Why We Choose 925 Sterling Silver
Every piece we create at Gaia's Heirloom is designed to become part of your story. That’s why we carefully choose the materials we work with — precious, timeless, and full of meaning. While many of our pieces feature gold filled, a material we love for its durability and accessibility, we also often turn to another classic: 925 Sterling Silver.
For millennia, silver has been a cornerstone of fine jewellery, prized for its lustrous beauty and enduring value. Unlike the darker, more industrial grey of other metals, the luminous white of sterling silver has an elegance of its own. Its lighter feel and classic aesthetic make it a perfect choice for sophisticated, delicate pieces.
What makes Sterling Silver special?
Sterling silver is made from 92.5% pure silver and a small balance of alloy (usually copper) that gives it strength. Pure silver alone is too soft to withstand daily wear, but in its sterling form, it keeps its natural beauty while being strong enough to last a lifetime.
If you look closely, you'll spot a little "925" stamp on our pieces, often on claps or extendable chains. This hallmark is a symbol of quality and authenticity that you can trust – meaning the material is indeed 92.5% pure silver.
There’s something about its bright, luminous tone that feels softer and more refined than darker metals. It's no surprise that silver has been treasured for thousands of years, linked with moonlight, purity, and elegance.
How does it compare to Stainless Steel?
We’re always transparent: stainless steel is a brilliant material. It’s affordable, incredibly strong, and resistant to tarnish. For those seeking a strong, budget-friendly piece that can withstand heavy wear, stainless steel is a fantastic choice. We admire it for what it offers.
But silver holds something stainless steel doesn’t: it’s a precious metal with lasting value, a natural brightness, and an elegance that has made it a favourite of jewellers and wearers for centuries. Where steel is dark and industrial, silver is luminous — catching the light like moonlight on skin.
Durability is an important factor for us, but so is meaning.
Why We Choose 925 Sterling Silver
As you can see, our choice to work with 925 sterling silver is rooted in a different set of values. While stainless steel excels in toughness and price, we believe sterling silver shines in other, equally important ways. For us, it comes down to what makes a piece feel like an heirloom:
• Timeless beauty – Silver’s light, reflective tone has an elegance that elevates gemstones and designs. Its luminous tone feels and looks softer and more sophisticated than steel.
• Lasting value – Silver is a recognised precious metal that holds intrinsic worth, retaining its noble value beyond the jewellery itself.
• Tradition & craftsmanship – Silversmithing is one of the oldest forms of jewellery-making, allowing for intricate, handcrafted designs that make each piece unique. We respect and admire its history.
• Sustainability – sterling silver can be recycled infinitely without losing quality.
• Wearability – Most sterling silver pieces are nickel-free and hypoallergenic, making them safe for sensitive skin.
Caring for Sterling Silver
Unlike stainless steel, silver can develop tarnish over time — but this isn’t a flaw. It’s a natural process that can be easily polished away, restoring its full shine. Every Gaia's Heirlooms piece comes with a free jewellery cleaning cloth to help you keep your 925 sterling silver always shiny (you can check our full care guide here!).
That said, some people love how silver matures with age, developing a soft patina that tells the story of a life well-lived. It's your choice!
The Gaia’s Heirlooms Choice
We didn’t decide to work with sterling silver because it’s the most practical or the cheapest. We choose it because it carries beauty, value, and history — the very qualities we want our jewellery to hold. While we respect the practical benefits of stainless steel, our passion for creating heirlooms leads us back to the classic beauty and timeless value of 925 sterling silver.
Sterling silver isn't just a material; it's an investment in a piece of fine jewellery. It has a rich history and a recognised value, making it a wonderful heirloom to be passed down through generations.
Every Gaia’s Heirlooms piece is made to shine brightly today and to become part of your story for years to come. We are proud to use a noble material that not only looks beautiful but also carries a legacy of quality and elegance.