Are you on the hunt for the best silver jewellery - and maybe looking for some tips on how to style it? Whether you're treating yourself or searching for the perfect gift, knowing what to look for can make all the difference.
Silver jewellery is so classic, versatile and packed with creative design options: it's a beautiful yet affordable precious metal that people have treasured for millennia.
As someone who's been designing and making unique sterling silver jewellery for decades, I've got plenty of tips to help you find beautiful, high-quality silver pieces that you'll love wearing for years to come.
I can also give you my top tips on how best to wear silver jewellery so that it suits you and your unique sense of style.
Let's dive in!
Why Choose Silver Jewellery?
Silver jewellery is a classic choice for good reason. It's versatile, stylish, and more affordable than gold, while still having a luxurious look and feel. Plus, real silver jewellery has a beautiful shine and durability when properly cared for.
People often choose silver jewellery because it:
- Matches almost everything - from casual outfits to elegant evening wear.
- Pairs beautifully with gemstones, pearls, and other precious materials.
- Is perfect for layering and mixing with other metals (yes, mixing silver and gold jewellery can look amazing!).
- Is often used in unique and creative jewellery designs.
What to Look for When Buying Silver Jewellery
Not all silver jewellery is created equal. If you want pieces that will last, it's important to know what to look for. Here are my top tips:
1. Make sure it's real silver
Genuine silver jewellery will often be marked with a stamp such as '925' or 'sterling' which indicates it is made from sterling silver. Learn more in our guide to What is Sterling Silver?.
Generally steer clear of terms like 'silver-plated or 'nickel silver' - they're not the same as real solid silver. If it's flash plated silver jewellery, it won't last or will need re-plating. Nickel silver has no silver in it at all: it's just nickel, which is toxic and many people become allergic to it.
2. Choose the Right Type of Silver
When shopping for silver jewellery, you might come across several different types, although sterling silver is by far the most common:
- Sterling Silver (92.5% pure): The most common type of silver used in high-quality jewellery. It's durable, beautiful, and perfect for everyday wear.
- Fine Silver (99.9% pure): It has a higher silver content but is softer and more prone to scratching and bending. Sometimes used for pieces not exposed to wear and tear.
- Argentium Silver: A modern sterling silver alloy that is more tarnish-resistant, thanks to added germanium. It's rarely used, but you may encounter it.
3. Understand What You're Paying For
Silver is valuable (although it's much less expensive than gold). Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true — they usually are.
Quality silver jewellery will be priced according to the materials used, the work involved in making it, and the designer's expertise. If you see a piece that's significantly cheaper than other silver pieces you've seen, there's probably a reason for that - and it won't be a good one!
However, sometimes the opposite is true: you can pay well over the odds for a simple piece of silver jewellery just because it has an expensive-seeming brand name attached to it. You might still decide it's the right choice for you, but just be aware of what you're paying for.
4. Inspect the Craftsmanship
Good silver jewellery should feel solid and well-made. Look for:
- Smooth finishes and polished surfaces, unless intentionally designed to be otherwise.
- Secure settings for gemstones or pearls.
- Sturdy clasps and fastenings.
Well-crafted jewellery should feel like it was made with care and attention to detail. Avoid pieces that feel flimsy or look poorly finished.
5. Know How to Care for Silver Jewellery
Silver jewellery is easy to care for, but it does require some maintenance to keep it looking its best, because it can - and will - tarnish over time.
Proper storage and cleaning will make all the difference. Happily, we've put together a helpful guide just for silver: How to Properly Clean Silver Jewellery.
For a deeper dive into cleaning, check out our Comprehensive Jewellery Cleaning & Care Guide.
How to Wear & Style Silver Jewellery
Once you've found beautiful silver jewellery, it's time to make the most of it!
If you want to take a step back and determine your personal sense of style, then be sure to check out our must-read guide to How to Style Jewellery.
If you just want to dive in to styling silver jewellery, here are my top tips for wearing your silver pieces in different ways, depending on what suits you and the occasion you're dressing for:
1. Keeping It Simple
Silver jewellery has a natural elegance that works beautifully on its own. Just adding a simple pair of silver stud earrings or a delicate sterling silver necklace can be the perfect finishing touch to an outfit.
2. Layering It Up
One of the best things about silver jewellery is how well it works for layering. Try pairing a few silver necklaces of varying lengths or mix of sterling silver rings for a stylish, textured look. Need help? Check out our guide to Mixing, Matching & Stacking Jewellery and also our handy Necklace Length & Styling Guide
3. Mixing Metals (Yes, Really!)
Gone are the days of only wearing silver or gold. Mixing metals can create a unique, eclectic look. Try pairing silver earrings with solid gold rings, or layer an eye-catching gold necklace with a silver chain necklace. Check out our Mixed Metals: Silver & Gold collection and guide to Gold or Silver Jewellery: How to Choose? for inspiration.
4. Pairing with Gemstones & Pearls
Silver works beautifully with a wide range of gemstones and pearls. It adds a cool, sophisticated touch to colourful stones and makes pearls look even more classic and elegant. See our Gemstone Jewellery Collection for some inspiration.
5. Match It to Your Outfit
Silver is versatile. It will pair beautifully with neutral outfits, but you can also make it stand out. It looks incredible with deep, rich colours like bright blue, sunny yellow, and emerald green. However, it will also provides a sleek contrast to lighter, pastel shades.
(Reading this on a website that isn't simonewalsh.com? Be aware that the content has been stolen, infringing the copyright of a small business. ABN: 65108844126)
Where to Find the Best Silver Jewellery
When shopping for silver jewellery, quality matters. You’ll find stunning, thoughtfully designed pieces in our Silver Jewellery Collection. Whether you're looking for something classic, bold, or truly unique, we’ve got you covered.
Want to learn more about silver jewellery? Check out our detailed post on Sterling Silver: What You Need to Know.
Happy jewellery shopping and styling!
Simone Walsh is a 
