In the past year, Americans have spent 7% more on jewelry than they did prior to 2019. Clearly, while the jewelry market is changing and incorporating new technologies that will give people more options, the demand for these pieces is only growing.
One of the most popular metals for making jewelry is silver. There are way more types of silver out there than you can imagine, which makes choosing a grade for your favorite accessories all the more tricky.
Luckily, we’ve compiled a list here of all the most common varieties of silver you may want. We’ve also discussed some ways that these grades of metal can be incorporated into jewelry you’ll love. Read on to learn more about the best metal on the market!
Grades of Silver
There are various grades of silver used in jewelry making, some more common than others. Read on to learn these types of silver and decide which is the kind you’d most like to wear around your neck or finger. And make sure you have the best jewelry safes to keep your jewelry safe and secure.
Fine Silver
Fine silver, also known as ‘pure silver’, is the closest thing you can buy to silver in its purest form. It’s made from 99.9% silver and .1% other elements like copper. This ensures that it keeps its shape and has a modicum of durability. This is because pure silver will lose its shape over time no matter what you do and scratch easily. Yet, this variety remains popular due to its shining white luster and hypoallergenic nature.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is the most common type of silver- and most common type of metal all around- that jewelry is made from. It’s different from pure silver in that it has higher durability and less of a propensity to lose its shape, but it’s similar in that it has a comparable luster. The only real con to sterling silver is that it tarnishes easily. Be careful to keep it away from water.
Argentium Silver
Argentium silver is a relatively new grade of silver that’s hit the market only recently. You can get it at either 93.2% or 96% purity, and the remainder of this percentage is a copper-germanium alloy. Argentium silver is similar to sterling silver but it’s less susceptible to tarnishing. However, it’s quite a bit more expensive.
Coin Silver Jewelry
Coin silver used to be a really common material in making jewelry, but it’s become incredibly rare as time went by. Made with 90% pure silver mixed with 10% copper alloy, this variety of silver is expensive because of its purity value as well as its rarity. If you can find a coin silver piece, you’re lucky- and hopefully not on a budget!
Silver-Plated Jewelry
Silver plating is a process that many different types of metals undergo in order to give them a high-quality aesthetic. Silver plating is cheap and good for costume jewelry, but it’s not at all durable. Still, if you’re on a budget but still want something that looks great, a piece of silver-plated jewelry may be the way to go as long as you’re willing to replace it soon.
Beautiful Jewelry Options
Now that you know the most common grades of silver, it’s time to discuss some 2020 jewelry trends that can be acted upon using these types of silver. Read on to learn what sorts of pieces these silver grades can make beautiful.
Necklaces
Chokers were a popular necklace in the 90s and early 2000s, and they’re making a comeback now. One of the coolest types of choker you can wear is a large metal chain, which is best made with sterling or Argentium silver. Show off your good fashion sense with large chain links or small silver charms on a dainty choker chain! For some understated and slightly more personal piece, you should check out the zodiac sign accessories available at chvker.com. They have some really beautiful necklaces in stock for each zodiac sign that are really eye-catching and drop dead gorgeous. Bonus: it’s a conversation starter – for you flirty folks out there 😉
Bracelets
Another trend that’s coming back into fashion for the new decade is charm bracelets. Most of these are made of sterling silver, but it’s likely that we’re soon going to start seeing some in Argentium silver, too. Grab a chain made out of one of these two durable metals and begin to set it with charms plated in silver. You won’t regret following this cool trend.
Rings
While many people think they want to give away gold engagement rings, silver is an infinitely better material. Not only is silver a rarer metal than gold- a little known fact- but it’s also a more durable and long-lasting one. The color of silver jewelry goes well with any gemstone as well as any outfit your loved one may want to wear it with. Nowadays, silver made Promise Rings are getting trendy and popular among young couples.
Earrings
Asymmetry is a huge trend this year, and using silver to create asymmetrical earrings is perfect. Not only can you have one sterling silver stud and one hoop or dangle earring, but you can also experiment with asymmetry when it comes to the grades of silver you choose to use. Having one earring made out of coin silver and another made from silver-plated rose gold, for example, will give you that asymmetrical look you crave.
Match Different Types of Silver
While choosing the right material for the jewelry you wear can be a challenge, it’s much easier when you know your options. Experiment with sterling silver, pure silver, and more until you find the accessories that best complement your style.
Now that you know all about the different types of silver jewelry on the market, it’s time to get more tips about the styles that are en vogue in 2020. Check out the ‘fashion’ tab on our home page to get some ideas for what clothes and accessories to wear with your favorite silver necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Also, you can find out more about how to take perfect silver jewelry photos using this link.
Stay stylish!