From the Bench │Why I Choose Sterling Silver

Every piece of jewelry begins with a choice—not only of design, but of material.

For me, that choice has always been sterling silver.

Sterling silver is a precious metal made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy, traditionally copper. Pure silver is too soft for everyday wear, so this small addition gives it the strength needed for jewelry while preserving the beauty of silver itself.

Like gold, sterling silver is a precious metal with a long history. For centuries it has been used by silversmiths to create heirlooms, ceremonial objects, tableware, sculpture, and jewelry that were meant to be cherished and passed from one generation to the next.

I love working with sterling silver because it responds beautifully to the hand. It can be carved, forged, soldered, textured, engraved, and polished while retaining a warmth and brightness that feels alive. As I shape the metal at the bench, it becomes an extension of the ideas I hope to express.

People sometimes ask why I don't work in white gold.

White gold is also a precious metal, but it is an alloy made by combining yellow gold with other metals to create a lighter color. Most white gold jewelry is then finished with a thin layer of rhodium to achieve its bright white appearance.

For my work, sterling silver simply feels more honest.

Its natural color is its own. Its beauty doesn't depend on a surface coating, and over time it develops a gentle patina that reflects the life of the person who wears it. Many people enjoy that character, while others prefer to restore its bright finish with an occasional polishing.

I don't choose sterling silver because it imitates another metal.

I choose it because it has its own voice.

Its quiet strength, sculptural qualities, and timeless beauty allow me to create jewelry that carries meaning as well as craftsmanship.

Every piece you see here is handcrafted in sterling silver at my bench in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, one at a time.

— Marcia
Body & Soul Silversmith