Why Sterling Silver Is Having a Moment — And the £11 Ring Everyone's Ordering
Gold prices are at all-time highs, making sterling silver the default choice for affordable quality jewellery. Here's what to look for, what to avoid, and the £11 ring that keeps selling out.
SHOPTHIVA Editors
Sterling silver vs everything else
925 sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver — the remaining 7.5% is usually copper, which adds durability without affecting colour. It's hypoallergenic, doesn't tarnish as fast as cheaper alloys, and holds its value better than stainless steel or brass.
The 925 sterling silver classic ring (£10.99) is the entry point. Simple band, polished finish, goes with everything. It's the kind of piece you wear daily and forget you're wearing — until someone asks where you got it.
Layering: the gold-and-silver rule is dead
The old rule — don't mix metals — has been dead for years. A metal beaded Y-shaped finger chain (£6.99) layered with silver rings looks intentional, not accidental. The key is repetition: if you're mixing gold and silver, wear at least two pieces of each so it reads as deliberate.
The double-layer thin gold chest chain (£8.99) layers beautifully under open-neck shirts or over plain tees. Delicate enough to wear daily, substantial enough to notice.
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Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if silver is real?
Look for the 925 stamp. Genuine sterling silver is always stamped. If there's no stamp, it's likely silver-plated brass. A magnet test helps too — silver isn't magnetic.
Will sterling silver turn my finger green?
No — that's cheap alloys (usually containing nickel or copper in high amounts). Sterling silver is hypoallergenic and won't discolour skin.
How do I clean sterling silver?
Polishing cloth (the easiest — £3-5). For heavy tarnish, baking soda + aluminium foil + hot water creates a chemical reaction that removes tarnish in seconds without scrubbing.