Hill Tribe fine silver- what is it?

Hill Tribe fine silver comes from Northern Thailand, created by hand in small rural villages using methods that go back to the  very roots of silver crafting.  Each piece is made by hand, so no two are ever exactly the same.  The designs are inspired by nature, echoing the beautiful landscape of the Northern Thai Hills where they are made by the Karen Hill Tribe people.  It is also called "fine" silver because it has a greater purity than sterling, fine silver is .999, while sterling silver is .925.  Hill Tribe pieces are truly tiny pieces of fine silver art.

These charms, used in many of my necklaces, have great depth and detail, each piece is made by hand, so each is unique, no two pieces are ever exactly the same. Some are oxidized and hand polished for a rustic patina. Some are older and have lost their luster, which adds a different but still beautiful dimension.