To identify the real 925 silver necklace we have to know some techniques. So by these above techniques, you can check your necklace is real or fake. 6. The price that you paid for your jewelry is a good indicator as 925 silver is much more expensive than alternatives. 4. Real sterling silver shouldn’t smell. If it does, it is because there is too much copper in it. If the jewelry is made of real sterling silver (Full Guide), the part on which you drop the nitric acid will appear creamy in color, otherwise, if fake, it will appear green or lose their color. If you don’t see such a marking, be wary of it immediately. If you find any black marks on the cloth, then you can be sure that it is made of real sterling silver. But if you find that the jewelry is attracted to the magnet, then it will be clear to you that it is not made of real sterling silver. 1. Magnets have no effect on silver – just as they have no effect on gold or platinum. 3. Nitric acid has no effect on real 925 sterling silver. 2. Rub the jewelry using a soft white cloth. 5. Real sterling silver jewelry will have markings such as “Ster,” “925” or “Sterling Silver” in a hidden area.
Italian Sterling Silver Jewelry
If you’re as magpie-like about jewellery as I am, you’ll always be on the lookout for new brands and original pieces to add to your collection. If you love keeping things unique and prefer to shop independent, these jewellery brands are worth checking out and keeping in mind for your next purchase. Otiumberg positions itself as a demi-fine jewellery brand. This British brand was launched in the autumn of 2024 by Tofi Caroline Adedoyin, a former investment banking director. But along with the prominent brands we all know and love, there are a load of under-the-radar gems (no pun intended) out there just waiting to be discovered. All Grove & Vae jewellery is designed in London, and created using 14k gold vermeil and rhodium-plated sterling silver. There are so many amazing affordable and mid-range jewellery brands out there today, with a plethora of choice no matter what your style. Their goal is to make pieces that ‘will be your go-to for years to come’. Tilly Sveaas founded her eponymous brand in 2016. Born in Hong Kong to British-Norwegian parents, London-based Tilly has been a jewellery designer for over 25 years, creating her first pieces during an extended trip to Bali, where she still produces to this day. The brand’s founders, sisters Christie and Rosanna Wollenberg, believe you shouldn’t just save beautiful jewellery for best, so the sculptural rings and earrings are as practical as they are elegant. Her signature T-bar necklaces have been worn by the likes of Taylor Swift.
The brand focuses on creating timeless, versatile pieces tailored to the modern woman’s everyday wardrobe. With Love Darling believes in changing the world one piece of jewellery at a time. Made by small workshops all over the world, each piece holds a story. It specialises in bright, colourful jewellery. Founded by Amelia Hitchcock-Merritt in the middle of lockdown at just eighteen, Bijoux De Mimi became one of the fastest growing jewellery brands in the UK. Crystals & Co. founders (and best friends) Emily Mackeogh and Leah O’Reilly aim to accessorise peoples lives with fun, high quality affordable jewellery. After working in the jewellery industry for 10 years, Amelia Bainbridge saw a gap in the market for jewellery that was both beautiful and affordable – and Auree was born in 2014. All Auree pieces are made with the highest quality solid gold, sterling silver or gold vermeil and natural gemstones. The pieces are gorgeous too – from delicate pendants to eye-catching hoops, available in either 18ct gold vermeil or sterling silver. The brand uses solid metals – not plated or vermeil, and promises no green fingers or brass rash. Think timeless glamour meets modern minimalism, without the unattainable price tag. I was tired of sacrificing style for quality, or my bank account for both’ says Neima Row founder Naomi Genes. Items are produced in developing countries, giving the artisans income to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. So she decided to make her own. It always came with lengthy care instructions and still tarnished after only a few wears or turned my skin green’ she says. Prior to starting Bijoux De Mimi, Amelia attended Central Saint Martins. Catherine ‘Catch’ Rhys Jones started her label out of a frustration with the jewellery she was buying.
The ranges include a collaboration with Vogue Williams.
It was established in 2009, with the ethos that jewellery should say a lot about who you are, whether big and bold or delicate and gold. Dreamt up on a bicycle ride through Rajasthan, India, the British jewellery brand Memara was launched in 2019, with the aim to create beautiful, timeless yet affordable demi-fine pieces. Scream Pretty’s signature style is the curated ear – combining piercings and ear cuffs, to create bold stand out styling. Founded by Olivia Jenkins in 2021, D. Louise creates timeless long-lasting yet affordable jewellery. After growing up in Singapore, founder Lynette Ong left her job in finance to pursue a dream of using her creativity for the better. The brand is named after Olivia’s mother Deborah Louise who Olivia sadly lost to cancer in 2017. With the loss of her mother, Olivia felt life was too short to not be truly passionate about the everyday and D.Louise was born. The ranges include a collaboration with Vogue Williams. Award winning British Jewellery Brand Scream Pretty was founded by Lucy Lee with her sister Jessica Pearce in 2016. This family run business designs jewellery for self expression; affordable, stylish and fun – jewellery to shout about. Pieces are made in sterling silver with 18ct gold vermeil. Abby is a big believer in the talismanic and restorative power of jewellery, and strives to create designs that are both ethical and fashioned with love. The eclectic collection draws inspiration from founder Abby Kaye’s past experiences and travels through India, as well as her childhood in London and love of nature. Olivia’s pursuit began when she identified a gap in the jewellery market – the need for everyday pieces that wouldn’t fade after a few wears – with this every piece comes with a lifetime guarantee against colour fading.
London-based jewellery designer, Deborah Blyth began designing in 2004, whilst living in Italy.
Inspired by a wealth of artisans selling beautiful jewellery on her travels around Asia, Edge of Ember was born. Each piece of jewellery is created from start to finish within a small area of North London. Designs are hand crafted through the process of lost wax casting in her studio, and stone setting takes place nearby in Hatton garden. London-based jewellery designer, Deborah Blyth began designing in 2004, whilst living in Italy. The Cult of Youth collection has since expanded to include on-trend, fashionable jewels with a rock ‘n’ roll edge at accessible price points. With dual Mauritian-Trinidadian heritage and London roots, the co-founder’s mission is to create inspired, authentic, and expressive jewellery made with a conscience. The sisters draw inspiration from their combined passion for art, fashion, travel, music, and culture across the South Asian diaspora to unify and celebrate cultural heritage and nostalgia with the present day. Her passion for the arts and love of nature combined to influence her process, which finds beauty in imperfections. Founder Sally Louise was inspired by the films of grandparents’ time, from Casablanca to Gone with the Wind and Lawrence of Arabia. In 2015, the brand shifted tack as Seymour gave birth to her son, Elvis, and started to document her life as a single mother, entrepreneur and jeweller. The collection includes base earrings and chains, complemented by a range of interchangeable statement pendants to customise your look. A silver letter necklace spelling out MAMA became a bestseller, and this motif has been applied to new styles including rings and lockets. Stellar 79 is a British demi-fine jewellery brand created by sisters Natasha and Sheena. These stories of romance, travel and history were the founding concept behind Carousel Jewels: modern jewellery that takes us back. Harfi’s mission is to bring affordable, demi-fine jewellery to shoppers, working directly with its artisan partners. Cult of Youth is a London-based silver jewellery brand founded by Kelly Seymour in 2011. The brand started out on a stall at Portobello Market, before being picked up by Urban Outfitters and sold at its stores. Deborah is very mindful that the business be as sustainable as possible, and so she uses recycled silver and gold in all of the pieces.