| Silver beads have been prized for centuries for | | | | of the cost of the equivalent in gold. It is resistant |
| their elegance and ability to compliment almost | | | | to tarnishing, needing only to be gently cleaned |
| any other combination of decoration. But there is | | | | occasionally to restore its beauty. |
| a clear difference between silver and sterling | | | | Necklaces are not the only use of silver beads in |
| silver. | | | | jewellery. Because of the huge range of designs |
| Sterling silver is commonly referred to as pure | | | | available, they can be used in earrings, bracelets |
| silver, but is in fact a silver alloy. Pure silver is | | | | and cuffs to match a simple but stylish necklace. |
| designated as 99.9% pure, but this purity tends | | | | Silver beads can also be incorporated into all kinds |
| to make the metal very soft. In jewellery | | | | of applications, such as embroidering onto clothing |
| applications, this can mean that delicate work is | | | | or bags, or even evening wear shoes. Designers |
| easily damaged or broken through the slightest of | | | | across the world continue to be captivated by the |
| knocks. Adding another base metal to the silver | | | | myriad of uses that silver beads have in fashion |
| gives it greater durability and strength. Sterling | | | | and couture, with the top designer houses often |
| silver has this additional alloy and is only 92.5% | | | | including beading in their collections. |
| silver. The additional metal is usually copper (7.5%). | | | | Silver has the advantage of being the 'black' of |
| Adding this percentage of copper or other base | | | | jewellery in fashion terms - it goes with practically |
| metal means that the silver can be worked in | | | | anything. A delicate, silver bead necklace can |
| more detail and turned into different shapes, | | | | casually compliment a simple outfit of jeans and |
| perfect for bead-making. All sterling silver carries a | | | | tee shirt. That same necklace can be worn with a |
| stamp, denoting its country of origin. | | | | cocktail dress with equal flair and finesse. A |
| Silver beads are used in almost every type of | | | | handful of silver beads, a well-thought out design |
| jewellery, from simple necklaces to modern body | | | | and a little bit of patience can produce something |
| jewellery. A silver necklace carries with it an air of | | | | that is unique and timeless. The best way to begin |
| sophistication and elegance, particularly if the silver | | | | to incorporate silver beads into your jewellery |
| beads are offset with other precious or | | | | making is to buy a small selection and let your |
| semi-precious stones or pearls. Silver has never | | | | imagination loose. The results will be uniquely yours |
| gone out of fashion; its popularity is helped by its | | | | and always a favourite part of your jewellery |
| ability to offer elegance and quality at a fraction | | | | collection, no matter what the occasion. |