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.