Here at Nirvana, we haven't stocked sterling silver jewellery in some time. We've been busy building up our costume jewellery lines - chasing up suppliers, and ensuring they are able to deliver the modern styles and quality that our customers want.
Our silver jewellery collection was reduced considerably in 2010, but we're planning on rectifying this in 2011. Suppliers of quality silver jewellery differ greatly from costume jewellery suppliers. The two types of jewellery tend to be produced by different manufacturers in different countries, and it's often difficult to source both from the same wholesaler.
We've tracked down some excellent manufacturers of silver rings, pendants, bracelets and chains, and we expect to be bringing out a new silver jewellery collection in a few months time. Watch this space. In the mean time, what should you watch out for if you're buying silver jewellery from other wholesalers?
- Ensure that you know the weight of each item before ordering it, even a small ring. Unlike costume jewellery, silver is priced by weight, not by style. If your supplier does not list the item's weight (in grams), then you need to watch out, as it's probably over priced, and may not be real silver at all.
- Look for a hallmark when it arrives - especially on heavy pieces such as bracelets. By law, all silver sold in the UK weighing above 7 grams must be hallmarked.
- If buying amber pieces, ensure it's not fake or faux amber. You may not know the difference, but a small number of your customers will. Better not to embarrass yourself. Ask your wholesaler before placing the order - they may be cagey on their website, but most suppliers will not lie to you in writing.
We expect to have a wide selection of silver jewellery available in a few months. All of our existing customers will be notified as soon as it's ready.
Current Silver Standards
UK Assay Office Marks
