Silver has long attracted investors looking for an alternative to stocks and bonds, and it's easy to see why. It's more affordable than gold, has a wide range of industrial uses that support ongoing demand, and can serve as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. The downside is that it can be significantly more volatile than other assets and doesn't generate income the way stocks or bonds do. If you're considering adding silver to your portfolio for the first time, here's what you need to kno ...