Silver jewellery has been largely out of fashion since the late 2000s when, along with low-rise jeans and going-out tops, it was swept away in a fashion revolution. Its rehabilitation has been slow but, since early 2023, the renaissance of the precious metal has got well and truly in motion.
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This was as true for mid-range brands (at Monica Vinader, sales of silver have increased by 26 per cent) as it has been in the luxury sphere. Even the second-hand market has felt the shift: according to second-hand e-commerce site Depop, searches for types of silver jewellery have been increasing by up to 300 per cent on a month-by-month basis.
“Silver feels sleek, chic and gives an ode to the noughties style that’s been trending,” says jewellery designer Astley Clarke. “We love how silver can instantly elevate a look, giving something more to jeans and a T-shirt. For a modern, minimal look go for simple pieces, or just one hero ring and hoop earrings; and for more of a bold, edgy vibe, we’d go for chunky pieces at different lengths and widths to maximise on the trend.”
The designer brands have paid attention: Bottega Veneta has a pair of sculptural, organic silver drop earrings that have featured in a number of high-end shoots, and Elsa Peretti’s creations for Tiffany & Co. have been bestsellers. Cartier now has more pieces available in white gold than it did last year, while Mejuri has had a clear focus on silver. And Isabel Marant arguably started the trend with a pair of sculpted chandelier earrings that fashion editors love.
“Silver jewellery is making a major comeback and I couldn’t be more thrilled,” says designer Lucy Quartermaine. “The cool and smooth look of silver matches the trend of keeping things simple and stylish. When wearing silver, consider pairing it with cool-coloured clothing to enhance its shine.”
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Silver is certainly subtler than gold. “It is a bit less glam, but has a bit more grit than gold, and I feel like that is very 2023,” designer Lucy Williams – who has created a collection for Missoma in silver – has said. Silver also embodies the quiet luxury, stealth wealth trend that seems to have taken over fashion.
And for those of us who are feeling as torn about leaving our gold jewellery behind as we did about bidding farewell to our skinny jeans a few years ago, worry not – there’s no need to put away all those golden necklaces, hoops and rings just yet; instead, pair them with a few pieces of silver for an instant update. According to those in the know, the contrast is now not only acceptable but actively encouraged.
“I love mixing and matching silver with rose gold or gold pieces,” says Quartermaine. “It feels like one of the most trendy things you can do right now.”
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