Jewellery goes beyond just being an accessory; it reflects your personal, unique style, comfort, and in some cases, your beliefs. Choosing between artificial and silver jewellery can be much more involved in this decision, including: how long you are willing to have this jewellery; whether or not it negatively affects your skin; how your new items will work within your wardrobe; whether you want to be environmentally friendly; and how to best grow your accessory collection over time.

By using this guide to compare the major differences between both types of jewelry, you will learn how to make an intelligent choice and invest in a piece that truly enhances your daily life.

The Benefits of Wearing Silver Instead of Artificial Jewellery on a Daily Basis 

When choosing what to wear every day, comfort, durability, and skin safety must be considered. This is the area in which silver jewellery excels over artificial jewellery.

Although artificial jewellery remains in vogue and is affordable, it does not lend itself to extended wear, as most artificial jewellery consists of base metals (e.g., brass, nickel) or multiple alloys coated with a thin layer of polish. Over time, the polish wears away, the metal beneath reacts with sweat, and as a result, both shine and overall structural integrity are lost.

On the other hand, silver jewellery has many additional benefits, particularly when the jewellery is certified 925 sterling silver.

Skin Friendliness/Hypoallergenic Properties

Artificial jewellery often causes skin irritation, redness, rash, or discolouration from nickel or mixed alloys, accelerated by sweat, humidity, or friction with clothing. Conversely, silver jewellery has no chemical interactions with sweat or the elements of daily living, making it suitable for long periods of wear on sensitive skin. Silver is naturally hypoallergenic. Thus, the possibility of a reaction from silver jewellery is minimal.

Length of time structural

Most artificial jewellery has a life span of only weeks or, at best, several months before it starts to tarnish and/or rust or break, Silver has a life span of many decades when given minimal care. The silver may tarnish, but its metal value will not diminish, and silver can be brought back to its luster through cleaning and polishing.

The realistic luster vs synthetic luster

Artificial jewellery often shines brightly due to the heavy polish or plating that gives it this appearance. However, this luster is not long-lasting. Silver has natural shine that is less bright than Artificial but is more suitable for everyday wear and has a more elegant, low key and subdued character that fits well in business and casual settings.

Read more: What is 925 Silver? Everything You need to know

Durability, Style and Budget are Why Silver Jewellery is Better than Artificial Jewellery

The current price of costume jewellery is a very inexpensive price; however, that is reflective of the low quality of the piece itself. Artificial Jewellery is so cheap, that it has a very short lifespan, due to oxidation, discoloration, chipping, and structural failure (pieces usually will break). Purchasing new junk jewellery frequently will cost you more money than purchasing 925 silver  or other beautiful, timeless silver pieces.

Junk Jewellery has very little meaning, as the years go by Silver Jewellery is very sentimental.

Durability = Value

925 Silver is not fragile; it does not chip, and it does not corrode, thus it does not require any maintenance other than simple cleaning, and will look as good as new every time you clean your Silver pieces. Artificial  Jewellery cannot compare to silver jewellery in durability.

Style Versatility

Junk pieces typically have 'flashy' designs which may not go with every piece of clothing you may own, whereas silver jewellery has a style that can go with any type of clothing - ethnic wear, western clothes, office wear or festive wear.

Budget Perspective: Short-Term Savings vs Long-Term Investment

At first, buying junk jewellery seems like a budget-friendly choice, however, it will be more expensive in the long run, due to the short lifespan.

Silver Jewellery is an investment; you will purchase it once, and be able to wear it for many, many years.

By calculating your Cost Per Use with Silver pieces, you will see that this is the better choice.

Deciding What to Wear

While silver jewellery may be a better choice for most people, it is essential to consider both your personal preferences and how you typically accessorize. These are some of the things to keep in mind when choosing the right jewellery for yourself.

Silver Jewellery

Choosing silver jewelry is appropriate for you if:

- You want to buy jewellery that will last a long time.

- You prefer simple, classy, and minimalistic pieces.

- You have sensitive skin and need jewellery that will not irritate you.

- You are going to wear jewellery every day or to work.

- You want to wear sustainable and/or long-lasting materials.

- You want to invest in jewellery that holds its investment value.

Artificial Jewellery

Choosing artificial jewellery is appropriate for you if:

- You are buying jewellery for a one-time event only.

- You do not intend to wear the jewellery for longer than (a) few hours.

- You enjoy wearing fun and daring jewellery.

- You want jewellery to wear temporarily without feeling obligated to keep it long-term.

Artificial jewellery is suitable for temporary wearing, while silver jewellery is suitable for all occasions.

Silver vs Fashion Jewellery: What Matches Your Wardrobe Best? 

Made With Pure 925 Silver

Your choice of jewellery can affect the overall appearance of your clothing, however it is usually easier to choose between fashion jewellery and silver when evaluating your wardrobe.

Everyday Clothing

Silver jewellery works with:

- Cotton Kurtas

- Linen Shirts

- Western Style Business Attire

- Casual Jeans and T-Shirts

- Athleisure Inspired Attire

Because Fashion or Artificial Jewellery tends to clash/compete with the simplistic style of minimal outfits and sometimes looks overly large for everyday wear.

Jewellery for Engagement and Wedding

Bridal and Wedding Events do have a category of artificial product available. But this type of product will never look as elegant or be authentic as the type of metal used in wedding day & Bridal looks. But using 925 silver will always mean your Wedding Look has the full effect of using real metal. 

Engagement looks with silver metal are suitable for any of the following:

- Engagement Gowns

- Wedding Shoots

- Cocktail/Sari looks

- Minimalist looks for brides

- Bridesmaid garments 

Many Brides are now choosing to wear lightweight silver wedding jewellery instead of alternative Heavy imitation jewellery due to the increase in popularity of Modern weddings.

A Trend Towards Sustainability

Silver is a precious metal; it can be recycled indefinitely, so it is Sustainable to use Silver. Artificial jewellery ends up as waste as it breaks and tarnishes, making it difficult or impossible to recycle.

Today's consumers are becoming more aware of the long-term impacts of what they choose to wear. As a result of this awareness, there has been a large shift in buying habits to include pieces that are designed with the long-term view.  Silver Jewellery as a Sustainable piece fits this need perfectly.

Read more: Silver Wedding Gifts That Speak the Language of Love 

Comparing Silver and Artificial Jewellery: Long-Term Value vs Trend Appeal

In terms of fashion, trends can change so quickly that trends in fashion can come and go faster than you think. Artificial jewelry has the most advantage in the current pace of trend cycles being created. The colours, sizes, and shapes of artificial jewels are constantly changing. However, the fun aspect of artificial jewellery is that most people's interests in the current trends usually don't last long.

Because silver jewellery is timeless, the changing of fashion trends does not influence the long-term value of silver jewelry.

Trend Appeal for Buyers of Artificial Jewellery

- Instant glamour available

- Low purchase price

- Many different styles to choose from

- Experimentation opportunities with many types of designs

Disadvantages of artificial jewellery are:

- "Temporary" charm

- Limited shine

- Low-quality metal used to manufacture jewellery

Long-Term Value of Silver Jewellery

Silver Jewellery provides you with long-lasting attributes, such as resale value and emotional value, as you continue to grow personally and style-wise.

Regardless of what the size or shape of the items may be, no matter what, silver jewellery is able to be cleaned, resized, polished, or redesigned without losing its value as a piece of jewellery.

Read more: Your Skin Deserves Better: Hidden Harms of Artificial Jewellery 

A Shopper’s Dilemma: Why Artificial Jewellery Is Tempting but Not Safe for Long-Term Use

Silver Shine Zircon Earrings

Artificial jewellery is very appealing to a shopper due to its low price, however, it may cause:

- Skin reactions (going red, getting a rash)

- The skin becomes dark because of irritation

- The area behind the ears or neck will be irritated due to sweating

- The metal can become tarnished and have an unpleasant smell

People with sensitive skin have a higher chance of developing these long-term effects when wearing artificial jewelry.

What is the Long-Term Effect of Artificial Jewellery? 

The long-term effect of wearing artificial jewelry is increased sensitivity to your skin. Frequent exposure to metals through artificial jewelry can eventually lead to long-term allergies.

Silver Jewellery Wins the Smart Buyer’s Vote

Although artificial jewellery has its place in the marketplace, silver jewellery continues to hold up as the best choice year after year. With durability and style, as well as safety for the skin and sustainability, silver is undeniably the best choice for someone looking for jewellery to wear for a lifetime. 

No matter if you are creating your basic jewellery collection or choosing an appropriate item for a special occasion, there is no other option that provides more value, comfort, and elegance than silver. It is appropriate for all wardrobes, all skin types, and all types of fashion. 

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artificial jewellery , Junk jewellery , Silver jewellery , Silver jewellery for women , Spotlight on Silver

Shwetha J

Shwetha is a content writer who brings in Shopify & off-page SEO expertise, and matches her passion for dance off-duty.