Solid Silver vs Hollow Silver Jewellery: Why Weight Matters

Have you ever picked up a piece of jewellery that looked impressive, only to be surprised by how light it felt?

That sensation usually comes down to whether a piece is solid or hollow — a distinction that’s becoming more important as silver prices rise.

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What Does “Hollow” Actually Mean?

Hollow silver jewellery is designed to look substantial while using as little silver as possible. The exterior may be sterling silver, but the interior is empty.

This allows manufacturers to create larger-looking pieces at lower cost — but it changes how the jewellery feels, wears, and lasts.

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How Solid Silver Feels Different

Solid silver jewellery has a reassuring weight to it. That weight isn’t just about value — it affects how a piece sits on the body, how it moves, and how durable it is.

Heavier silver tends to:

• Feel more stable when worn
• Be less prone to denting
• Age more gracefully

This is especially noticeable with bangles, bracelets, and necklaces made from multiple strands.

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Why Hollow Jewellery Is More Common Now

As silver has become more expensive, many manufacturers have responded by reducing weight rather than raising prices.

This keeps retail prices lower — but it also explains why some jewellery no longer feels the way it used to.

[Internal link: Sterling Silver vs Silver-Plated: What’s the Difference?

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Is Hollow Jewellery “Bad”?

Not at all!. But it’s important to know what you’re buying so you are not overcharged.

If longevity, durability, and feel matter to you, solid silver is usually worth the investment. If lightness and appearance are the priority, or you want something REALLY big, where solid silver would be heavy and uncomfortable; like our Brigantia range, then hollow pieces may be exactly what you need. All we would say, is check it is genuinely sterling silver with a hollow core NOT plated silver over a lightweight base metal. Make sure you get value for money.

Problems arise when the difference isn’t explained.

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Weight as a Quiet Indicator of Quality

Jewellery doesn’t need to be heavy to be beautiful — but weight often correlates with substance.

This is one of the reasons we encourage customers to look beyond photos and pay attention to materials, construction, and description.