Expert advice on watches and jewellery
The malleable and ductile nature of silver means it can be made into jewellery, coins, objects d'art, tableware and cutlery. Most silver is sourced in Mexico, Peru and Chile, hence the prominence of silver jewellery in these cultures. Australia and China are also silver mining countries.
Silver is soft, so it has to be combined with an alloy - usually copper - to make it more durable and suitable for jewellery-making. Copper adds hardness to the metal, but its addition means the silver will tarnish easily. Under US Federal Trade Commission rules, silver jewellery sold in the US must contain at least 92.5 per cent of silver in order to be described as sterling or pure silver. It has become the standard guideline for judging a piece's authenticity and purity - a '925' stamp is regarded as an assurance of quality.
Silver is a classic metal that's consistently popular with women, says Dickson Yewn, jewellery designer and founder of Life of Circle. 'Silver is a bridge between fine jewellery and costume jewellery. It's more affordable than the former yet its timeless appeal makes it classic, unlike costume pieces that are dictated by trends,' he says.
What's hot
Silver hoop earrings are popular, but oversized loops that dominate your look are a no-no. Silver charms have appeared in many collections, from Links of London to Tiffany & Co, and can be worn as part of a bracelet or on their own as a pendant. For the fashion-conscious, simple silver chandelier earrings or delicate drop earrings mixed with crystals or coloured stones will match this season's trends. Standout, chunky pieces are a trend for autumn. Go for designs that are inspired by ethnic themes, similar to traditional pieces from Mexican and Native American cultures. The finishing on silver can be polished, left matte, brushed or chemically blackened for an antique feel.