My jewelry is pure silver (aka fine silver - hallmark .999 or FS) combined with my own sterling silver earwires, handformed links and forged clasps. The sterling silver I use is purchased from a certified green business and is made from recycled silver.
The process I use to create my jewelry and what gives the fine silver elements their unique, rustic look, is a material called Precious Metal Clay - pure silver in a clay-like base. Each metal clay element is formed by hand and is unique. My fingerprints are visible in each piece - quite literally the hand of the maker. After forming, the elements are fired in a kiln; the clay burns out, leaving the now-fused pure silver. Precious Metal Clay is made with recycled silver.