Unveiling the Mystery: 925 Sterling Silver vs. Hill Tribe Silver (Our Two Loves!)
At RIVER NOMAD, we're passionate about crafting beautiful, high-quality silver jewellery. But with so many silver options out there, you might be wondering: what type of silver do we use?
Fear not, fellow jewellery enthusiasts! This blog post dives deep into the world of silver, specifically focusing on the two main types we use in our handcrafted pieces: 925 sterling silver and Hill Tribe silver. We'll explore their unique characteristics, shine a light on their strengths, and help you choose the perfect piece for your personal style.
Unveiling the Strength: 925 Sterling Silver
- Composition: Sterling silver is an alloy, a beautiful blend of metals. Typically, it contains 92.5% pure silver for its signature shine and brilliance, and 7.5% other metals, usually copper, for added strength and durability. This makes it ideal for everyday wear in everything from delicate earrings to bold statement necklaces.
- A Timeless Allure: Sterling silver is renowned for its bright, reflective sheen and incredible versatility. It adapts to a wide range of jewellery styles, making it a beloved choice for both classic and contemporary designs. Plus, it offers a beautiful balance between affordability and quality.
- Caring for Your Silver Companion: Sterling silver can naturally tarnish over time due to exposure to air and certain chemicals. But worry not! Regular cleaning with a gentle polishing cloth will keep your silver pieces sparkling like new.
The Allure of Purity: Hill Tribe Silver
- A Legacy of Craftsmanship: Hill Tribe silver, also known as Karen silver, originates from Southeast Asian hill tribes known for their exquisite metalwork traditions. The exact composition can vary slightly, but it generally boasts a higher silver content than sterling silver, often ranging from 95% to 99% pure silver, ours is 98% silver.
- Warmth & Workmanship: Due to its higher silver content, Hill Tribe silver has a warmer, more muted tone compared to sterling silver. It's also softer and more malleable, making it ideal for intricate and handcrafted designs – a testament to the skilled artisans who create it.
- Loving Your Piece: Since it contains a higher percentage of pure silver, Hill Tribe silver can be slightly more prone to tarnishing. However, with proper storage and gentle cleaning using a soft cloth, your piece will maintain its unique beauty for years to come.
In addition to its quality and beauty, hill tribe silver is also prized for its cultural significance. By purchasing hill tribe silver, you are supporting the livelihoods of traditional artisans and helping to preserve traditional craft techniques.
Overall, hill tribe silver is a beautiful and meaningful choice for those who appreciate high-quality, handcrafted jewellery with a unique and exotic flair.
Finding Your Perfect Match:
Both 925 sterling silver and Hill Tribe silver offer distinct advantages. Here's a quick guide to help you find your ideal piece:
- Everyday Champions: For jewellery you can wear daily without worry, sterling silver might be the perfect choice due to its added strength.
- Uniqueness & Purity: For those who cherish handcrafted designs and a warmer silver tone, Hill Tribe silver offers a captivating option.
- Finding Your Budget: Sterling silver is more affordable than Hill Tribe silver due to its lower silver content.
Ultimately, the best choice comes down to your personal style and the specific piece that speaks to you. Whether you love the classic shine of sterling silver or the handcrafted allure of Hill Tribe silver, both offer stunning possibilities for your jewellery collection.
At RIVER NOMAD, we proudly use both types of silver to create unique and meaningful pieces of jewellery.
Explore our collections today and discover the perfect silver companion for your next adventure!
If you have any doubts or questions do not hesitate to contact us at hello@rivernomad.com.au. ♥
