I've always been drawn to jewelry, and for a long time, I wondered if silver jewelry got the respect it deserved. I've seen stunning gold pieces get all the attention, but something about the cool, understated elegance of silver has always appealed to me. So, I embarked on a journey to explore the world of silver jewelry, and I'm excited to share my experiences and findings with you.
Like many people, I started with some basic questions. I remember wondering how to choose better silver jewelry. I was also curious why most silver jewelry is made of sterling silver (.925) instead of .999 fine silver. I mean, shouldn't purer be better? I began to dive deeper, trying different things, making mistakes, and slowly learning the ropes.
One of the first things I realized is that I personally love silver just as much as I love gold, maybe even more! It doesn't matter to me if it's not as "valuable" in terms of raw material cost. I discovered that a lot of true artistry centers around silver. For example, Taxco silver from Mexico is absolutely stunning. In fact, I realized I'd probably grab my Taxco necklaces in a fire before some of my other pieces!
I also realized that "respect" from others shouldn't be the deciding factor. I choose jewelry because I like it. I have a lot of silver pieces, and I buy what appeals to me. Initially, I swore I wouldn't buy anything plated, because I knew the plating would eventually wear off. But I ended up with a couple of plated pieces anyway, simply because I loved the way they looked.
Another thing I learned is the importance of considering the overall look. I love both silver and gold. Some outfits just look better with silver or other white metals, while others are enhanced by gold. And you know what? You can absolutely mix white gold and silver! I often wear a white gold ring and a silver bracelet together. It's all about personal style.
I also fell in love with Navajo & Zuni silver. The craftsmanship is amazing, and the designs are so beautiful. I also have a lot of silver earrings that I've picked up relatively cheaply at gem shows. For example, I have several pairs with colored topaz or aquamarine set in silver that I wear almost every day. They look nice, and if something happens to them, it's not a huge deal. For me, it’s not about the monetary value, but the enjoyment I get from wearing them.
One of the biggest drawbacks of silver is the tarnish. I love the color of silver, but I hate the tarnish. I know some people who have completely switched to platinum because of this. I've tried different cleaning methods, and while they work, it's still a chore. One thing that has helped me is storing my silver jewelry properly in airtight bags.
Speaking of everyday jewelry, I recently got a BlingCharming Womens Jewelry pendant that I've been wearing a lot. It's a Natural White MOP Shell Heart Pendant Necklace. I was looking for something simple but elegant, and this really fit the bill.
What I love about it is the subtle shimmer of the mother-of-pearl. It catches the light beautifully without being too flashy. The chain length is perfect, and the heart shape is delicate and feminine. I've been wearing it with everything from casual t-shirts to dressier blouses, and it always adds a touch of understated elegance. The quality seems really good for the price. I was initially worried about the durability of the shell, but it's held up really well so far. I've even worn it in the shower a few times (oops!) and it still looks as good as new. I've found that shopping on BlingCharming is a great way to discover new pieces.
It's also a great gift idea. If you're looking for a thoughtful and affordable gift for a woman in your life, I'd definitely recommend checking it out. You can find it here: Natural White MOP Shell Heart Pendant Necklace. Just remember to consider her personal style before you buy.
Based on my experiences, here are some practical tips for choosing and caring for your silver jewelry: