Sophisticated silver: from youth-oriented to upscale designs, sterling silver jewelry is winning over retailers, and customers.(double EXPOSURE)

Modern Jeweler, April, 2006 by Totty, Patrick

When retailers talk about sterling silver jewelry and what they like about it, five big selling points quickly emerge:

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1. It's great "starter jewelry" whose price points appeal to young consumers.

2. Sterling is an inexpensive way for consumers to enjoy the current mania for white metal jewelry without paying a premium for platinum or white gold.

3. It's a guilt-free purchase for many women, who find they can indulge themselves by buying great-looking pieces that don't break the bank.

4. Rhodium plating has considerably eased both consumer and retailer concerns about silver tarnishing.

5. Beautifully designed sterling silver jewelry allows some stores...