Solid silver: why does this precious metal last a lifetime?

Solid silver: a timeless precious metal

Solid silver is an investment for a lifetime and beyond.
Over time, it loses neither its value nor its quality.

That is why I have chosen to work specifically with solid silver.

925 silver and 950 silver: understanding alloys

When we talk about solid silver, we are referring to an alloy in which pure silver is the dominant component. This is an important distinction, as there are many counterfeits on the market. Silver-plated items that look like solid silver (but wear out quickly), or fake alloys that tarnish within a few months. Knowing how to identify solid silver is therefore essential before making any purchase.

925 silver (or sterling silver) contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. It is the international standard for Jewellery, and for good reason. This composition combines strength and beauty. Pure silver alone would be too soft to last, too fragile to withstand the weight of a lifetime worn on the wrist or neck. Copper, in small percentages, strengthens it without altering its nature.

950 silver contains 95% pure silver. It is more noble, purer, and also softer. It allows for very fine craftsmanship and is perfect for hand-forged pieces where precision is essential. I mainly use 950 silver for my handcrafted creations, even though the official 950 hallmark does not exist (it will always be marked 925).

In both cases, you are still working with a precious metal, one that truly lasts and can be passed down from generation to generation.

The patina of silver: the signature of time without alteration

Solid silver lives. When it comes into contact with the air and your skin, it develops a slight "oxidation." This is what we actually call patina. Many people see this as an alteration, something to be avoided. Connoisseurs who love this metal, and Myself, see this patina as a marvel, as a signature of time and life.

It gives the jewelry character, almost a personality. Each piece of jewelry will have its own patina depending on how it is worn, what it has been exposed to, and also the chemistry of your skin. Two pieces of jewelry that leave my workshop on the same day will have completely different stories in 200 years.

Patina does not destroy anything. This is a crucial point that many people do not understand. In fact, this "oxidation" only appears on the surface and the metal remains intact in its entirety. A quick polish, a gentle cleaning, and your jewelry will regain its original luster. Many choose to keep this patina precisely because it has charm and expresses itself as time goes by.

It is this ability to evolve without deteriorating that appeals to those seeking authenticity.

Durability, repairability, recyclability: a resilient metal

Solid silver can withstand everyday wear and tear: light knocks, friction, temperature changes. It holds up well. It is a resilient metal, capable of withstanding the life we lead every day.

It is easy to repair. A broken prong on a ring, a deformed band, or a solder joint that needs to be redone: everything can be repaired by a jeweler. Solid silver jewelry can therefore be restored, adjusted, and transformed. Nothing is permanent or irreparable.

It can be recycled indefinitely without losing its quality. This is an ecological point that is very important to me. A worn piece of jewelry can be melted down and transformed into a new creation. Silver does not deteriorate: it reinvents itself. An heirloom that is no longer passed down can become something new for the next generation. Your grandmother's jewelry that you no longer like can become a personalized creation just for you.

It's a choice that makes sense, both for your wallet and for the planet. In a context where the price of precious metals is changing, solid silver remains a sensible investment.

Why Honu works specifically with solid silver

Because it is a noble, precious, beautiful, and "living" metal. It is pleasant to work with (although it also has its "moods"... I'm referring here to the fire spots that would drive any solid silver jewelry designer crazy...).
But I forgive it its quirks because it stands the test of time without fading and adapts to your lifestyle. It accompanies you and ages with you, gaining character over the decades and being passed on with pride.

At Honu, each solid silver creation is forged by hand. Each stroke of the tool carries intention, and each curve is born of reflection.
And all of this bears my signature, that of a designer who rejects industrial manufacturing and casting.

Soon, your jewelry will bear your signature, marked by your habits, your movements, and your life. It is the story you share with it that makes it so precious.

Discover my solid silver jewelry and find the piece that will accompany you throughout your life.

Frequently asked questions about solid silver

What is the lifespan of a piece of solid silver jewelry?

A piece of solid silver jewelry, when properly cared for, will last for several generations. Unlike plated jewelry, whose surface layer wears away and comes off, solid silver is homogeneous throughout its thickness: it cannot be "stripped." It can be polished, repaired, and reshaped as many times as necessary without losing its quality or value.

What is the difference between 925 silver and 950 silver?

925 silver contains 92.5% pure silver, alloyed with copper to strengthen its resistance. It is the most widely used international standard. 950 silver (which I mainly use) contains 95% pure silver: it is more noble, more malleable, and allows for finer and more precise craftsmanship. Both are solid silver, but 950 has a higher degree of purity, making it ideal for handcrafted Jewellery.

Why does solid silver tarnish over time?

Tarnish is a natural reaction of silver when it comes into contact with air, sweat, and certain products. It does not alter the metal: it is a superficial "oxidation" that attests to the authenticity of the metal. On solid silver jewelry, this tarnish can be removed by gentle polishing, or deliberately preserved as a signature of time and wear.

Can damaged solid silver jewelry be repaired?

Yes, and this is actually the best solution. Repairing jewelry gives it a second life. You can even slightly modify its appearance if you wish and dress it up differently to give it a facelift. Solid silver jewelry can be soldered, polished, restructured, or even completely remelted to create a new piece.

Is solid silver recyclable?

Yes, sterling silver is infinitely recyclable without losing any of its properties: it can be remelted and reworked indefinitely. Unlike plated jewelry, whose surface treatment cannot be recovered, sterling silver jewelry retains its material value intact. From a responsible standpoint, choosing sterling silver means choosing a sustainable material: neither disposable nor ephemeral.

Why does Honu Bijoux work specifically with solid silver?

Because this metal is beautiful, noble, and pleasant to work with (despite its little quirks, such as fire spots). Solid silver is a relatively accessible metal that meets all three requirements of the Honu approach: technical durability, nobility of the material, and perfect compatibility with handcrafting without molding.