Textured Triple Hoop Earrings - Courtesy of Zoara
Many years ago, the majority of all jewelry was created with gold as the metal. Gold carried the reputation as a status symbol for those who were in high society or even of royal blood. Most of your common people did not own any jewelry and these kinds of accessories were reserved for queens, kings’, priests and others of the high or ruling class.
Times have changed and jewelry is common for all people in our society today. Just as the type of people who are buying and wearing jewelry has changed, so has the metals, gems, stones and beads that are used in the design elements. Gold is no longer the lone metal. The design of jewelry today is now based on style and fashion trends, not on social position. Because of these changes, different types of jewelry are available to people in all price ranges.
One of the new metals that have gained a lot of popularity is silver. While gold metal has a very distinct and almost loud effect on the piece of jewelry, silver is popular due to the fact that it has the opposite effect. Silver tends to blend in to its surroundings, therefore making it the perfect backdrop for brilliant colored stones or beads. Silver accents all types of stones and beads and doesn’t detract from their colors or shapes. Because silver is so versatile as well as of high quality and very affordable, it has become a very sough after metal for men and women. Silver can be worn with any style of clothing, and compliments dressy or casual outfits perfectly.
Silver jewelry is also an excellent option when shopping for gifts. Anniversaries or birthdays that have reached the 25 year mark make for perfect opportunities to give the gift of silver jewelry. This is definitely a gift that the receiver will treasure forever.
So exactly what components go in to the silver metal that jewelers make their creations from? Pure silver is not normally used in jewelry making because, by itself, silver is too soft and can bend or even break. Sterling silver is what you will find in most jewelry. Sterling silver is pure silver that has been mixed with copper to give the metal more strength. The common mixing ratio is 925 parts pure silver to 75 parts copper. This sterling silver mix is known as the purest form of silver that is suitable for making jewelry.
Silver has now reached a level of popularity that it has never known before. Because of this surge in popularity, it is now easier than ever to find many designs that are made with this metal. Jewelry makers are recognizing this trend and turning out more and more designs for a wide variety of jewelry types. As you shop for a special gift or a signature piece to add to your jewelry collection, give a look at silver. You will be pleasantly surprised to see what is available.
