It was in Germany that tinsel was first invented, and it was made from real silver.
A
crude machine was used to shred the silver into thin strips which were then
twisted onto a central wire.
This
was indeed a luxury product although and obviously only available to the
privileged classes.
However,
the silver tinsel did not last forever as Silver would tarnish and lose its
shine in time.
Despite
its lack of longevity however it remained in use by those who could afford it
until a cheaper artificial alternative was invented.
