For good reason the silver chains are one of the most popular forms of jewellery. Many people with sophisticated taste consider gold to be too flashy and ostentatious; too “new money”, so to speak. Many people are also of the opinion that gold jewelry, although fine for occasional wearing, should be reserved for special occasions – mainly because of the delicate and malleable nature of gold, which can lead to deformation from being worn too frequently. Similarly, gemstone jewelry are also often seen as too showy and flashy, particularly for males. Silver, then, provides a good substitute.
The good thing about such a minimalist design is that it can be used in many different forms, while still retaining elegance. One example is the classic Italian silver chain, also sometimes called a rope necklace because of the links that comprise the chain. The links on these chains usually range from 2mm to 8mm in length, depending on the preference of the wearer. They are typically seen as a sign of masculine virtue – ostentatious, unpretentious, and built to endure. These kinds of chains are perfect for everyday wear.
Another popular design is the silver chain necklace, which has a much more slim profile, leading to a more subtle presence. The elegance of these pieces is in the fineness of the chain, which can sometimes be as thin as 0.4mm in thickness, and yet still be strong enough for regular wear. The durability of these necklaces is often dependent on the skill of the jeweler who crafts the links – high-quality pieces can undergo significant pressure and still not break, simply due to the strength of the link design. Thinner chains are particularly popular with ladies as they can provide a backdrop of elegance when attending events in evening dresses, they also make ideal gifts for young ladies birthdays and graduations. The silver sterling chain comes in many styles and designs such as filigree, rolo, bar and bead, herringbone, rope, cable, diamond cut, singapore and curb to name a few.
Other designs are also popular – the silver pendant chain is a concept that has endured for hundreds of years. The advantage of attaching a silver pendant to a chain is that it allows the wearer to add an element of customizability to the jewelry. The pendant, of course, can be of any style, and the size can also be customized to suit the wearer’s taste – some people have medallions engraved with their names, or their zodiac symbols; others prefer more to be more abstract, and opt for artistic pendants. Some jewelry houses do specialty jobs, such as petrifying the skeleton of a dead seahorse and skillfully coating it in molten silver. Once the silver solidifies, you have a perfect silver seahorse – an intriguing idea, to say the least. Such is the versatility of silver.
There are some concerns to be aware of if you plan on purchasing one of these items. It is important to realize that unlike gold jewellery, silver does get tarnished over time, and so semi-regular polishing is required. The common consensus among jewelers is that silver pieces should be polished at least once every three to six months. Also, in order to maintain the luster of the pieces, it is advised that they not be worn in the shower, as the oils and chemicals from shampoo and conditioner can cause a buildup of residue that diminishes the shine. Of course, such residue buildup is not permanent – a simple wiping with a damp cloth, followed by a light polishing, will restore the item to its original showroom quality. To maximize the luster of your jewelry, we recommend you purchase only silver sterling chains, as 925 silver is the accepted standard among jewelers. This means that the owners of authentic silver chains are assured of the quality of the product they are buying.