German silver, also known as nickel silver, is a silver-white alloy made of 60% copper, 20% zinc, and 20% nickel. Despite its name, it does not contain any silver. The name "German silver" refers to the artificial recreation of a natural ore composition by German metallurgists. It was first developed in Germany in the 18th century by a metalworker named E.A. Geitner, who discovered that by adding nickel to copper and zinc, he could create a metal alloy that resembled silver in appearance but was much more durable and affordable. German silver is used in a variety of applications, including the production of coins, medals, flatware, cutlery, decorative objects, and jewelry. It is a sturdy metal that looks a lot like silver, and its affordability, strength, and versatility continue to make it a popular choice for various purposes.