H&FSM Poll
Event Forecast
| Sat Feb 04 Dirty Dozen & Super 6 Mountain Bike Race |
| Sat Feb 04 Puddle for the Ducks |
| Sun Feb 05 Eye on Third Ward |
| Silver Bling |
What's hot in silver jewelry By Nancy H. Rosenberg
Over the past few years, silver jewelry has slowly yet steadily surpassed gold as the go-to metal, according to Kali Leggett, an accessories buyer for Nordstrom Rack in Seattle. “There are several advantages to silver: it’s inexpensive yet durable, and it looks good with any skin tone.” “Gold can look dated,” says Heidi Gerhardt, a representative for Silpada, one of the country’s fastest growing lines of high-end casual jewelry. “Silver looks young and fun; it’s trendy, it’s versatile. Everyone can afford a few pieces of cool, fun silver.” 925 SilverBecause pure silver is very soft, other metals are added to help provide strength and durability. The highest quality silver jewelry is designated “925 silver,” which means the item is 92.5 percent pure silver, and 7.5 percent of another metal (usually copper). Strong and durable, 925 silver is durable resists scratches and damage much more effectively than pure silver.TRENDSCurrent trends in silver run the gamut from fine and delicate to bold and chunky. “The closer we get to fall, the heavier jewelry tends to be,” notes Leggett. “Spring and summer often finds a movement toward very delicate chains, fine charms, and detailed craftsmanship.” Right now, anything Celtic is very popular, as are finely engraved words of peace, love and encouragement.Silpada carries a line of pieces that starts fine and delicate and grows progressively larger and more bold. “There is definitely a move toward a natural, organic look,” notes Gerhardt. “More delicate pieces tend to focus on natural shapes, often incorporating tiny stones. Small silver leaves, peace signs, crosses, and Celtic or Chinese symbols of peace or prosperity are very popular.” Collections of small charms on sturdy leather strips offer a Bohemian look for bracelets, necklaces, or even anklets. Multiple strands of tiny beads in coral or turquoise can be a great way to transition between seasons, with small charms or even bulky sliders providing a focal point. For fall, look for chunkier pieces that incorporate the bold use of natural stones and even wood. “Silver provides a great backdrop, or setting, for other natural elements,” says Gerhardt. “Large pieces of natural or polished stone can really make an entire outfit.” “One of the great advantages of silver is that it is so versatile,” says Leggett. “It goes with anything. It can be dressed up or can be very casual. Polished finishes can be very elegant, while a matte finish can work with a very casual look.” LayeringAnother advantage of silver is that it can be layered without looking silly or pretentious. “Try wearing 10 layers of gold chains and you run the risk of looking like Mr. T,” says Gerhardt, “yet you can easily wear multiple layers of silver and the look is stunning.”Increasingly, jewelry craftsmen offer style with a conscience: Adriana Goddard, a jewelry designer whose work is featured on Sundance.com, plants 10 trees for every item purchased. Other jewelry artists make a point of only using stones, especially diamonds, that are certified “conflict-free.”  JAMES AVERY Classic quality at an affordable price. SILPADA.COM Current styles and good prices. You must buy through a local representative. SILVERJEWELRYDEPOT.COM Rock-bottom prices from a trusted importer. SUNDANCE.COM Unique, well crafted, and often expensive pieces available by a variety of jewelry artisans. ETSY.COM For a unique, vintage look, don’t miss pieces by tartx, available on Etsy.com. And, while you’re on Etsy, take advantage of the opportunity to shop for unique jewelry and art directly from the artists. ROSS-SIMMONS.COM A trusted site for both silver and gold, Ross-Simmons.com offers a wide variety of many different styles. TIFFANY The high-end of silver retail, Tiffany is known for classic pieces and staggering price tags. |
