The number 925 stands for 92.5% pure silver. That is the standard for sterling silver in jewelry. But a bracelet made entirely of silver beads lacks something: texture, character, the feel of a natural material on your wrist. That's why we don't make pure silver bead bracelets. What we do: we combine gemstones with silver as an accent in our Superior collection.
Stoney Bracelets does not make bracelets entirely of silver beads. Our bracelets are made from real natural stones in 6mm and 8mm beads. What we do offer: the Superior collection combines gemstones with handmade 925 sterling silver accents. And two of our stones — hematite and larvikite — naturally have a silver-colored appearance. No mass production, each bracelet custom-made in Rosmalen.
What exactly are silver beads?
Silver beads are round or faceted spheres of silver or silver-plated metal. They are used in jewelry making, both as the main material and as a spacer bead. The difference in quality is enormous: from cheap alloys that discolor after weeks, to solid 925 sterling silver that retains its shine.
The 925 standard means 92.5% pure silver, supplemented with 7.5% copper for strength. Anything below that is technically not sterling silver, regardless of what the label says. Pure silver bead bracelets exist, but they have a disadvantage: they are relatively soft, can scratch, and lack the character of natural stone.
Three alternatives we do make
Depending on what you are looking for in a silver bead bracelet, one of these three options will suit you.
Hematite is an iron ore with a metallic silver-gray surface that gleams almost like polished silver in the light. Harder than silver, does not discolor, and is the heaviest stone in our collection. People often ask if it is metal. It is not — and that makes it interesting.
View hematite braceletsLarvikite is a Norwegian stone with feldspar crystals that give a silvery shimmer from within the stone itself. Less metallic than hematite, more depth. The choice for those who want silver without it looking metallic.
View larvikite braceletsDo you actually want silver in your bracelet? The Superior collection combines natural stone beads with handmade 925 sterling silver elements. Each silver bead is consciously placed between the gemstones. This is our most luxurious collection.
View Superior collectionThe honest comparison
| Feature | Pure silver beads | Hematite | Larvikite | Superior Collection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material | 925 silver or alloy | Natural iron ore | Norwegian rock | Gemstone + 925 silver |
| Appearance | Metallic, shiny | Silver-gray, metallic | Deep gray, shimmering | Natural stone with silver accent |
| Durability | Can scratch and tarnish | Hard, does not discolor | Hard, colorfast | Stone hard, silver colorfast with proper care |
| Texture | Smooth, uniform | Polished, cool | Slightly granular, shimmering points | Varies by stone type |
| Handmade | Usually not | Yes, in Rosmalen | Yes, in Rosmalen | Yes, in Rosmalen |
When do you choose which option?
Are you purely looking for the silver-colored look without real metal? Hematite is the smartest choice. Its metallic sheen resembles polished silver, but the material is harder and requires less maintenance than real silver.
Do you want something more subtle, with a silver glow coming from within the stone? Larvikite provides exactly that. The silver-blue shimmer comes from within, not from the surface.
Do you actually want silver as an accent, combined with the texture of a real gemstone? Then the Superior collection is what you are looking for. Each bracelet contains two 925 sterling silver beads alongside the stone of your choice.
Combining with a watch
A silver-colored bracelet is best worn with a watch that has a silver-colored or dark case. Hematite and larvikite go with almost any watch strap. The Superior collection with silver accents looks strong next to a steel watch, but also stands out when worn solo on the other wrist.
Don't combine too many silver tones on the same wrist. One bracelet with a silver accent next to a dark stone like obsidian or onyx provides more contrast and looks more intentional than three silver items next to each other.
If you're looking for silver beads for a bracelet: first consider what exactly you want. The silver-colored look? Hematite. Subtle silver shimmer? Larvikite. Real 925 silver as an accent? The Superior collection. With each option, you get something a pure silver bead bracelet doesn't offer: natural character, handmade craftsmanship, and a material that can withstand daily use better.
Silver in your bracelet, your way
Gemstones with 925 sterling silver accents. Handmade to measure in Rosmalen.
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