What is Silver?

Heard of the famous phrase “Born with a silver spoon”? Silver has been valued as a precious metal alongside gold & platinum, and associated with luxury for generations!

But what is this fascinating metal? Let us dive deeper.

Silver may be considered to be less valuable than gold, the latter being more difficult to mine and rarer to find in nature. However, in terms of character and composition, it has been found to be similar to copper & gold, although it lacks the hardness of gold. 

Silver, when alloyed with other metals to enhance its hardness, has been used since ancient times for making ornaments, as well as artifacts such as coins, boxes, cutlery & home decor.

Sterling silver, or 925 silver (silver of 92.5% purity, combined with 7.5% metal alloys, most commonly copper), is considered to be a perfect combination of malleability, durability and beauty. Off late, it is being used to craft some of the finest & trendiest pieces of regular as well as statement jewellery.

Silver is no longer regarded as a cheaper alternative to gold. Various jewellery brands are introducing ranges of timeless statement pieces as well as everyday accessories. These trend-setting pieces can even be handed down as heirlooms!

So here are five reasons why you should definitely add sterling silver jewellery to your collection:

1. Versatility

No matter what the occasion - a casual lunch with friends, an important meeting at work, a wedding or party, you will always find silver jewellery to suit the occasion. What’s more, you might even be able to wear the same piece for different occasions!

Sterling silver adds a dash of class to any outfit. What’s more, it can even be paired with different metals! For instance, you can pair it with your white gold or platinum ornaments to create new looks on the go, without the impression of remixing or repurposing.

2. Keeping up with Trends

Fashion can be very fast-paced with new trends emerging almost every other day.

Given the enduring popularity of sterling silver jewellery, you can be rest assured that it will always be in, and you’ll always find pieces in the latest designs.

Also, given the fact that uncut minerals and most gemstones are often set in silver, the design possibilities are endless! So you can have a few classic pieces and use them in rotation to always look & feel your best!

3. Silver Jewellery is Hypoallergenic

Most people are allergic to jewellery made with inexpensive metals such as brass, nickel etc., which are known to cause skin irritation.

On the other hand, silver doesn’t contain any metal additives known to cause allergic reactions. The most common additive to silver is copper, which is not commonly known to cause any allergies or irritation.

This is important especially in case of nose ornaments & earrings, as one can be sure it won’t infect piercing sites.

So flaunt your silver jewellery with style without having to worry about any reactions….

4. Endless Options to Choose From

Given the easy moldability of silver, jewellers have scope to experiment with a wide variety of designs & styles. This means there will always be new designs.

Even if you become a silver loyalist, you will never run out of options. There will always be that new silver statement piece or accessory to spruce up your collection!

5. Hassle-Free Maintenance

Silver ornaments are surprisingly easy to maintain!

At some point of time or another, we always fear that our unused silver jewellery will suddenly start looking discolored. Silver ornaments tend to tarnish with time, especially if you haven't worn them for a while. 

Strange as it may sound, the oils on your body are known to actually ‘clean’ your silver jewellery, and prevent tarnishing. 

Also, here are some easy ways to shine your silver jewellery or silverware at home:

• There are powder products available in the market that shine silver jewellery.
• Carefully wipe your silver jewellery with a soft silver cleaning cloth/polish cloth.
• Gently rub colgate tooth powder over your silver jewellery/silverware with a soft toothbrush.

But before you start shopping, here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about silver jewellery:

How Do You Know If Your Jewellery is Real Silver?

In most cases, ornaments are stamped or hallmarked with 925 in case of sterling silver, or 999 in case of fine silver. However, this is not a legal requirement in most countries. Also, in some cases, the hallmark can interfere with the look & feel of the finished piece, so brands may choose to not use it on certain pieces.

What is Oxidized Silver Jewellery?

Oxidized silver jewellery is jewellery made from silver that has been treated with a chemical process to give it a darker, antique look. This process is called oxidation, and it involves exposing the silver to a chemical solution or oxidizing agent, such as sulfur or liver of sulfur. The resulting jewellery has a unique, vintage appearance that is popular in many different styles of jewellery. It can be polished to a high shine, or left with a matte finish for a more rustic look. Many people enjoy wearing oxidized silver jewellery because it is a way to add a touch of character and history to their jewellery collection.

A Word of Caution about German Silver/Nickel Silver

Off-late, German silver & nickel silver jewellery is widely available in the market, and it is way cheaper. But keep in mind that it is not silver at all! 

These metals are alloys of nickel and copper, and are likely to contain zinc too. People can develop allergies to nickel over time, which can cause nasty rashes and skin irritation. So, wearing them against your skin very frequently is not recommended.

So, are you ready to add some unique jewellery to your collection and make heads turn? Do check out the Aadyaa’s range of unique silver jewellery, right from minimalist to statement pieces, casual western to traditional Indian, we have it all…