Is Silver the New Gold?
Thoughts on precious metals, value and intentional jewellery design.
Conversations around precious metals have shifted noticeably. With the rising cost of both gold and silver, many are asking a question that would once have seemed unlikely: is silver becoming the new gold?
Rising metal prices and conscious choice
As the price of gold continues to rise, it has inevitably influenced how jewellery is made, worn and valued. Rather than defaulting to the highest carat or the most traditional option, many people are taking a more considered approach - prioritising longevity, wearability, meaning and integrity. This shift has opened the door to a renewed appreciation for silver, alongside more thoughtful and restrained uses of gold.
The quiet strength of silver
Silver has long been underestimated, yet when crafted with intention it offers a beauty that is subtle, tactile and contemporary. I work extensively with Argentium silver, a modern silver alloy developed to overcome many of the concerns traditionally associated with silver jewellery.
More tarnish resistant, brighter in tone, durable and hypoallergenic, Argentium silver is particularly well suited to everyday wear and long-term pieces.
Its cooler tone works beautifully with textured surfaces and organic forms, allowing the material to speak for itself without excess. For many clients, this honesty is part of its appeal.
Rethinking gold and embracing mixed metals
Alongside silver, there is also a growing shift towards lower carat golds, such as 9ct or 14ct gold which offer more subtle tones; and mixing silver and gold - creating pieces that feel personal and free from rigid rules.
Mixed-metal jewellery allows cool silver to ground warmer gold, creating contrast while using precious materials with intention. It also offers flexibility, enabling designs with meaningful gold details that don't require a large quantity.
Value beyond materials
Perhaps the most important shift is this - value is no longer measured solely by metal weight or carat count. Jewellery is increasingly chosen for how it feels, how it's made and what it represents.
People are consciously seeking independent designers take can offer intimate customisation and unique design details that signal an individuals identity.
As a designer maker, this is exactly what fuels my fire, creating bespoke and personalised jewellery for individuals. For more details on how to go about this, visit my Bespoke page.