Why Silver Shines Brighter in 2025

In the ever-evolving world of fashion and self-expression, jewellery has long held a unique and symbolic place. It can tell stories, signify heritage, reflect personal values, or simply enhance beauty. Among the myriad materials used in jewellery design, silver has consistently stood the test of time. Now, more than ever, silver jewellery is experiencing a vibrant resurgence. Once perhaps overshadowed by gold and rose gold in recent fashion trends, silver is reclaiming its place in the spotlight, appreciated not only for its cool, luminous charm but also for the way it flatters a wide variety of skin tones—particularly mature complexions.

The Comeback of Silver Jewellery

Silver's current renaissance in the world of fashion is fueled by a growing appreciation for minimalism, sustainability, and timeless elegance. Social media influencers, fashion editors, and designers alike are all gravitating back towards this noble metal. From high-fashion catwalks to everyday style influencers, silver is being embraced for its sleek, contemporary aesthetic and its versatility. With the continuing rise in gold prices, a move away from overt displays of wealth and flashier trends, silver offers a quiet sophistication that suits both casual and formal looks.

The shift also reflects a broader movement towards sustainable and mindful consumerism. As people seek out quality over quantity, silver provides an excellent middle ground: it is precious, durable, and can be recycled or upcycled without losing its intrinsic value. Many customers today are choosing silver not only for its beauty but for the ethical values it can represent, especially when sourced responsibly.

Why Silver Flatters 

Unlike some metals which can cast a yellow or brassy hue that may accentuate sallowness or redness, silver's reflective quality helps brighten the complexion. Whilst silver has always been a big hit with a younger market this actually makes it especially flattering for those in their 40s and beyond, offering a radiant lift without being overpowering.

Inger Moss models Annika Rutlin's United Collection

One of the most compelling aspects of silver jewellery is how it complements ageing skin. As we age, our skin tone can change—sometimes becoming cooler, paler, or more textured. Silver's naturally cool undertones echo these shifts, harmonising beautifully with the skin rather than contrasting too sharply. This soft synergy can highlight the skin’s natural glow and add a touch of sophistication to any look.

Silver is also wonderfully adaptable. It can be polished to a high shine for a glamorous statement or left oxidised and matte for a more bohemian or vintage aesthetic. This flexibility makes it an ideal material for designing pieces that feel personal, wearable, and timeless.

Beyond Beauty: The Health and Wellness Angle

While the aesthetic appeal of silver is undeniable, it's also long been associated with wellness benefits. Throughout history, silver has been used in medicine and healing rituals. Ancient civilizations believed in its purifying qualities, and today it is still celebrated for its reputed antimicrobial properties. Some believe that wearing silver can aid in temperature regulation, improve circulation, or provide protection against electromagnetic radiation.

Although these health claims are anecdotal and not fully supported by scientific consensus, they contribute to the overall narrative of silver as a meaningful material. Many people enjoy the holistic aspect of wearing silver—not just as an accessory but as an element that connects body, spirit, and tradition.

The Rising Price of Gold

In 2025, gold prices in the UK have reached unprecedented levels. As of May, the spot price for gold stands at approximately £1,924.30 per ounce, marking a significant increase from previous years. This surge is attributed to factors such as investor anticipation of lower U.S. interest rates, geopolitical tensions, and increased acquisitions of gold by central banks, notably China.

Whilst silver prices have also increased the price gap between these precious metals is dramatic.

Gold vs. Silver Prices  (2020–2024)

Note: The GBP prices are calculated by multiplying the USD prices by the average USD to GBP exchange rate for each respective year.

Silver is over 88 times more affordable than gold per ounce, making it an accessible luxury for many

The escalating cost of gold has influenced consumer preferences, making silver an increasingly attractive alternative. Silver offers affordability without compromising on style or quality, appealing to those seeking both aesthetic appeal and value.

Gold is also significantly heavier than silver—about 1.2 times heavier for 9ct gold and up to 1.6 times for 18ct gold. This means silver jewellery can be made larger and more eye-catching while still being lighter than an identical piece crafted in gold.

Designers like Annika Rutlin have embraced this trend, crafting silver pieces that blend contemporary aesthetics with timeless elegance.

Annika Rutlin: Celebrating Silver with Artful Craftsmanship

One designer who embodies the modern silver revival is Annika Rutlin. With over 30 years of experience in jewellery manufacturing, Annika has developed a signature style that seamlessly blends Scandinavian simplicity with bold, sculptural elements. Her work is a celebration of silver’s purity and power.

Based on the South Coast of England, Annika offers a highly personalised service that includes bespoke design, remodelling, and stone setting in silver, gold, and platinum. However, her silver collections are particularly notable for their elegance and contemporary feel. Whether it's a geometric cuff bracelet or a delicately textured pendant, each piece is carefully crafted to highlight the natural beauty of silver.

Annika's designs reflect a deep respect for traditional techniques while incorporating modern aesthetics. Her OB67 Solstice collection, for example, features a signature circular trigger clasp that adds both function and visual balance. 

Silver for Every Stage of Life

One of the most empowering aspects of silver is its universality. It is not bound to a particular age group, style tribe, or occasion. Teenagers might love its edginess in the form of chunky rings and layered chains, while professionals appreciate its polish and poise in minimalist earrings and cuffs. Older individuals often gravitate towards silver for its grace and the way it reflects their evolving sense of style.

Annika Rutlin's pieces cater to this full spectrum. Her designs are versatile enough to be worn day-to-day, yet distinctive enough to become heirlooms. Many of her clients return not just for new purchases but to upcycle older pieces into fresh designs that speak to their current tastes. This is sustainability in its most beautiful form—honouring the past while embracing the present.

Mixing Metals and Personal Style

Traditionally, fashion rules discouraged mixing silver with gold or other metals. Today, those rules are delightfully outdated. Contemporary style encourages personal expression over convention. Silver can be paired with gold, rose gold, or oxidised metals for a look that is unique and layered. A variety of Annika Rutlin's collections feature highlights of gold on the silver designs, such as the Raven or Idun collections.

Annika Rutlin often helps clients explore this blend through custom commissions. A client might want to incorporate a sentimental gold ring with new silver elements, creating a hybrid piece that is both aesthetically pleasing and emotionally meaningful. This willingness to push boundaries and collaborate with clients is part of what makes her work so distinctive.

" Its a wonderful feeling to be able to repurpose a customers old sentimental jewellery and add it into a beautiful, new design"

Annika Rutlin

How to Wear Silver with Confidence

When choosing silver-toned jewellery, verifying the material is crucial as not all pieces sold as 'silver' are actually solid silver. Sterling silver, composed of 92.5% pure silver, offers greater resilience compared to silver-plated items, which typically use brass as a base. British made silver jewellery over 8 grams should display an official hallmark. (Check out our Bog HERE for more info)

For those new to silver or rediscovering it, there are countless ways to incorporate it into your look:

• Start Simple: A classic silver chain or hoop earrings can be worn with virtually anything.

• Make a Statement: Choose a bold silver cuff or sculptural ring to serve as a focal point.

• Layer with Purpose: Mix delicate chains of varying lengths for a soft, feminine look.

• Go Mixed Metal: Pair silver with gold or simply blackened silver to add contrast and intrigue.

The key is to choose pieces that resonate with your personal style. Silver doesn’t have to be flashy to make a statement. Sometimes, the quietest pieces speak the loudest, and a large piece can still be elegantly serene.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Silver

The future of silver jewellery looks bright—literally and figuratively. As more consumers prioritise sustainable, ethical purchases, silver will continue to be a top choice for conscious buyers. Designers like Annika Rutlin are leading the charge by creating pieces that are both beautiful and responsibly made.

As fashion trends come and go, silver remains steadfast. Its ability to transform, reflect, and evolve with the wearer makes it more than a mere accessory. It becomes part of a narrative—a story worn on the skin, passed through generations, and constantly reimagined.

Whether you're choosing your first piece or adding to a growing collection, silver invites you to explore its brilliance in every phase of life. 

Embrace the quiet power of silver. Honour your skin, your story and your style with jewellery made from a metal representing purity and clarity

To view Annika Rutlin's latest silver jewellery collections or to book a custom design consultation, visit www.annikarutlin.com.