Some people associate sterling silver with being “too expensive.” On the other end of the spectrum, some think it’s not “good quality” because it’s not pure gold or considered “fine jewelry.” We’re going to dispel those myths with a guide on why you should start (and continue) buying sterling silver jewelry.
People have linked silver to luxury for decades — the phrase “silver spoon” is associated with wealth for a reason.
Sterling silver — 92.5% silver, 7.5% other metal alloys (usually copper) — brings the tradition of luxurious silver to jewelry.
Some people think sterling silver is only for earrings. Others think that it’s just a cheap alternative to white gold.
In fact, sterling silver is used in every type of jewelry imaginable to create looks that can be both timeless and trendy.
Modern jewelry designers are flocking to this noble metal because it’s the perfect combination of malleability, beauty, and durability.
Whether you’re looking for everyday accessories or a timeless statement piece, you’ll probably find sterling silver jewelry that seems like it’s been tailored to your personal tastes.
Keep reading for seven reasons you should add sterling silver to your jewelry box.
Sterling silver jewelry is durable
When taken care of correctly, sterling silver jewelry can last you a lifetime. Savvy sterling silver owners know that their pieces can look exactly the same even after forty years!
True 925 sterling silver is not cheap. The extra cost is more than worth it for the quality and lifetime value of the jewelry.
Some of your well-made pieces may even become family heirlooms in the future.
To make sure that you’re getting the best quality jewelry, you should buy from established, reputable jewelry companies, and look for marks like these in a hidden place on your new accessory:
925 or .925 / sterling / sterling silver
You can easily keep up with trends
Any woman who likes to keep up with the latest news in fashion and jewelry knows that the pace of fast-fashion jewelry trends can be dizzying.
Keeping up with what’s in and what’s out is exhausting.
Luckily, sterling silver’s popularity means it’s almost always guaranteed to be in. The latest styles in jewelry will always include sterling silver, even if the designs change.
Recently, for example, gemstones and uncut minerals have become a staple of spring and summertime accessories. Often, those stones are set in sterling silver.
Keeping a few silver pieces on hand in your jewelry rotation is a sure way to make sure you always look your best.
There are endless options
Because silver is a relatively soft metal, it’s easy for jewelers to mold and experiment with — which means there are constantly new designs up for offer.
The wide range of styles and designs in sterling silver means that you’re sure to find a piece (or twenty) that fits your personal style.
Whether you’re looking for a locket, bracelet, ring, or pendant, there are thousands of options. One of our favorite pieces are the sterling silver friendship bracelets or sterling silver hoop earrings.
Even sterling silver loyalists are never limited to the same variations on old concepts. Innovation is constant.
There’s always a new 925 sterling piece to spruce up your collection!
You can build a new jewelry collection in no time
The variety of sterling silver options available makes it easy to completely build or upgrade your jewelry collection.
Maybe you want to build a look around one of your more expensive statement pieces. Sterling silver complements most metals, so you don’t have to worry about anything clashing.
Likewise, if you’re looking for unique high-end pieces, sterling silver should be on your list. Designers use it to cast their most creative designs all the time.
One of the big perks of sterling silver is that it’s not just popular with consumers — it’s also popular with designers.
People are excited to buy the latest styles that designers create, and designers are happy to keep creating new things.
Sterling silver jewelry is a win for both parties.
Incredible versatility
Sterling silver jewelry is appropriate no matter what the occasion may be.
Embellishing an ensemble for the Met Gala? Sterling silver. Dressing up a casual dinner outfit? Silver. PTA meeting? You get the idea…
You might even be able to wear the same piece for both occasions!
Why? Silver adds a classy touch to any look.
Its versatility even extends to how it looks with other metals.
Maybe you want to add sterling silver to a jewelry collection that already has a lot of white gold or platinum pieces. You don’t have to worry that your new jewelry won’t match your outfits as the old collection did.
In fact, you can even wear sterling silver jewelry with a white gold or platinum piece and still create a look that is put together. The colors are close enough that you won’t look like you’re mixing up jewelry. Instead, you’ll create a new image that is uniquely you.
Hypoallergenic jewelry
Unlike pieces that are made of inexpensive nickel, brass, or other base metals, which can irritate your skin, sterling silver jewelry doesn’t contain metal additions that can cause an allergic reaction.
People who are allergic to metals such as nickel and or brass can wear sterling silver jewelry without much worry. This is especially important for accessories like earrings — you can wear them without fear that a piercing will get infected.
The metal addition to sterling silver is usually copper, which isn’t as likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Don your silver with confidence knowing that you won’t face any consequences later.
Easy to maintain
As beautiful as silver is, many women have avoided it at some point for one reason — tarnish.
It’s disappointing to see a favorite piece suddenly look dirty or discolored after sitting in a jewelry box for just a bit too long.
All silver can tarnish with time, especially if it’s not worn often.
Here’s the good news — wearing your jewelry can actually help prevent tarnish. The oils on your skin ‘clean’ the metal, which means you don’t have to worry about that dirty look.
Even if your sterling silver jewelry does dull, there are easy ways to restore its original shine.
Most craft stores or hardware stores carry a varnish that will work with your silver. Cleaning your jewelry with varnish and a fresh cloth will get the silver sparkling before you know it.
Boasting a beautiful, cool color, and stylish sheen – it’s not hard to see why sterling silver jewelry is timeless and sophisticated. From necklaces to rings, this unique metal offers a number of advantages that makes it an all-time favorite for classic and on-trend jewelry pieces.
Below, we discuss what benefits there are to buying sterling silver jewelry and why any piece will stand the test of time.
STERLING SILVER IS HYPOALLERGENIC
Up to 10% of people are allergic to nickel. This figure rises to 20% in young women as they’re more likely to come into contact with jewelry that contains nickel. These allergies can result in itchy, irritated skin and unsightly scabs, which is why you’ll probably want to avoid nickel altogether, even if you’ve never suffered an allergic reaction from jewelry before.
As sterling silver is made from 92.5% pure silver, it’s a fantastic hypoallergenic jewelry option and is far less likely to cause contact dermatitis. Always check to make sure the jewelry is labeled as “925” or “sterling” to make sure it isn’t just plated in silver.
IT’S INCREDIBLY DURABLE
If you take care of your jewelry correctly, sterling silver can last you a lifetime, providing you with timeless pieces that you always treasure, and perhaps pass on to future generations as an heirloom!
Knowing how to look after sterling silver means your pieces can look exactly the same forty years later. That’s why it’s worth paying a little extra for true 925 sterling silver jewelry , because the quality and longevity of your piece far outweigh the cost. And looking after this type of jewelry isn’t hard either, as its original shine can be restored with a specialist varnish and clean cloth.
IT ALLOWS JEWELERS TO BE CREATIVE AND KEEP UP WITH THE TRENDS
Keeping up with jewelry trends can be exhausting, as new pieces come into fashion every single day. But thanks to its timeless elegance and popularity, sterling silver is always in fashion. Even if trends change, you’ll always find sterling silver included in the latest, most fashionable jewelry styles.
Furthermore, because silver’s quite a soft metal, it gives jewelers fantastic scope when it comes to designing jewelry. They can constantly experiment with styles to create wonderful new pieces that stand out from the crowd. So whether you’re looking for a necklace, ring, or other item of jewelry, you’re sure to find something that’s in keeping with your own unique, personal style.
YOU CAN CREATE AN OUTSTANDING JEWELRY COLLECTION
Due to the amount of options available for sterling silver, it allows you to build up your own jewelry collection (or upgrade it) in no time at all. For example, you might want to invest in a new statement piece, or add to another item of jewelry you already have. Because sterling silver complements the vast majority of metals, there’s no need to worry about your different pieces clashing.
Equally, if you want to add high-end jewelry to your collection, sterling silver is a must. Many designers will tell you that their most innovative creations have been crafted from this metal. That’s why you’re sure to find a piece that has the wow factor you’re looking for, while also retaining its value over the years to come.
Sterling silver is an incredibly versatile metal for jewelry. Not only does it offer you a hard-wearing piece that can stand the test of time, but it’s also a stylistic all-rounder, so you can add it to your existing pieces to create a look that still feels put together. Whatever the occasion, whatever your style, sterling silver is a beautiful choice.
Silver is a precious metal, and when certain other metals are added to pure silver, sterling silver is produced. Today, 90% of all pure silver is made to a standard of 92.5% sterling silver – which means that a small percentage of other metals are added so that the metal is flexible enough to make jewellery out of it. Yet, sterling silver is still more valuable than the silver with which coins are made – also known as coin silver.
Over the past decade or so, silver jewellery has evolved to make stylish fashion statements. Until recently, gold was a preferred metal choice for women’s jewellery, but as a result of the increased demand, the value and price of gold rapidly increased. Silver jewellery is versatile, durable, yet inexpensive and is gaining popularity. Sterling silver provides an alternative for women to enjoy unique and beautiful jewellery at a comparatively lesser price. Many men have also started investing in sterling silver rings for wedding bands instead of gold and other precious gemstones.
Why should I buy sterling silver jewelry?
1. Long-lasting durability
When purchasing a jewellery item, you are investing a large sum of money and you want it to last. As long as you maintain your silver jewellery with care, you will never have to replace it. While authentic sterling silver will be slightly costly, it is worth it in the long run. For example, if you want your wedding ring to look the same 20 years from now, opt for sterling silver.
To avail these benefits of silver, make sure the jewellery you are buying is not just silver plated. Look for a label that says “925” or “silver”, which guarantees that the product is solid silver.
2. Luxury that comes at an affordable price
While gold jewellery may be too much of a financial burden, and junk jewellery is not really your thing, sterling silver strikes a worthy balance. Silver is a precious metal, but it is also much cheaper than other metals like platinum and gold.
Silver jewellery allows you to pamper yourself the way you had imagined: the unique look and longevity, while also being able to preserve funds for other priorities.
3. Don’t be left behind on the trends
Are you particular about keeping up with the trends in jewellery? With silver jewellery, you are assured that it won’t go out of style.
4. Always trendy and reputable
Sterling silver is perfect for anyone who likes to keep up with the trends. Why? Simply put, sterling silver doesn’t go out of style! The public eye may turn to gems, bands, bracelets, or necklaces, whatever it may be, your sterling silver jewellery will always be stylish enough.
Moreover, sterling silver jewellery has a global reputation. If anyone asks what you are wearing, if you say sterling silver, it gives an instant perception that you appreciate the finer things in life.
5. Can be worn with anything
Sterling silver looks amazing with any outfit you are wearing! From clothing to footwear to handbags and even other jewellery – sterling silver goes with everything.
6. Comes in a wide range of designs
Because silver is not a very hard metal, it is easy for jewellers to work with. As a result, the design variations are pretty much endless!
7. Easy to build a collection
Sterling silver is both versatile and budget-friendly – making it easy for anyone to build a collection of silver jewellery. Begin with a selection of pieces that make a grand statement, and build your way up to jewellery that is more appropriate for every-day occasions. Soon you will have a wide collection to choose from for every outfit that you wear.
Silver may not be as expense or as sought after as gold, but it makes for some of the most elegant, sophisticated and affordable silver jewellery pieces. Sterling silver is also a versatile, durable metal that is much stronger than gold which means it can survive a rough lifestyle a lot better than a gold piece of jewellery would. Silver can be just as shiny and sparkly as other metals which is why it is fast becoming a popular choice with fashionistas. Many women can now be seen with sterling silver necklaces hanging around them necks or sterling silver earrings finishing off their look.
If you are not sure which one you prefer between gold and silver, these reasons why you should buy silver jewellery might help you decide.
5 Reasons to buy sterling silver jewellery:
It is affordable. Sterling silver, when compared to gold and platinum, is a much more affordable metal. Gold-plated jewellery or gold-filled pieces may be more affordable options, but they won’t last as well as Sterling Silver.
It is versatile. Sterling silver can be worn easily as an everyday item as you go about your business. A simple pair of studs can be worn to a board meeting or a weekend brunch with friends easily and effectively. The more elaborate, personalized pieces make for some of the most magnificent wedding rings or accessories.
Sterling silver is always on trend. Sterling silver jewellery has always been popular, which means it will always be trendy. The designs will change but you will always find sterling silver earrings, silver hoops and silver necklaces on the runways and featured in the latest jewellery trends. It is possible to create incredibly elegant and beautiful timeless pieces with sterling silver. Many people find it easier to wear sterling silver as it is not as intimidating as its counterpart’s gold and platinum.
It is durable. If you own a pair of sterling silver earrings or a silver friendship bracelet, be assured that these pieces will last a lifetime. If you look after your sterling silver piece, it will not age and will look as pristine as it did the day you got it. When you are looking for a new silver piece, make sure you look out for the 925 marking that is printed on all sterling silver pieces. This stamp means that the piece is made from 92.5% silver and meets the necessary requirements. Fake silver is not as durable and will not last long, so make sure you look out for that marking.
Sterling Silver is hypoallergenic. For those who have sensitive skins, sterling silver is perfect. Because sterling silver is hypoallergenic you can wear it with confidence knowing that it will not result in an allergic reaction like hives or rashes.