The Lustrous History of Silver Jewelry

Since the beginnings of history, silver jewelry has held a special place in the in society. Like gold, its status in the Western world was connected mostly with its rarity and its value. The first pieces of silver jewelry were probably strings of silver beads worn around the neck in much the same way that modern man carries a wallet – those silver chains were a way for the owner to keep his wealth with him, safe and available.

Over time, of course, silver jewelry took on more of an ornamental significance. Soft enough to shape but hard enough to retain a crisp line, silver became one of the premier metals used by jewelers. It is second only to gold as the most malleable of all metals. Jewelers and silversmiths use many different methods to fashion and design silver pendants, silver bracelets and silver barrettes. Much of the finest work is still done by hand using traditional copper, bronze and iron tools. Handmade silver jewelry carries special significance and value – each piece is unique, unlike machine-tooled silver pieces.

Popular Silver Jewelry Styles and Motifs

Because silver jewelry has such a long history, it also has a wide range of styles and motifs. Many of them are connected to a particular heritage, cultural event or historic period, making them especially suitable as gifts for specific occasions.

Victorian Silver Jewelry

Silver jewelry from the Victorian era was characterized by elaborate engraving and chasing. Floral motifs and twining vines of leaves and flowers were common, not just on silver barrettes and bracelets for women but on silver watch cases, silver cuff links and silver jewelry worn by men. Silver lockets and silver filigree work were especially popular among the emerging merchant class, who could not always afford gold jewelry but wanted to wear expensive finery.

Cultural Motifs

From India to the American West, silver jewelry has always been a prized possession. Among the most popular styles of Indian jewelry are engraved silver bracelets, ranging in style from slim bangle bracelets to wide arm cuffs designed to be worn around the bicep, and silver “slave sets” – silver rings attached to silver bracelets by delicate silver chains. Silver earrings from India often featured delicate sculptured leaves, flowers and beads dangling from silver chains.

In the American West, many Native American tribes created and wore silver jewelry, often set with turquoise stones. Native American silver jewelry is often engraved or stamped with traditional motifs, including the thunderbird, the moon and stars and stylized flowers.

Silver jewelry is an especially thoughtful gift because silver grows more beautiful with age. The more you wear it, the more lustrous and rich it becomes. If you have a special occasion coming up, consider choosing silver earrings, bracelets or other silver jewelry as a very special gift.

Why You Should Buy Silver Jewelry for Yourself

Silver jewelry makes a wonderful gift for just about anyone – but why wait to receive a piece of silver jewelry as a gift? If you’re not the type to buy jewelry for yourself, consider these great reasons to splurge on those gorgeous silver earrings, that silver bracelet or that stunning silver pendant you saw online.

Silver Jewelry Lasts a Lifetime

Real silver never goes out of style. You’ll be wearing those silver chains fifty years from now, and they’ll look just as good then as they do now. In fact, they’ll look even better, because silver ages beautifully when you care for it properly.

Silver Jewelry Is a Great Investment

Costume jewelry loses its value as soon as it goes out of style. By contrast, handmade silver jewelry gains value with every year. Why spend your money on sub-par, cheap earrings and bracelets when you can buy silver bracelets  and bangles that will be worth more in 10 years than they are today?

People Hand Down Silver Jewelry

Can you say heirloom? More heirloom jewelry is made of silver than any other metal. Engraved silver lockets, silver barrettes for baby and other engraved silver gifts carry sentimental value in addition to their intrinsic value. When you buy yourself a gift of silver jewelry, you’re buying something special that you can hand down to your children – it will still be in style.

It Will Look Great On You

No matter what age you are, what color hair you have or what your skin tone is, silver jewelry will compliment you. The soft gleam of silver looks great on just about everyone, and with just about any outfit you put on.

Silver is Affordable

Even the most elaborate handmade silver jewelry is very affordable. Silver is one of the most affordable precious metals available. It costs a fraction of the price of gold, but it’s every bit as attractive, durable and workable.

The More You Wear It, The Better It Looks

You won’t have to spend a fortune keeping your silver jewelry looking its best. In fact, the very best thing you can do for your silver bracelet, silver chains and silver earrings is to wear them. Wearing your jewelry often reduces the chance of tarnish and staining that can make older pieces look worn and dirty.

You’d never think twice about buying silver bracelets, silver chains and other silver keepsakes as a gift for someone special. Aren’t you special enough to deserve a gift of silver jewelry, too?