Silver Jewellery Styles: More Than Meets the Eye
Isn’t it funny, but when you’re wearing a gorgeous silver necklace or stunning silver and gemstone ring, it seems as if the jewellery was always “just so”. Yes, well. In truth, making silver jewellery is a process, which starts with a design in some creative brain, progresses to a nice little drawing on simple paper, and then goes through about 10 phases of hewing and honing and so on, until it lands on your neck, wrist or finger. How does handmade silver jewellery get its gorgeous look? Through these intriguing techniques.
Filigree silver jewellery: Filigree is feminine, delicate, and alluring. It is created through the careful application of intricate detailing, in the form of a thin metal overlay finish, which is swirled across the surface of the silver jewellery to give it a light, woven effect.
Diamond-cut silver jewellery: Diamond-cut is a special technique used on silver jewellery, in which the surface of the silver is etched to allow light to pour into the gaps in the metal. This highly specialized technique gives the illusion that the silver is inlaid with stones. Its glittering effect draws attention to the piece, even from a great distance.
Unique Silver Jewelry made with silver or gold powder: This is a very expensive process, which includes using the metal residue created during jewellery shaving and buffing to create delicate and refined designs. The shavings or flecks of silver or gold powder are collected, melted at very high temperatures, left to harden, then reheated at an even higher temperature to the point of liquefaction. The result is a silky metal that can be fashioned into any number of elegant, delicate designs, which can be inlaid into or added to a piece of silver jewellery.
Textured silver jewellery: Silver that has been cobbled, thumped and packed down is known as “textured silver”. These techniques modify the smooth surface of the silver, giving a piece added impact and depth. Textured silver jewellery is often informal in appearance, whilst displaying an illuminating, graceful surface detail.
Silver jewellery with pave, or mosaic, detailing: Pave detailing, sometimes also called “mosaic detailing”, involves using little pieces of gemstone or metal to create the impression of overlay on the surface of a piece of silver jewellery. Indeed, the overlay then looks like tiny stones clustered together – as in a mosaic. Pave detailing is most often seen along the band of an engagement ring, where it adds extra glimmer and shine when light hits the ring, sending sparkles in a million directions.
Bridge silver jewellery: This silver jewellery is so called because of the combined, or “bridged”, use of both silver and gold. In this design technique, silver pieces are framed by 9 carat yellow or rose goldfill – usually placed either atop or at the perimeter of a gemstone. Bridge silver jewellery is valuable, and has the charm of letting you wear gold and silver jewellery at one and the same time!
Silver jewellery with beads: Beads are festive and fun – not quite as “serious” as gemstones, perhaps, but no less beautiful. Our favourites are Murano glass and Swarovksi crystals in a multitude of colours, which add visual interest to any silver chain. Beads can be affixed seamlessly to any type of silver jewellery, creating an elegant blend of colours and textures.
Engraved silver jewellery: Inspirational engravings – words such as “hope” and “love” – are used to personalize silver jewellery. Floral or geometric engraving may also be used to enhance the design of plain silver jewellery.
Read more on Silver Jewellery
About the Author
Sapir Topazi – writer and blogger (handmade silver jewellery)
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