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. These include silver-plated items that look like solid silver (but wear quickly), and 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 is alive. When it comes into contact with the air and your skin, it develops a slight “oxidation.” This is actually what we call a patina. Many people see this as a flaw, something to be avoided. Connoisseurs who love this metal—and Myself—see this patina instead as a marvel, as a signature of time and life.

It gives the jewelry character, almost a personality. Each piece of jewelry will develop 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 completely intact. A quick polish and gentle cleaning will restore your jewelry to its original shine. Many people choose to keep this patina precisely because it has charm and develops over time.

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

Durability, repairability, recycling: a resilient metal

Solid silver withstands 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 claw 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, or transformed. Nothing is permanent or beyond repair.

It can be recycled indefinitely without losing any of its quality. This is an ecological point that matters greatly 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 am referring here to the fire spots that would drive any solid silver jewelry designer crazy...).
But I forgive it its whims 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 down with pride.

Why do we talk about "living money"?

Technical note: Silver is a mineral-based metal and is not, in the strict biological sense, a living organism. However, it is described as “living” in traditional jewellery terminology to reflect its constant reactivity: it oxidizes and develops a patina upon contact with air, skin, moisture, and sulfur-containing products, evolving in a unique way for each piece and each wearer. This evolution is the signature of a pure metal that interacts with its environment. Regular polishing allows you to restore its luster as often as you like.

This term is commonly used in the jewellery trade to describe the "moods" of metal, particularly the fire spots that appear when it is heated with a flame. It should not be confused with the historical term "vif-argent," which referred to mercury in early chemistry.

Why do we speak of "living silver"?

Technical note: silver is a metal of mineral origin and is not, in the strict biological sense, a living being. However, it is described as "living" in traditional jewellery vocabulary to convey its constant reactivity: it oxidises and develops a patina on contact with air, skin, humidity, and sulphur compounds, evolving in a unique way for each piece and each wearer. This evolution is the signature of a pure metal that dialogues with its environment. Regular polishing brings back its original shine as often as desired.

This expression is well established in jewellery craftsmanship, where artisans speak of the "moods" of the metal, particularly the fire stains that appear during flame heating. It should not be confused with the historical expression "quicksilver" (vif-argent), which referred to mercury in early chemistry.

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.