Choosing a piece of jewelry seems simple — until you start paying close attention to the materials. Silver, gold, steel, brass… suddenly, what was an aesthetic decision also becomes a matter of value, comfort, durability, and conscience.

At MESH, we work exclusively with 100% recycled 925 silver. Not by chance, but by conviction. Throughout this article, we clearly show you the main differences between the most common metals in jewelry — and why silver can be the most balanced (and special) choice.

Why choose 925 silver?

925 silver is made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, ensuring the necessary strength to last without losing the shine that distinguishes it.

✔️ It is a precious metal, with real and lasting value

✔️ It has a timeless shine that suits any style

✔️ It is hypoallergenic — and all MESH pieces are nickel-free

✔️ It is malleable — allowing handmade details with artisanal precision

✔️ It is more affordable than gold, making designer jewelry more accessible

✔️ It is sustainable — we use only recycled silver

Note: Silver can darken over time (oxidation), but a gentle cleaning is enough to restore its original shine.

Gold: the eternal classic (with a matching cost)

Gold is synonymous with luxury and prestige. It is extremely durable, and its warm shine is unmistakable. But there are important nuances:

🔸 It is more expensive, making it less accessible

🔸 Higher karats (like 24k) are very malleable and less resistant to daily wear

🔸 It is often reserved for special occasions, and less present in everyday life

If you are looking for a symbolic piece for life, gold is a solid choice. But if you value versatility, original design, and more accessible luxury, 925 silver might be your new essential.

All MESH pieces are available in two finishes: natural silver or elegant gold with 18kt gold plating (1 micron) over recycled 925 silver — with recycled gold as well.

Stainless steel: durable but limited in design

Stainless steel has gained popularity for being affordable, resistant, and less prone to oxidation. But its more functional side brings limitations:

🔸 It has a more industrial and rigid look

🔸 It is less malleable — therefore less suitable for elaborate design

🔸 It is not a precious metal

🔸 It can cause allergies in sensitive skin

It is a good solution for casual or utilitarian pieces, but it does not offer the same detail or nobility as handcrafted silver jewelry.

Brass: affordable but fleeting

Brass is often used because it resembles gold — but only at first glance. In practice:

🔸 It darkens quickly and requires a lot of maintenance

🔸 It can cause allergic reactions

🔸 It has no value as a precious metal

🔸 It is an aesthetic and temporary choice

At MESH, we do not use brass. We believe jewelry should have value, last over time, and respect the wearer.

Jewelry metals: direct comparison

Among all materials used in jewelry — such as brass, stainless steel, or even gold — 925 silver stands out as the ideal balance between beauty, durability, and real value.
Additionally, it is a precious, hypoallergenic metal that allows a more artisanal approach to design — something essential to MESH’s DNA.

The MESH choice: recycled 925 silver and purposeful design

At MESH, each piece is designed with intention and made locally using manual processes.
We use exclusively recycled 925 silver, handcrafted and nickel-free.

Because every detail matters — and jewelry should be more than an accessory: it should tell a story, accompany you over time, and reflect your values.

👉 Explore our collections in recycled 925 silver

📌 Next reading

💡 Want to make sure your silver is truly genuine?
Discover how to identify authentic jewelry in our guide:
Silver 101: essential guide to silver jewelry