A Guide to Silver Jewellery: Types, Quality & Why Prices Vary

Silver is one of the most popular metals in jewellery — affordable, beautiful and timeless. But not all silver jewellery is the same. From handmade artisan pieces to mass-produced imports, the quality, craftsmanship and materials can vary dramatically, which is why the price of silver jewellery can range from just a few dollars to several hundred.

If you’ve ever wondered why some silver jewellery is expensive while other pieces seem unbelievably cheap, here’s everything you need to know.

1. Sterling Silver – The Standard for Quality Jewellery

The most common and trusted silver used in fine jewellery is sterling silver, also called 925 silver.

What is Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver is an alloy made up of:

  • 92.5% pure silver

  • 7.5% copper or other metals

Pure silver on its own is too soft to wear as jewellery, so alloying makes it stronger and safer for daily wear.

Why sterling silver costs more than other types of silver jewellery:

  • Higher purity

  • Better durability

  • Suitable for gemstone setting

  • Made using controlled alloying methods

  • Generally produced by professional jewellers or reputable manufacturers

Sterling silver remains the premium choice for most quality jewellery.

2. Fine Silver – 99.9% Pure Silver

Fine silver (often stamped 999) is almost completely pure.

Pros:

  • Hypoallergenic

  • Naturally bright and white

  • Beautiful for display pieces

Cons:

  • Too soft for everyday wear

  • Easily bent or scratched

  • Rarely used for rings or bracelets

Fine silver is more expensive than sterling by weight, but less practical for most jewellery pieces.

3. Argentium Silver – A Modern, Tarnish-Resistant Alloy

Argentium is a premium silver alloy containing:

  • 93.5% or 96% pure silver

  • Germanium instead of copper

Benefits of Argentium:

  • Highly tarnish-resistant

  • Stronger than sterling

  • Hypoallergenic

  • Cleaner, brighter finish

Why it costs more:

  • More expensive alloy

  • Requires manufacturing licensing

  • Superior performance

  • Used mostly by artisan and professional jewellers

Argentium silver is ideal for people who want low-maintenance silver jewellery.

4. Silver-Plated Jewellery – The Cheapest Option

This is where a base metal (usually brass) is coated with a thin layer of silver.

Pros:

  • Very inexpensive

  • Good for costume jewellery and fashion pieces

Cons:

  • Silver layer wears off quickly

  • Cannot be polished like real silver

  • May cause skin reactions depending on the base metal

  • Not suitable for long-term wear

Plated pieces cost little because they contain almost no real silver and are mass-produced.

5. “Nickel Silver” or “German Silver” – Not Silver at All

Despite the name, nickel silver contains:

  • 0% actual silver

  • Made from nickel, copper, and zinc

These products are often marketed deceptively and sold cheaply.

Cost difference:

Nickel silver has no precious metal content, so it costs a fraction of sterling silver.

Jewellers like us do not use this material due to allergy risks and poor durability.

6. Handmade vs. Mass-Produced Silver Jewellery

The biggest difference in price between silver jewellery pieces is often craftsmanship, not metal content.

Handmade / Custom Silver Jewellery Costs More Because:

  • It is individually crafted by a skilled jeweller

  • Requires hand-soldering, stone setting and polishing

  • Uses high-quality sterling or Argentium alloys

  • May involve casting fees, moulds or CAD design

  • Involves Australian labour rates, not factory-level wages

  • Takes longer to produce

  • Has a higher standard of durability and finish

Mass-Produced Silver Jewellery Costs Less Because:

  • Manufactured overseas in bulk

  • Often uses cheaper alloys

  • Lower labour cost

  • Minimal finishing or quality control

  • Stones are often glued instead of set

  • Designs are repeated thousands of times

The difference in quality is clear when you compare them side by side.

7. Why Silver Jewellery Prices Can Vary So Widely

Here are the main factors that affect final price:

1. Silver Purity

Sterling vs plated vs fine silver.

2. Quality of Alloy

Argentium costs more than standard sterling.

3. Craftsmanship

Handmade and custom pieces always cost more than cast or mass-produced pieces.

4. Manufacturing Location

Australian-made jewellery has higher labour costs but far superior quality and longevity.

5. Stone Setting

Proper claw or bezel setting is labour-intensive compared to glued stones.

6. Design Complexity

Intricate designs and thicker pieces require more skilled work and more silver.

7. Market Silver Price

Silver prices change daily — even though silver is less costly than gold, market movement still affects material costs.

8. Additional Fees in Professional Jewellery Making

  • Casting fees

  • Soldering

  • Polishing

  • Design

  • Hallmarking
    All contribute to higher quality and longer-lasting jewellery.

8. Why Buying Quality Silver Matters

Quality silver jewellery — especially Australian-made sterling or Argentium pieces — lasts for years, keeps its appearance, and can be resized, repaired or polished.

Cheap plated pieces may peel, tarnish, cause allergies, or become unwearable within months.

A well-crafted sterling silver piece from a professional jeweller is an investment, not a disposable fashion item.

Final Thoughts: Understanding Silver Helps You Choose Better Jewellery

Silver jewellery ranges from inexpensive plated fashion pieces to beautifully crafted sterling silver creations made to last a lifetime. Knowing the differences helps you choose jewellery that suits your style, budget and expectations.

Visit us in Rockingham to explore our silver jewellery or start a custom design of your own.

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