Changes in fashion trends as well as the growing demand for mid-priced jewelry have thrust silver into the forefront of jewelry design. From Tiffany to David Yurman silver holds a top spot as an International superstar in the fashion world.

Because of its beauty, luster, and workability designers are increasingly presenting silver to fashion conscious consumers. For example, jewelry designers may combine silver with turquoise for Southwestern U.S. jewelry motifs or more exotic semi precious stones, for a high-end look.

Silver comes in various purities. The purest silver is .999 fineness, which is 99.9% silver and is considered too soft for jewelry making. For this reason, jewelry designers add harder metals, like copper, to strengthen it. This produces what is known as “sterling silver.” Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Sterling silver has been a standard for silver jewelry in many countries for centuries. Sterling silver is ideal for earrings, bracelets, and necklaces because of its enhanced durability.