The World's Most Reflective Metal
Pure silver (fine silver, 999) is too soft for most jewellery — it marks, bends, and deforms with minimal force. Sterling silver solves this by alloying 92.5% pure silver with 7.5% copper. The copper adds meaningful durability without significantly altering the colour or character of the metal. Sterling silver is marked 925 and is the worldwide standard for fine silver jewellery.
Silver has a higher reflectivity than any other metal — it is literally the most reflective material on earth. That quality gives silver jewellery a brightness and liveliness that is distinctive and genuinely beautiful. It also makes it particularly effective at amplifying the appearance of colourless and pale-toned gemstones.
Sara works in premium sterling silver for commissions where it suits the design and the wearer's lifestyle. She is candid about where silver's properties are a good fit and where gold or platinum would serve the piece better.
Unsure whether silver is right for your commission? Sara will give you an honest assessment at your complimentary consultation — with sample pieces in all three metals to compare.
Book a ConsultationThe Right Piece for the Right Wearing Pattern
Silver suits certain types of jewellery and certain wearing patterns particularly well:
- Pendants and necklaces — lower-impact wear, away from constant surface contact
- Earrings — stud or drop styles see minimal wear and scratch risk
- Statement and cocktail pieces — occasional-wear items where metal durability is less critical
- Fashion rings — worn for specific occasions rather than daily
- Gifts at considered price points — where silver allows a meaningful piece at a lower material cost
For rings worn daily — engagement rings, wedding bands, or anything on the dominant hand — Sara typically recommends gold or platinum. Silver scratches and marks more readily than gold alloys, and the cumulative wear over years is more visible on a softer metal.
Silver vs Gold vs Platinum
| Property | Sterling Silver | 18ct Gold | Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purity | 92.5% | 75% | 95% |
| Hardness | Softer | Medium | Medium-hard |
| Tarnishes? | Yes | No | No |
| Hypoallergenic | Usually | 18ct usually | Yes |
| Weight | Lightest | Medium | Heaviest |
| Cost | Lowest | Mid–high | Highest |
| Best for | Occasional wear | Daily wear | Daily wear, sensitive skin |
What Tarnish Is and How to Manage It
Silver tarnishes. This is not a defect — it is a natural chemical reaction between silver and sulphur compounds in the air, and it happens to all sterling silver over time. The result is a gradual darkening of the surface, ranging from a warm golden patina in early stages to a dark grey-brown in advanced tarnishing.
Regular wear actually helps — the natural friction of wearing a piece tends to keep it polished. Pieces that sit unworn in drawers tarnish faster than those that are used.
Tarnish is entirely reversible. A soft cloth, a silver polishing cloth, or a professional buff will restore the original brightness. For pieces set with gemstones, bring them to Sara for a professional clean rather than using dip-style chemical cleaners, which can damage certain stones.
Caring for Silver Jewellery
- Clean regularly with a soft silver polishing cloth — a light buff after wearing keeps tarnish at bay
- For set pieces, use warm soapy water and a soft brush, then dry thoroughly
- Store in a dry, airtight environment — an anti-tarnish pouch, a zip-lock bag, or a lined jewellery box all work well
- Add a small silica gel packet to your storage area to absorb moisture
- Remove silver before showering, swimming, or applying perfume and body lotion
- Avoid chlorine, bleach, and household chemicals entirely
- Have set pieces professionally cleaned by Sara if tarnish has developed around stones or in detailed areas
Can Silver Be Remodelled?
Silver can be remodelled, though Sara tends to see fewer silver remodelling commissions than gold or platinum — the lower material value of silver means the economics are different. If you have silver pieces you'd like to transform, Sara is happy to assess them and discuss whether remodelling is the right path. In some cases, having a new piece cast or fabricated in silver using your design brief makes more sense than trying to re-use existing silver.
If you have inherited or unworn silver with sentimental value, Sara can also advise on restoration rather than remodelling — returning the piece to its original form rather than redesigning it. You can learn more about the jewellery remodelling process here.
