My stubborn sister will only wear silver jewelry, so I’m keen to which jewelry brands offer simple, on-trend pieces that suit her narrow taste. She also has sensitive skin (even a microscopic amount of nickel will inflame her ear lobes), so I’m also careful to choose sterling silver over anything made of “rhodium on brass.”
What’s the difference between silver and sterling silver? Pure silver (often labeled as .999 silver) may look all bright and shiny, but because it’s soft, it’s not actually very good for jewelry. It’s easier scratch, bend or break.
Sterling silver is at least 92.5% pure silver, plus 7.5% of another metal (usually copper). This addition reinforces its durability, but can also cause it to oxidize and grow dull. Luckily, it’s easy to clean and restore tarnished silver.
Silver jewelry has caught the eye of magpies everywhere for centuries, heralded for its lightweight, durability, and subtle sparkle. Today there are an innumerable amount of places to buy silver jewelry online, so I’ve narrowed down my favorite jewelry brands. Below you can find your next pair of comfortable everyday hoops, or a statement pendant to pass down for generations.
Our top 12 favorite brands for silver jewelry:
Best overall: Mejuri
The Mejuri motto is “fine jewelry for every day,” and the brand’s transparent pricing makes that goal feel way more attainable.
Best budget: Quince
Although the designs and selection are limited, it’s worth noting that the DTC brand offers quality silver pieces for as low as $50.
Best statement pieces: Jenny Bird
For lightweight pieces that catch the light just right, Jenny Bird has bold earrings and collar necklaces to brighten your décolletage.
Best for gifting: Oak and Luna
With the option to customize your pieces, Oak and Luna makes it possible to create a personal memento.
Best trendy: Catbird
Always on the cusp of what’s next — and with a wide assortment of silver jewelry — Catbird has something for everyone.
Best for bold textures and designs: Missoma
Purveyor of demi-fine jewelry, Missoma is known for its collection of contemporary statement pieces.
Best for pendants: GLDN
Whether buying a special treat for yourself or searching for the perfect gift, consider GLDN’s delicate, customized jewelry.
Best for making an ethical impact: SOKO
As a “people first” ethical jewelry brand, SOKO prides itself on using business as a force of good.
Best for a splash of color: Kendra Scott
You’ll not want for color when perusing the Kendra Scott jewelry collection. From dichroic glass to turquoise to amethyst, you’ve got your choice from the whole spectrum.
Best for raw gemstones: Ringcrush
An independent jewelry company based in Atlanta, Ringcrush offers a wide range of stackable rings, earrings, and necklaces made with raw gemstones.
Best for elevated essentials: Argento Vivo
Argento Vivo seamlessly combines effortlessness with upgraded style. The result is low-key luxury that’ll turn heads but won’t break the bank.
Best for affordable luxury: Linjer
Linjer has figured out how to sell high-quality luxury jewelry with price tags that won’t cause you to stagger.
Best statement pieces: Jenny Bird
Gabrielle Chase/Business Insider, Jenny Bird
“Whenever I’m at a press event in Manhattan, there are always at least a few stylish women in slicked back buns with some large, shiny Jenny Bird studs bobbling at their ears. I’ve tested some of its Mega U-Link earrings that were too heavy on me, so instead I tried the Small Colette Hoops and they were just the right weight. Their abstract, gnarled fish hook shape makes them a standout, but they’re also very wearable.
Jenny Bird also has bold, artsy necklaces that light up your décolletage. I wear my Sundra Collar when I want to dress up a plain black turtleneck, and it always earns me compliments.” — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor, Insider Reviews
What to buy:
Best for gifting: Oak and Luna
“Almost every piece on Oak and Luna’s site is completely customizable, with tons of nameplate necklaces, initial pendants, and more. There’s even some jewelry that’s meant to be a tribute to you and your partner, like this Initial Lock Necklace,” writes style editor Samantha Crozier. Plus, the delivery is surprisingly quick, so you can plan your gift to arrive in good time.
You can add onto Oak and Luna’s silver jewelry with its extensive array of charms. They make great collectibles if you want to start a tradition: a new charm for every milestone.
What to buy:
Best for bold textures and designs: Missoma
Missoma
Best for pendants: GLDN
GLDN
Most colorful: Kendra Scott
Kendra Scott/Facebook
Austin, Texas-based entrepreneur Kendra Scott started her eponymous jewelry line in 2002 with $500 in her pocket. The affordable line has since boomed into a $1 billion-dollar venture and her jewelry is sold in major retailers across the world. Her goal then was the same as it is now: to craft beautiful, high-quality gemstone pieces at approachable price points. Scott’s signature design is a bold gemstone — such as rose quartz, amethyst, or obsidian — wrapped in gold- or rhodium-plated metal. Most pieces are customizable, and customers can even play with the “Color Bar” tool to design their own pieces.
What to buy:
Best for raw gemstones: Ringcrush
Ringcrush
If you’re seeking silver jewelry that’s a bit rougher around the edges — quite literally — Ringcrush is a great place to start. The Etsy seller has quickly become a beloved purveyor of all things raw gemstones, selling everything from statement earrings to dainty necklaces to stackable rings. Each item is handcrafted by one of the brand’s eight artisans, and customers can choose their preferred metal (including sterling silver) and then their preferred raw stone. A raw gemstone is usually rougher in texture versus smooth and polished, and often has a natural, abstract shape. Common stones offered include opal, citrine, diamond, amethyst, and turquoise among others. Because the stone is less processed, it’s often less expensive.
What to buy:
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.
