A note on rising silver prices
Silver has always been expensive. But that's unsurprising when we consider where it came from. Because silver was not created here on earth - it was made in space!
Beginning life in ancient stars as dust particles, when these stars eventually (and spectacularly) died, their contents - including silver - scattered across the universe. This supernovae fallout became part of the Earth's crust during the planet's formation. Geological processes such as hydrothermal activity, asteroid impacts, and volcanic activity, then concentrated the silver dust into the deposits we know today.
Since there was always so little of it around, it has always been regarded a precious metal.
But recently, silver prices have skyrocketed in a less fun way - forcing we silversmiths to raise our own product prices to meet costs.
The rise is due to rapidly increasing demand for silver technological components in AI and electric vehicles, and heavier US tariffs.
Although I only use sustainable recycled silver, my supplier still has to meet their costs for raw material (coins, scrap etc...) - creating a knock-on effect for all of us.
My advertised prices will be honoured at the checkout - so the price you see when adding items to your basket will always be the price you pay. But please be aware that due to these external market reasons, individual product costs may rise between your visits to the website. Information about full costs is available at the checkout - please check this thoroughly before you buy.
IMPORTANT
Stay vigilant when shopping online. Less scrupulous retailers will be taking advantage of the changing market in nefarious ways.
Companies advertising 'silver' items more cheaply may be using inferior products such as silver plating or nickel, or hiding true costs behind clever marketing. Worse - they could be sham companies, or AI copyright thieves.
Keep in mind that when you buy from an independent maker, the price they charge for their products is not just for the item itself. It includes the values behind it: the time, effort, imagination, care and skill of producing yes. But also the ability to provide for their families, and crucially, their honourable choice not to rip you off with substandard items and fibs!
So wherever you shop for silver, make 100% sure your money is safe and going to a reputable business that shares your values.
I will continue to use 100% recycled sterling silver (925) to retain quality - and I will increase my costs in line with market prices, even if it means lower sales - because it's the honest thing to do.
On a brighter note, copper and brass prices remain relatively unchanged right now - and many of the endangered species in my collection are interpreted in copper and brass!
These species are all - red squirrels, oak trees, dormice, right Atlantic whales... - just as deserving of our attention. So there are still plenty of affordable reasons to wear your care here at Barham Designs. Maybe you could...