subject: Silver Resurge [print this page] "Every cloud has a silver lining." - English proverb
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With the clouds of recession showing little sign of abating soon, silver jewelry has experienced a sort of resurgence over its more expensive gold counterpart. Silver, being a less rarer metal than gold, costs less. At the same time, it is a precious metal and no less stylish than gold. Hence, during these difficult times, silver jewelry provides an affordable alternative to the yellow-hued metal. Although gold still enjoys phenomenal popularity in Eastern cultures (India is the worlds top consumer and importer of gold), silver jewelry finds more acceptance in Western cultures. Also, the younger generation across cultures finds gold old-fashioned and prefer silver jewelry instead to make a style statement.
Silver jewelry has found popularity with richer customers as well. This is not due to its value as a precious metal but its suitability as a set-piece for diamonds. Diamonds match more with silver than with gold. Diamonds set in gold didnt look good , whereas silver studded with diamonds looked very attractive. Silver weighs approximately half as much as gold and is more flexible, allowing for more elaborate and stylish designs.
Moreover, it matches all kinds of outfits and skin tones, while gold jewelry is more suited for ceremonial and formal occasions. Silver jewelry also remains more lustrous and shiny when worn regularly because of the movement and gentle friction. Consequently , silver jewelry can become part of everyday wear in a way gold jewelry can never be. This ease of use is another reason why silver jewelry has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years. Therefore , it is clear that silver jewelry is popular across the spectrum, from the extremely wealthy to middle-class customers.
Many people buy jewelry as an investment for the future. Here also silver can be an effective alternative to expensive gold. Recent history shows that silver has outperformed gold in many instances in the commodities market. Since the beginning of this decade silver prices have tripled. Given the low price of silver as compared to gold, there is a tremendous upside potential still to be realized. Therefore , silver jewelry is a good buy from the investment point of view as well.
The most common silver jewelry is made of a silver alloy called sterling silver. Silver in its pure form is too soft for shaping into jewelry and is so alloyed with another metal, usually copper. Sterling silver is composed of 925 parts silver combined with 75 parts copper by weight. Other metals can replace the copper, usually with the intent to improve various properties such as reducing casting porosity and increasing resistance to tarnish.
With discretionary spending still at low levels in wake of this global downturn and gold at record highs, silver jewelry will continue to remain popular for quite some years to come.
