Where to Buy Silver?

If you are wondering where to buy silver from, you’ve come to the right place.

Whether you are looking for investment options or want to purchase fine jewelry that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, buying silver is perhaps your best option. This precious metal may not be as popular as gold, but it is highly valued because of its scarcity. For this reason, it is considered one of the most precious metals, along with gold and platinum.

Moreover, silver is one of the most time-honored and indispensable metals. This rare substance is used in car manufacturing, solar technology, photography, water purification, electronic devices, engine bearings, mirrors, tableware, and jewelry. It has also been used in medicines for its antimicrobial properties and food as a color additive and processing aid throughout history.

It is also interesting to note that the history of silver mining dates back to 3000 BC. The earliest mining was done in Turkey and Greece. However, this valuable metal is mined all over the world today. If one were to ask where to buy silver, the answer would depend on the form of silver they want to purchase – such as bars, coins, or jewelry.

Characteristics of Silver

Here are some of the main characteristics of silver:

• In its purest form, silver is soft and malleable.
• It has a high metallic lustre with excellent reflectivity.
• Compared to all other metals, silver is the best electrical and thermal conductor.
• This metal does not tarnish when exposed to oxygen or water. However, it forms a black layer of sulfide due to sulfur compounds in the environment.
• Since pure silver is highly malleable, it is mixed with copper or other metals to gain the desired rigidity. This alloy is then used for jewelry making and other applications.
• This precious metal has anti-bacterial properties. In the olden days, sailors put silver coins in their water to keep it fresh and clean. To date, silver is used in food items and burn ointments.

Types of Silver

Before we discuss where to buy silver, let’s look at its most common types.

Fine Silver

Fine silver is pretty close to the real deal as it contains 99.9% pure silver and .1% traces of another element. If you want to buy fine silver jewelry or bullion, you should check to ensure if the product has the hallmark .999.

Unlike pure silver, which is very soft, fine silver can retain its shape, making it ideal for jewelry making.  Rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other items made from fine silver are highly durable and don’t show signs of wear and tear despite frequent usage. Moreover, fine silver jewelry and other products can take on very high polish, adding to their charm and elegance.

Sterling Silver

The most popular type of silver is sterling silver, which comprises 92.5% of the pure metal and 7.5% of another element, such as nickel or copper. Jewelers widely use this alloy due to its firmness, strength, and shine. Most silver jewelry items in the market today are made from this alloy.

Sterling silver can last for decades without showing any signs of damage. Even if your jewelry starts looking damaged or worn out, you can quickly restore it with a quality polish. Moreover, this type of silver is relatively less expensive and easy to repair or resize.

Silver Plate

Like gold-plated jewelry and products, silver-plated items comprise a thin layer of precious metal covering copper or another base metal. Since it includes a lesser quantity of silver compared to the ones mentioned above, the silver plate is not as valuable or pricey. However, it looks exquisite.

Some other types of silver include German silver, Mexican silver, and Britannia silver, among others. Each of them contains a different amount of pure metal.

Where to Buy Silver?

Although it is a rare and valuable metal, silver is readily available in most jewelry stores. You can also order it online through Amazon.

Buying Silver Online

Most people prefer buying silver jewelry, coins, or bars online from the comfort of their homes. While convenient, you must make sure the product you are buying is authentic. The best way to ensure you purchase a genuine silver item is to check for the hallmark and go through the reviews. There are many reliable sellers on Amazon and other online platforms that only sell quality products.

Buying Silver from a Jeweler

Almost all renowned jewelry stores carry a wide range of premium silver items. From stunning silver rings encrusted with precious gemstones to simple yet sophisticated silver chains, you can easily find something that fits your taste, requirements, and budget. Buying jewelry from a store also provides you with an opportunity to check the markings for sterling or fine silver before making any payments.

Best Silver Products

Now that we know where to buy silver from let’s look at some of the best silver products you can buy for yourself or a loved one.

1. 2021 American Eagle Silver Coin

(ASIN: ‎ B08R7VPWTZ)

The 2021 American Eagle One Ounce Silver Coin is a must-have item for collectors. It is an uncirculated coin that comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. Moreover, since the iconic coin is all set to get a design makeover shortly, this could be the last chance for you to build or complete your collection of the Silver American Eagle coins.

2. Silver Bar Australia Perth Mint Dragon Series

(ASIN: B07YCWTQMB)

This rectangular one-ounce silver bar is struck by The Perth Mint and contains 99.9% pure silver. The design features the latest portrait of Her Majesty the Queen of England, while the reverse features a Chinese dragon to exemplify the Australian Lunar coin program by the Mint. Whether you are a collector or want to make a small investment, buying this product could be a great idea.

3. Sterling Silver 4MM Italian Diamond-Cut Rope Chain Necklace

(ASIN: B07KKM2ZM3)

If you are looking for classic sterling silver jewelry, you should consider checking out this Italian Diamond-Cut Rope Chain Necklace. It comes in three gauges with sizes ranging from 16 inches to 30 inches. Moreover, this graceful jewelry item contains 92.5% silver and would stay lustrous for years to come.

Our Final Thoughts

Silver is one of the most precious and indispensable metals commonly used in various industries across the world. For centuries, people have been using this metal for its medicinal properties and high electric conductivity. In its purest form, silver is ductile and malleable. Therefore, most silver jewelry items and other products contain hints and traces of copper and other elements to add rigidity.

For those wondering where to buy silver from, you can buy it both online and from jewelry stores.