Sterling refers to the British currency, known as the British Pound Sterling (GBP). It is one of the oldest currencies still in use today and is often symbolized by the sign "£." The value of the pound can fluctuate based on economic conditions, trade balances, and interest rates. In addition to currency, "sterling" can also describe something of high quality or excellence, such as sterling silver, which is an alloy made of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. This term is commonly used to indicate the purity and craftsmanship of silver items, including jewelry and cutlery.