Just as with fashion, trends come and go in the jewellery world. However, while you might swap out a chandelier earring for an ear stack and replace your bracelet cuff with a simple thin bangle, whether you’re a gold or silver jewellery kind of gal is usually quite invariable.
Jewellery, after all, is incredibly personal and if you’re anything like me, once you find a piece you love, you’ll wear it for years – even if it is just from the high street. However, if you find yourself drawn towards silver jewellery, the truth is, it’s been rather slim pickings to find stylish pieces in recent years – gold everything has been the style du jour.
Fortunately, more brands are starting to fill the gap for chic silver jewellery, and I’ve found the very best out there worth adding to your shopping bag (and jewellery box).
Whether it’s because you prefer the finish against your skin tone, or simply find it suits your personal style better, there’s something to be said for the understated aesthetic of silver jewellery. Less blingy than their gold counterpart, silver pieces have the ability to elevate any outfit as an elegant finishing touch – whether that’s with a simple chain necklace, a pair of party-worthy drop earrings or a sophisticated stack of rings adorning your fingers.
However, not all silver jewellery is created equally – and a ring that tarnishes after just two wears is not okay. Whilst you (thankfully) don’t need to dig deep into your pockets to shell out for pure silver jewellery, be mindful that you get what you pay for.
Sterling silver or Silver 925 (which sounds very technical, but simply means it contains 92.5% silver) are your best bet when it comes to pieces that will last. Plated silver however will require more care – especially with the endless cycle of handwashing and sanitising we all now do – but it is definitely the more budget-friendly version.
So, whether you’re looking for an affordable pair of silver earrings or willing to invest just a little bit more on a forever silver ring, these are the six silver-heavy jewellery brands worth knowing.
Astrid & Miyu
Astrid & Miyu has been the fashion insiders go-to for chic jewellery for over a decade now – and a quick glance at their silver jewellery range makes it easy to see way. Their designs are modern and minimalist and are perfect for layering.
Their ear cuffs look super chic layered with a delicate hoop, £39 for one, (extra points for the fact you don’t have to take the plunge and get another piercing) and their delicate stacking rings are exactly the kind of Scandi-cool pieces that are on trend now but you’ll wear forever. With prices starting from around £39 for these pieces, it’s the kind of brand you’d build a collection up over time from, but their timeless appeal makes it worth every penny.
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COS
When you consider the effortless and understated aesthetic of COS, it’s not surprising that they’re one of the best high street retailers for chic silver jewellery. Their range might not be huge, but it’s constantly changing and filled with eye-catching, sculptural jewels that look way more expensive than they actually are.
Brilliantly, they’re almost all made from recycled materials – very often brass – so you can get your silver jewellery fix sustainably. COS’s jewellery range includes rings, necklaces and bracelets – but it’s always their modern earrings that catch my eye. These chunky geometric hoops, £17, that show a hint of cobalt blue are a real statement buy, as are these grey pearl drop earrings, £19. And they’re both under £20. Sold!
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Estella Bartlett
Founded by a brother-sister duo, Estella Bartlett jewellery is all designed in-house from the brand’s Bermondsey office. The team works alongside artisan wax modellers to create their dainty, feminine jewellery, all of which is silver plated – and comes with a one-year guarantee in the event of any tarnishing.
The brand’s hoops, which come in a variety of styles are their stand-out pieces, and are sure to get you maximum cost per wear. Go for the chubby hoops, £35, for an edgy style, the wavy hoops, £22, for ear stacking and the squiggle flower hoops, £35, for a whimsical finish to any look.
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Oliver Bonas
Yes, Oliver Bonas might more often be on your radar for its homeware than jewellery, but this high street store shouldn’t be overlooked in your search for stylish silver jewels. The brand has pieces ranging from statement abstract designs to delicate, everyday styles – and with prices starting from below £15, you can really elevate your jewellery box without blowing the bank. Plus, most of Oliver Bonas’ silver pieces are made from Silver 925, so you can be sure of each piece’s purity.
Designs include styles inlaid with stones and turquoise, but it’s the mother of pearl pieces that really catch the eye. This statement signet ring might come with a £55 price tag but it’s the kind of timeless piece you’ll wear for years to come.
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Pilgrim
If you’re looking to up your jewellery game for less than £30, Pilgrim is the brand for you. This Danish brand may have been around for decades, but its designs are on-trend; their ‘Styled on Instagram’ section makes it clear just how popular the brand is with those in the know.
Pilgrim has more delicate pieces, but it’s the bold fashion forward styles that you come here for – proving that silver jewellery doesn’t always have to be minimalist. Their chunky silver bracelet, £29.99, and crystal chain ring, £29.99, are both outfit-elevating pieces – and whilst they might be silver plated, at under £30, we reckon it’s worth taking a little extra care.
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Eclectica Vintage
Looking for unique silver jewellery on a budget? Eclectica Vintage is worth checking out. Curating vintage jewellery long before it became cool, Liz Wilson’s fierce attention to detail means she only sources the best pieces that will become a talking point in your wardrobe.
Her 80s and 90s earrings are some of her best finds like these faceted glass studs, £25, or these Art Deco Swarovski clip-ons, £30 – both costing a fraction of what they would new. Plus, it doesn’t get more sustainable than vintage does it? But with only one of each style, we suggest you *add to bag* in a hurry.
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