Pure Silver
September 16th, 2009
Read This Before Buying Silver Jewellery
There are many different names for silver jewellery on the market today. So, what are all these types of silver and what do they mean?
This article will educate you so you understand what the different terminologies are when you are buying 92.5 silver jewelry or silver gemstone jewelry.
What is silver?
Silver is a metal which has been used for hundreds of years. Silver is mined from many countries but the biggest producers are Mexico, Peru and Australia.
Silver in its pure form, is normally considered too soft for everyday use. Therefore, other metals are added to the pure silver such as cooper.
The different types of “Silver”
Sterling silver is the main type of silver used in jewellery, ornaments & dinnerware today. This is solid silver. Sterling silver is a mixture of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% metal alloy.
Sterling silver is hallmarked as “925”.
Fine silver is 99.9% pure silver and is normally considered too soft to use for most items. It is also solid silver.
Silver plating is common and sometimes dishonest sellers try to pass this off as sterling silver. It’s also call electroplated silver or silver coated as well. Silver plated items are made using a base metal, normally brass or nickel, which is then put through an electroplating process. Electroplating is a process which adheres a very very thin layer of pure silver onto the base metal.
The result is a sterling silver looking item at a much reduced price. It may look like sterling silver but the silver plating tends to wear off quite quickly exposing the less than beautiful base metal.
Alpaca Silver or German Silver is not actually silver at all. It is a greyish looking alloy which resembles silver. It is sometimes referred to as nickel silver, paktong, and new silver. It is also used as a base for silver plated items because of its appearance. If you want real silver, stay away from this. Also, beware of sellers selling this as “fine jewellery” to consumers that don’t know the difference between sterling silver and alpaca silver.
Mexican Silver is silver is used to describe silver made in Mexico. It must have more than 90% pure silver content to be Mexican silver. Most silver jewellery from Mexico today is actually sterling silver.
Britannia Silver has a pure silver content of 95.85% and no more than 4.16% copper. This silver is marked in the U.K. and Ireland as “958 silver.” It is an even more pure form of silver than sterling silver. Hence it’s higher valuer.
Antiquing of Sterling Silver Jewelry
Antiquing is very common in the silver industry today and is the practice of applying a finishing process to sterling silver to give the item an appearance of age. As well as giving the item an appearance of age, it also helps to produce a contrast which makes the details of intricate designs stand out better.
About the Author
Devardi Pure Silver Foil: Stringers, Wrapping, Raku, Lampwork Bead Making Tutorial
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NEW 5 X 1 Gram STAR OF DAVID 999 Fine Pure SOLID SILVER BULLION BAR Gr10X15MM $8.41 |
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4 Pure Silver Plated Banana Plug Speaker Cable Wire Connector Hi Fi MAP04 $7.83 |
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1 OZ .999 PURE COPPER BULLION ROUND *** BITCOIN DIGITAL*** + FREE SILVER GIFT $1.99 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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.925 PURE STERLING SILVER NECKLACE PENDANT CHAIN ITALY $30.00 |
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2 oz. PURE .999 FINE SILVER ROUND , BEAUTIFUL : $124.95 |
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2004 CANADA 400 ANNIV. FRENCH SETTLEMENT PURE SILVER DOLLAR $45.95 |
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Tibet Buddhist Pure Silver Shakyamuni Buddha Amulet Pendant $179.00 |
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4 Pure Silver Plated Spade Plug Speaker Cable Wire Connector Hi Fi MBP04 $7.83 |
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1 OZ .999 PURE COPPER BULLION *** GLOBES AND GEARS *** DESIGN COIN + FREE SILVER $1.99 |
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delightful pure quartz SILVER ADJUSTABLE SIZE BRACELET $0.99 |
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Canada 2010 Dinosaur Fossil Dromaeosaurus Raptor $4 Pure Silver Proof $92.95 |
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Canada 2010 Dinosaur Fossil Euoplocephalus Ankylosaurus $4 Pure Silver Proof $112.95 |
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Men’s Nike Free Run +3 510642 600 Gym Red Reflective Silver Pure Running Sneaker $99.99 |
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Men’s Nike Free Run +3 510642 600 Gym Red Reflective Silver Pure Running Sneaker $99.99 |
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Men’s Nike Free Run +3 510642 600 Gym Red Reflective Silver Pure Running Sneaker $99.99 |
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1/4 ounce .999 pure Silver round bullion. Scottsdale Crowned Lion $8.51 |
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2 oz. PURE .999 FINE SILVER ROUND , BEAUTIFUL $124.95 |
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Pure Sterling Silver Indian Agate Ring Sz 8.75 # AGR113 $13.10 |
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Lot of 4 X 1 .999 Gram Pure SILVER Lion BULLION! Bars $14.99 |
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ONE (1) GRAM .999 PURE FINE SOLID SILVER BULLION BUFFALO BAR No Reserve coin $5.99 |
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1 one GRAM .999 PURE FINE SOLID SILVER BULLION BISON BUFFALO BAR coin FREE SHIP! $5.99 |
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5oz Pure Silver Quarters – America the Beautiful $300.00 |
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LOT OF (2) X 1 GRAM .999 PURE SILVER “MAPLE LEAF” ROUND BULLION $5.88 |
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2010 ONE OUNCE CANADAIAN MAPLE LEAF COIN – BRILLIANT UNCIRCULATED – .9999% PURE $31.00 |
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1943-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar – 90% Pure Silver +++ $15.00 |
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1945-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar – 90% Pure Silver +++ $15.00 |
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PURE SOLID SILVER 1 GRAM BAR BULLION BUFFALO ★ BISON ★ MINT ★ SILVER $5.99 |
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Pure 925 Solid Sterling Silver Puzzle Spinner Ring Sz 8 $6.32 |
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Lot of 11 Las Vegas Limited Edition Ten Dollar 10 Gaming Tokens .999 Pure Silver $279.95 |
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★ 10- 1 GRAM GOLD dipped .999 PURE SILVER MAPLE LEAF BULLION ART BARS $49.95 |
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New Zealand 2002 7 Coin Proof Set. Pure Silver 99.9% $5 Coin. 1,500 Sets Minted $500.00 |
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9.8 Grams .999 Pure Silver Nugget/Shot/Grain Bullion Large Nugget $13.38 |
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Fine silver dangle earrings set pure Eilat stone Israel ! Gift Jewelry & Love $85.00 |
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9.5 Grams .999 Pure Silver Nugget/Shot/Grain Bullion Large Nugget $10.05 |
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ONE (1) GRAM .999 PURE FINE SOLID SILVER BULLION BUFFALO BAR No Reserve coin $5.99 |
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1 oz .999 Pure Silver Plate Liberty Eagle Bar $15.75 |
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9.7 Grams .999 Pure Silver Nugget/Shot/Grain Bullion Large Nugget $10.55 |
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1 one GRAM .999 PURE FINE SOLID SILVER BULLION BISON BUFFALO BAR coin FREE SHIP! $5.99 |
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1 Gram of .999 Fine Pure Solid Silver Moose Bar Silver Bullion Troy Gram Ingot $2.25 |
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1 Gram .999 Pure Silver Eagle Prospector Coin + 5 Vials of Gold Flake-Part#0013E $9.99 |
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TWO 1 Ounce oz .999 Pure Silver Plate “GIRLS GONE WILD” Art Bars $24.99 |
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YIN AND YANG 1 Gram 999 Fine Pure SOLID SILVER BULLION BAR Gr 10MMX15MM X1MM $1.01 |
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4 Pure Silver Plated Banana Plug Speaker Cable Wire Connector Hi Fi MHP04 $9.39 |
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1 Gram .999 Pure Silver Moose Bar + 5 Gold Flakes Vials- Part#0006E $9.99 |
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Necktie Pure Silk Daniel Craig NWT Silver & Blue Dot Men’s Accessory $28.79 |
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PURE PINK MYSTIC TOPAZ OVAL EARRINGS~ST SILVER~6X4MM $9.99 |
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1 gram 24k plated Pure .99 solid silver + .999 fine gold 100mill 5 gram buff bar $5.99 |
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1 Gram .999 Pure Silver Rhino Bar + 5 Vials of Gold Flakes- Part # 0007E $9.99 |
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Two ounce Australia Lunar II Year of Rabbit Pure Silver UNC Coin 2011 $100.00 |
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2003 SILVER CANADIAN MAPLE LEAF **COLOURED** COIN -(.9999 1 oz. pure silver)-COA $82.95 |
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7W4FEW02 18″ FANCY CHAIN PURE 925 SILVER SHINNY NECKLACE $7.99 |
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1/4 Ounce .999 PURE Silver Standing Liberty Round –no reserve–invest– $9.99 |
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JHKJ7F27 18″ BEAUTIFUL CHAIN PURE 925 SILVER AMAZING NECKLACE JEWELRY $7.99 |
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Lot of 4 X 1 .999 Gram Pure SILVER Wolf BULLION! Bars $14.99 |
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ONE (1) GRAM .999 PURE FINE SOLID SILVER BULLION BUFFALO BAR No Reserve coin $5.99 |
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Leather bowling bag $285 Smart yet practical our sumptuous leather bowling bag combines good looks with plenty of space. Contrasting leather panels and silver tone metal trims on the outside. Pockets include a zipped pocket on the inside. |
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Oversize Shoulder Bag $244 This good sized bag in soft navy leather will give a stylish flourish to many a summer outfit. Clean and simple the contrasting silver tone metal clasp provides elegant detail. Internal pockets plus a zipped back pocket. Choose to wear with short or detachable long strap. |
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Cashmere Crew neck sweater $142 Combining a relaxed fit with fine rib trims and a neat crew neckline this classic pure cashmere knit is both stylish and comfortable. |
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Cashmere V-neck sweater $142 Fine rib trims and a neat V neckline give this relaxed fit pure cashmere knit enduring appeal. |
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Cashmere Half zip sweater $180 In the softest pure cashmere featuring leather piping and a zip pull to match this is a casual essential that’s designed to last. |
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Pashmina shawl $142 For the ultimate in pure cashmere indulgence our large pashmina shawl with twisted tassel edge has it all wrapped up. |
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Crinkle scarf $26 A large lightweight pure modal scarf to wrap around shoulders or waist to complement a multitude of looks. |
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Cashmere Henley $112 Made famous by rowers at Henley this softly shaped pure cashmere number with scoop neck and mother of pearl buttons teams up beautifully with jeans for a sporty look. |
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Cashmere Sleeveless v-neck sweater $96 Worn over a shirt or layered under a jacket this clean and simply styled pure cashmere knit is a year-round essential with a luxury touch. |
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Cashmere bedsocks $33 Treat your feet – or someone else’s – with our indulgent pure cashmere bedsocks. Ribbed for extra cosiness these velvety soft socks keep chilly toes toasty warm. |
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Structured leather shoulder bag $244 A lady-like carry-all that adds polish to every outfit. Designed and crafted in smooth matt leather exclusively for Pure. Practicalities are taken care of courtesy of adjustable strap internal pockets and cotton canvas lining. |
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Linen drawstring trousers $89 In pure washed linen with relaxed waist tie slant pockets to the front and patch pockets at the back these straight leg casual linen trousers were simply made for relaxing. |
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Short cotton mac $178 At Pure Collection even rainy days are an excuse to look good. This slightly A-line water repellent mac is fully lined with welt pockets and tab and buckle details to cuffs and neck. Mock horn buttons and an inverted pleat to the back with functional buttoned tab complete the look. |
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Printed silk full skirt $114 If pleats aren’t your thing but you still want a fuller skirt then this pure silk design is for you. Fully lined in subtle graphic print with panelled detail narrow waistband and concealed back zip it’s also flattering at the waist. |
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Colour block linen dress $106 With a choice of graphic colour block or plain design this pure linen fully lined dress isn’t short of options. Whichever one you go for a yoke panel keyhole detail at the back and concealed side zip come as standard. |
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Luxe Leather Tote $272 A spacious shoulder bag in supple leather that features exquisitely tooled detail in timeless black and tan. Handles wrapped in leather raised quilted relief and smart tassels are offset by gold tone metal trims. Sturdy metal feet protect the base of the bag. Internal pockets include a zipped compartment. |
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Cashmere V-neck cardigan $114 We don’t believe in gilding the lily. So we’ve only added a simple tubular trim and mother of pearl buttons to our cashmere long sleeved cardigan. |
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Cropped cashmere cardigan $98 Our ever-popular cropped cashmere cardigan can be as relaxed or as hard-working as you are. Three quarter sleeves round neck and rib-trims are complemented by the soft shimmer of mini mother of pearl buttons. |
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Cashmere round neck cardigan $114 This timeless essential in natural cashmere will go with just about anything from pearls to jeans. Long sleeved with textured rib trim and subtle mother of pearl buttons it whispers effortless style. |
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Cashmere round neck sweater $98 Where would you be without this wardrobe staple? In a range of colours to go with any outfit it combines relaxed style and fit in refined cashmere with versatile full length sleeves. |
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Textured short sleeve sweater $124 Effortlessly smart casually chic this slightly cropped cotton and linen sweater loves layers jeans and skirts. Short sleeves with fixed turn back cuffs offer a cool contemporary touch. Hand-knit cable texture adds a dash of timeless detail. |
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Cashmere batwing sweater $173 Ever wished you had a jumper that went with anything? Our cashmere batwing sweater with round neck and long sleeves works well with skirt trousers and jeans. Ribbed cuffs tubular neck and hem add the finishing touches. |
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Cashmere hooded longline sweater $240 For a luxury sporting look team up with this cashmere short sleeved hooded sweater. Drawcord and toggles on the hood front pocket and sweatshirt style rib trim work well together. Textured knit panel and coverstitch detail to the front outer seam detail to the back. |
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Cashmere hooded longline cardigan $172 A cosy hood re-invents our much loved longline cardi’. But it’s not all change. Patch pockets smoke-coloured mother of pearl buttons long sleeves and deep rib at the hem and cuffs all stay the same. |
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Cashmere deep v-neck gassato tunic $131 Our longer line lightweight tunic in gassato knit cashmere works beautifully well with slim trousers. The generous v-neck provides the perfect frame for your favourite cami whilst three quarter sleeves rib hem and cuffs give a clean contemporary feel. |
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Luxe linen henley vest $47 For layering with a difference try this super lightweight linen jersey top. Henley neck and mother of pearl buttons give a glimpse of detail. Choose between plain colours and printed stripe. |
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Oversize viscose t-shirt $47 The perfect accompaniment to narrow trousers. A subtle chest pocket for detail. Fabric that hangs supremely well. Voila – a top you’re sure to love. |
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Wide plaited leather belt $54 This well loved style of belt with metal buckle is this season’s key accessory for anything denim or linen. |
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Luxe linen scarf $47 Light drapey and cool a linen jersey scarf with a natural slub to the fabric it has a soft and gentle feel. |