Silver jewelry instead of bling
All that glitters is not gold
By Frauke Rüth
30.08.2024, 18:02
Are you more of a silver or gold type? Or do you switch? Do you wear both? Maybe even at the same time? Then let me tell you: gold is a bit out at the moment, silver is in. A trend or game changer?
Cool, reserved, simply understated: that's what silver stands for. Be it in jewelry or in the home and interior area with furniture and decorative items. The precious metal has the image of being the unspectacular little sister of glamorous gold – but it is currently experiencing a heyday, away from bling-bling and towards a cool silver tone.
Silver has long had a place in people's everyday lives. Its use can be traced back to 5000 BC. It was used by the Greeks, Goths and Romans to make jewelry, but was also considered a cult object. In ancient Egypt, the precious metal was associated with the moon because of its color and bright, white shine; it was also known as the lunar metal.
There is something magical about silver: over the centuries it has found its way into stories and fairy tales, in which it was seen as a kind of weapon that could kill werewolves and other mythical creatures. Even today it appears as a stylistic device in films and novels; most recently in the bestseller “Babel” by Rebecca F. Kuang in the form of enchanted silver bars that have shaken the whole of Great Britain.
Electronics or investment
Silver was a popular means of exchange, at times it was even considered more valuable than gold and was the basis of many currencies. It was mined from silver ores; in ancient times most of the mines were located in Laurion, south of Athens. In the Middle Ages and early modern times silver ore deposits were also discovered in Central Europe, in the Harz Mountains, the southern Black Forest, Bohemia and Slovakia. Around 1620 the Spanish brought large quantities of the shiny white metal back to Europe from their travels in Latin America – after having previously forced the local population to do forced labor in mines.
Japan also exported silver in the 16th century. The increased supply caused the value of silver to fall in the Old World. Gold gradually replaced silver as a currency metal. In the middle of the 19th century, stainless steel was developed and, due to its ease of use, began to take over from silver in areas such as cutlery and kitchen utensils.
Always knew how to make a statement: Sigourney Weaver.
(Photo: IMAGO/teutopress)
Today, silver is used primarily in the electronics sector, as an investment and as a basis for jewelry.
Filigree vs. Jumbo
In jewellery fashion, silver can be seen in two main forms this year: Firstly, the so-called “quiet luxury” that entered the fashion world a good two years ago is still being cultivated: outfits in classic cuts and neutral colours, made of high-quality materials such as cashmere or silk, on which no logos or eye-catching patterns can be seen, are subtly refined with delicate necklaces, bangles and bracelets made of silver. The delicate pieces are often worn in what is known as layering, also on top of each other.
As a counter-trend to this delicate jewelry, designers have now created voluminous maxi pieces: Jumbo Jewels. Unlike the simple, understated precious pieces of quit luxury, these cheerful large formats are designed to attract attention immediately. Stylists call them “one-and-done” pieces that allow you to look dazzling in an instant. Chunky chains, chains with coarse links, are particularly popular right now. Anyone who buys large gold jewelry will have to dig deep into their pockets. Jumbo Jewels made of silver, on the other hand, are often cheaper. But you can of course invest in these too – for example in the Intrecciato Silver Cuff, a bracelet by Bottega Veneta or the drop earring in the shape of an oversized water drop, also from the Italian brand.
But no matter whether expensive or not: Such statement pieces, large necklaces, earrings and rings go great with simple, black clothing or the current trend of white, asymmetrically cut summer dresses. Silver jewelry also complements good fashion in cool colors such as blue, gray and violet. It can also be combined harmoniously with pastel and nude tones, as well as with the color of the year that Pantone has announced for 2024 as “Peach-Fuzz”, a delicate peach tone.
Men and Silver
Men have long preferred cooler silver when it comes to jewelry, be it mini hoop earrings, heavy bracelets or curb chains – there are some very nice examples from the French label APC. White T-shirts and jeans as well as pieces in light pink go well with the silver tones. Celebrity offspring Romeo Beckham already showed it in 2022 with a cozy sweater in this candy color and a massive silver necklace and earrings.
And Hollywood darling Timothée Chalamet appeared at the Oscars in the same year in a shiny black Louis Vuitton suit without a shirt underneath – this made his silver Cartier necklaces stand out particularly well. The actors wore several thick silver rings on their fingers.
Industrial design for the home
Silver tones are not limited to jewelry, they are also finding their way into our homes: in a rough industrial style and made of brushed stainless steel, they are particularly popular in kitchens. The all-stainless steel version gives the impression that you have lost your way in a commercial kitchen; you will look in vain for floral wallpaper and lace curtains. Combined with wood, however, a stainless steel worktop looks minimalist and timeless. A practical side effect: the steel worktop is very well crafted, easy to clean and does not require a lot of maintenance. Over time, it develops a patina and scratches, which gives it a worn look, but makes a kitchen look lively and not sterile – in use, that is.
But it doesn't always have to be the hard, sober industrial look: As in fashion, silver can also be an excellent addition to pastel colors in the interior. In the form of silver vases, planters and lamps, it creates an exciting eye-catcher with velvety pink tones, for example on curtains and carpets or in rooms painted in these delicate colors.
