The Exciting World of Silver Jewellery

It’s true that during the past few decades, jewels have become indispensable to our outfits. People have taken to embellishing their bodies. After all, the Egyptians and many Ancient cultures used to do it, and fashion is gaining points back with the entire population sporting jewels of some sort. 

 

 

First worn by the royalty, jewellery was proof of wealth and nobility. A princess would never go without a tiara or a king without his crown. Throughout the ages, however, jewellery has become more accessible. 

In the sixties, a woman’s favourite piece was a pearl necklace, in the 70’s leather and fabric bracelets added a perfect bohemian touch to an outfit and in the ’80s, big fluorescent earrings were all the rage. Costume jewellery or fashion jewellery was very much affordable because of its basic materials such as coloured glass, enamel, or plastic.

Nowadays, jewellers are reinventing the fine work of sterling silver, the one material that can 

accompany you through any event of your life and turn a good outfit into a splendid one. We have come to a time where luxury meets accessibility, and the meeting point is silver jewellery.

Sterling silver might very well become your best friend, you just don’t know it yet. 

Sometimes called silver 925, it refers to a mix (or ‘alloy’) of silver and other metals such as copper. The specificity of sterling silver is in fact the proportion of pure silver that is found in it. There must be at least 92.5% - 925/1000 - of pure silver to be so named. Just because the alloy is almost purely composed of silver doesn’t mean the price tag follows. 

To this day, silver is the least expensive precious material around - for our greatest pleasure.  This alloy enables the creation of durable jewels. It is true that pure silver will be softer and way more fragile, curbing the fine work of jewellery. Thus, mixing silver with other materials in precise proportions is a good compromise between the luxury of a pure metal and the durability and quality of a ring that you will be loving for years. Silver is very malleable, and the alloy can be transformed into any shape, giving way to experts’ creativity.

Sterling silver has made it through a lot of stages before becoming one of our favourite ornaments! Already used in the Middle Ages in places like Great Britain to produce coins, its purpose has been since then widened greatly to reach our jewellery boxes.

Further on, the discovery of silver mines in America, especially in Latin America, has helped increase the production of all types of sterling silver items like medical instruments, kitchen utensils, and so on. During the wars, when the countries start relying on their people for funds, the people often sold their diamond, platinum and gold jewels, only to keep silver jewellery.

However, we must note that these silver items were often associated with wealth and status - not everyone could afford it. Sterling silver was renowned as a precious and luxurious metal at that time. In quite a short time, sterling silver has imposed itself as a fine and qualitative metal, extremely used in jewellery for the way it easily complements any outfit. Once again, we have royalty to thank for spreading fashions that included silver as well as more earthy materials that include gemstones like the ones we use at YAA YAA LONDON.

We have seen many times on runways and magazines the association of gemstones with rich, coloured metals such as yellow or rose gold. Although beautiful, this team is now giving some space to silver! Indeed, the team sterling silver/gemstones gives a delicate elegance and youthful refinery to any outfit.  Mix the light aspect of silver with the vibrant colours of a ruby or green onyx for a soft and sleek style.

Of course, you can always pair gold and sterling silver to send a whole different message to the world! Choosing a silver and gold piece of jewellery is the insurance of having an offbeat style. The freshness of silver will easily embrace the warmth of gold. The contradictory mix of the two materials is without any doubt the way to show your fearless and yet thoughtful choices - even in the smallest details. Marrying gold and sterling silver can be as interesting as mixing textures, patterns or styles in the same outfit: let your personality bloom!

 

What is really appreciated about silver is its versatility. Used to ornate an elegant work outfit or to enhance the rocky style of a leather jacket, silver will never disappoint you!

Possibilities are infinite for you to create that one look that perfectly matches your vibe. A chic and refined look could not make it without a discrete silver ring engraved or surmounted with a clear gemstone. A bohemian and beachy look would be perfect with a silver ring, finished with a big bright crystal! And if you are going on a romantic date, turn towards a pair of dangling silver earrings to deliciously frame your face.

Silver has gained interest these past few years and we hope we’ve enlightened you on the why’s and how’s of silver. Its versatile use enables us to either enhance a particular aspect of our outfit or to bring even more delicacy to it. Quality and pricewise, sterling silver is the way to go if you don’t want to break your piggy bank and still enjoy high-quality jewellery!