Is It Worth Investing in Silver Jewellery?

Silver has grown substantially, though less dramatically than gold. In the early 1970s, silver traded at about £1 per ounce ($1.50). By 2024, it ranges around £18–£22 per ounce ($22–$28) — a roughly 20× increase.

Silver has a unique aspect that gold does not: industrial demand. Electronics, solar panels, electric vehicle batteries, and medical devices consume over half of global silver production. This growing practical demand could support silver’s value in the future, giving jewellery additional potential beyond decorative use.

Positives of silver include a lower entry cost than gold, potential higher long-term growth due to industrial demand, and the enjoyment of owning wearable precious metal. Negatives include higher volatility than gold, smaller global market, and resale often being influenced by design premiums rather than just metal value.

Sterling silver jewellery (92.5% purity) provides both wearability and tangible metal value. It can complement other investments like stocks, bonds, or gold by providing a tangible asset with potential industrial support for long-term value. Silver jewellery allows investors to participate in a commodity with real-world applications, giving added relevance in technology-driven markets.

To find out more insights on gold, read our blog Is It Worth Investing in Gold Jewellery?.

High-Quality Sterling Silver: Certified sterling silver ensures that the majority of the piece’s value comes from the metal itself. This protects against overpaying for jewellery that has limited intrinsic value.

Industrial Demand and Technology: Silver’s industrial uses could increase future demand. Investing in silver jewellery indirectly links you to this market, offering potential upside beyond simple price growth.

Long-Term Investment View: Silver is more volatile than gold in the short term. It is best held with a gradual accumulation approach, viewing jewellery as a tangible asset that may appreciate over decades rather than a short-term speculative investment.

So, is it worth investing in silver jewellery? Yes, silver jewellery can be a worthwhile investment. It has increased roughly 20× since the 1970s, and growing industrial demand may support its value in the future. While volatility and resale considerations exist, silver jewellery provides an accessible, tangible investment with potential long-term growth.

References:

Silver Institute, World Silver Survey 2023

LBMA, Historical Silver Data 1970–2024

World Bank, Commodity Markets Outlook 2024