Sterling silver, in all its classic wonder, stands as a shimmering testament to the exquisite marriage of beauty and timelessness.

A metal that transcends eras and trends, this stunning metal captivates with its enduring allure, resonating across generations.

Its radiant lustre and delicate sheen evoke a sense of elegance that effortlessly exudes grace. Crafted into intricate designs, sterling silver becomes a canvas for artistic expression, reflecting the creativity of master artisans throughout history. The interplay of light on its polished surface creates a dance of reflections, drawing the eye and casting of spell of enchantment.

From heirloom-worthy jewellery that adorns the wearer with understated grace to meticulously crafted silverware that transforms dining into an art form, sterling silver embodies a timeless charm that remains impervious to the passage of time.

As a symbol of refinement and longevity, sterling silver’s enduring beauty continues relevancy to this day. Melbourne Wedding & Bride’s Robin Harper sits down with Cameron Splatt, a goldsmith and jewellery designer from Diamond Creations, to discuss sterling silver as a choice for your wedding jewellery.

Diamond Creations was established in Balwyn in 1990 by Splatt’s parents, along with a business partner. Splatt’s personal journey as a jeweller came to be following his high school graduation. “After I finished VCE, I had absolutely no plans for my next step. After working a few factory jobs, my dad asked me to come and work in the shop for a few days a week to see if I enjoyed it,” he says. This happened in April 2008, and Splatt has remained at Diamond Creations as an accomplished goldsmith and jeweler since then. Undertaking studies at Melbourne Polytechnic, Splatt did an apprenticeship under his father and completed courses in stone setting and jewellery design. His experience and expertise in the business is a testament to the knowledge he brings to the table regarding jewellery – wedding jewellery in particular.

WHY YOU SHOULD

Selecting quality jewellery, especially for something as momentous as a wedding, is a big decision in anyone’s life. Not only is it often a financial investment for most couples, it also symbolically represents the bond between them on [BA1] their spouse. Sterling silver offers a compelling choice for those seeking jewellery pieces that have an enduring elegance and meaningful symbolism. “Because of its low price, sterling silver is often used in larger items like cutlery, bowls and other tableware,” Splatt says. “A modern or antique sterling silver centrepiece can be very striking and be a very memorable gift that can be passed down,” he continues.

When it comes to sterling silver, it is an affordable luxury that doesn’t eat too much into the savings. If money tight but you still want your jewellery to be striking and stylish, going with sterling silver might be an option you should consider. “With certain sterling silver jewellery, you can apply a plating called rhodium, which will bring the colour of the jewellery up to bright white, creating the illusion of white gold. Rhodium-plated sterling silver is a great option to keep the price down,” Splatt recommends. The affordability of sterling silver cannot be understated. As Splatt says, going with sterling silver jewellery means “you can spend a lot less on jewellery and get a lot more … A nice ornate silver bracelet and a simple silver pendant can all be purchased relatively cheap, and if they’re not worn again, it’s not a big deal.” Splatt recalls when he created a large, sterling silver collar for a bride that wrapped around the back of her neck and looked incredible, and the reason it was done in sterling silver was specifically to keep the price down.

If you’re scratching your head on what gemstones might pair well with sterling silver, there are plenty of options available to you. “Sterling silver pairs well with anything bright, because over time the silver will lose its shine and the gemstone will remain bright,” Splatt explains. “Stones like amethyst and blue topaz look great. Organic gemstones also look great, stones like turquoise and malachite,” he recommends.

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T

While sterling silver symbolically represents class and sophistication, there are downsides to going with sterling silver for jewellery. “If you’re buying the rings for the day only and to not be worn often, by all means, sterling silver wedding rings are a good option. But it is not a good choice if you’re going to be wearing them as a typical everyday wedding ring,” Splatt says. “They get knocked a lot and sterling silver just doesn’t have the strength to last … Newer metals like titanium and zirconium are extremely popular for basic wedding rings now. They’re very cost effective and very hard wearing,” he recommends.

The greatest downside to having sterling silver jewellery, it seems, is its softness compared to other metals. Splatt would not personally recommend sterling silver for a wedding ring unless the client had a specific reason for wanting it, such as for religious reasons. He warns that if you wear a sterling silver ring often, after two or three years, it will be almost worn out. “Like any piece of jewellery, if you wear it every day and don’t take care whilst wearing it, it’s not going to last … compared to gold and platinum, sterling silver does not have good longevity,” Splatt warns. “It’s very soft and will dint easily. Care needs to be taken if you want your sterling silver jewellery to last,” he adds.