Your Guide to Silver Jewellery

Silver jewellery is one of the most well-known jewellery metals for a good reason; it has long held great cultural and fashion significance, serving strong symbolic meanings and purposes. Discover all things silver jewellery with our detailed guide, covering the culture, history and trends of silver.

What is Silver Jewellery and Why is it Popular?

Most people already know what silver jewellery is, but only very few know how it radiates its cool, metallic grey hue. Silver is a lustrous white metal found in the Earth’s crust. Most silver is produced as byproduct of other metals, including copper, gold and lead. Silver is not just used in jewellery; the metal is employed in currency (coins), solar panels, tableware and more!

Silver gained popularity as a type of jewellery in 3000 BC and has since skyrocketed as the most popular jewellery metal today. Silver jewellery is cost-effective, durable, hypoallergenic (if pure silver) and malleable, making it easy to produce and wear.

The History and Symbolism of Silver Jewellery

Silver is speculated to have been discovered around 5000BC. Early uses of silver included the making of eating and drinking vessels and ancient sculptures. While it is not determined when exactly silver started being used in jewellery, early uses of silver jewellery can be traced to circa 5000. Ancient Egypt, ancient Greece and Mesopotamia were the earliest known civilizations to use silver jewellery.

Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egyptians of wealth and power were known to wear silver jewellery. Silver was used in sophisticated jewellery pieces for the pharaohs and their consorts, including collars, silver bracelets, crowns and rings. The Egyptians believed that silver contained protective properties associated to the goddess Isis. Silver was also believed to be associated with the moon, due to its reflective quality and contrast with gold (the sun).

Ancient Greece

During early periods of ancient Greece, including the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations, silver was less common compared to gold. However, the metal was occasionally worn for its aesthetic appeal. The use of silver jewellery in ancient Greece became more prominent during the Archaic period, with silver being used in rings, earrings and necklaces. The classical period saw advancements in silver jewellery, with the metal being used in combination with gold and gemstones. Silver necklaces held symbolic meanings of protection and status in ancient Greece.

Mesopotamia

The history of silver jewellery in Mesopotamia intertwined with broader developments in Mesopotamian civilization. Mesopotamian cultures made contributions to the art of jewellery making, using silver in jewellery for artistic expressions. Silver jewellery was predominantly used in religious and ceremonial contexts, including burial artifacts and offerings to deities.

Silver Jewellery Trends of 2024

Silver jewellery is much more accessible today, with the metal being used and sold in jewellery companies worldwide. The classic type of jewellery is emerging as a major trend in 2024, with an endless number of celebrities flaunting the reflective metal. Check out the most popular silver jewellery trends of today!

Silver Sleeper Earrings

Sleeper earrings have made a huge appearance in the latest fashion magazines. Known for their comfortability and hypoallergenic properties, sleeper earrings offer many benefits. Silver sleeper earrings come in various styles, making them a widely popular versatile accessory in 2024. These affordable beauties are simple, sleek and stylish, meaning that they can be worn anywhere.

Silver & Pearls

Nothing complements silver jewellery better than peals. This is the ultimate combo of 2024, with silver and pearl jewellery worn everywhere. The off-white reflective qualities of pearls and silver jewellery combine to create an effortlessly elegant accessory. Celebrities who have been caught flaunting the trend include Angelina Jolie, Zendaya and Gigi Hadid.

Sterling Silver Chunky Chains

The chunky chains of the early 2000s are coming back bigger and better – in silver! The versatile accessory is not just used as a necklace; it is also used as a bracelet and a belt. Singer Billie Eilish facilitated the comeback of chunky silver chains, flaunting these statement pieces in every show. The large size of the chain makes it look expensive, and the silver colour flatters any outfit.

Silver Lockets

Used to store memories and show sentiment, silver locket necklaces are both adorable and classic. This was the sweetheart jewellery of WWII, used to honor leaders and loved ones. However, as the time of creativity and innovation flourishes, this trend is coming back in various forms, with people using silver lockets to store pressed flowers, photographs, quotes, shells and used concert tickets. This personalised piece of jewellery is often preferred in silver due to the metal’s durability and ability to safely conceal the item.

How To Take Care of Silver Jewellery

Now that you know the history and trends of silver jewellery, it is almost time to shop till you drop! But first, it is important to clean your silver jewellery in order to maintain its beloved shine and moon-like qualities. Follow these tips and tricks to maintain your silver jewellery.

Firstly, clean your jewellery every few weeks to remove grime and grease. This will prevent a dirty buildup and ensure that your silver jewellery looks clean. To prevent tarnish, avoid contact with chemicals or chlorine, as this creates a negative reaction on the surface of the metal. To preserve its glow, aim to protect your silver jewellery from direct sunlight. Make sure to store your silver jewellery separately to prevent it from being scratched by other jewellery.

Shop Silver Jewellery at Ice Jewellery

Ice Jewellery offers an extensive range of silver jewellery for you to browse, shop and discover. From cultural and religious pieces to fashion statements, Ice Jewellery preserves the symbolism associated with silver jewellery while catering to all styles. Self-expression is everything with Ice Jewellery’s silver jewellery. So, what are you waiting for? Explore the fascinating (and fashionable) world of silver jewellery today!