that closely resembles silver, but it is more durable and less prone to tarnish. It is a hard, tough, and corrosion-resistant material that is widely used in the manufacture of a variety of items, including tableware, jewelry, musical instruments, and industrial components.

Nickel silver has a range of compositions, with different proportions of copper, nickel, and zinc. The most common composition is around 60% copper, 20% nickel, and 20% zinc. The exact composition can affect the material’s hardness, color, and other properties, so it is important to choose the right alloy for a specific application.