What a silver bracelet from Longvé is made of
The collection's silver bracelets are crafted in sterling silver, the alloy known internationally as 925. The number refers to the fact that 92.5 percent of the metal is pure silver, while the remaining 7.5 percent is typically copper. Pure silver is too soft for jewellery that has to withstand daily wear, and the copper makes the alloy firmer without changing the bright, white colour. This is precisely why 925 is the standard most serious jewellery manufacturers work by, and that combination of durability and appearance is the reason sterling silver has become the common choice for bracelets.
In this collection you will find the Panzer Chain Bracelet Silver, a panzer-link bracelet in silver. The panzer link is a flat, tightly woven type of chain in which the individual links are twisted so that the bracelet lies smoothly against the skin and reflects light all the way around. It is one of the more solid types of chain, because the links interlock tightly, and the shape works equally well on its own and layered with other jewellery.
How do you find the right size for your wrist?
A bracelet should be able to move freely, but not slide over the hand. The simplest way to find your size is to measure the circumference of your wrist with a tape measure just below the wrist bone, where the bracelet will naturally sit. If you don't have a soft tape measure, you can use a strip of paper or a piece of string and then measure the length with a ruler.
For the bracelet itself, the rule of thumb is to add about one to two centimetres to the wrist measurement, so there is room for it to drop and slide a little. If you want a bracelet that sits closer to the skin, choose the smaller end; if you prefer it to hang looser and move around, go up. Silver bracelets with a chain structure like the panzer link often feel a bit looser than a fixed band at the same measurement, because the chain conforms to the wrist.
If you are unsure how loose it should sit, a good guideline is that you should be able to slide a finger in between the bracelet and the wrist, but the bracelet should not be able to slide over the thumb bone when you try to take it off.
How to fasten a bracelet with a clasp when you're putting it on yourself
One of the more practical obstacles with bracelets is fastening the clasp with only one hand free. Most silver chain bracelets have a spring clasp, a small oblong clasp with a sliding mechanism that you press in with your nail to open the eye, hook onto the end link and release again.
A good trick is to lay the bracelet on a table or against your thigh and hold one end in place with your thumb while you guide the clasp into position with the other hand. Some people choose to secure one end with a piece of tape while they work. If you often need to take bracelets on and off yourself, it's worth looking for clasp types that are easier to operate with one hand. Longvé has an in-depth walkthrough in the article How Do You Fasten A Bracelet With A Clasp, which goes into detail about the different clasp types and the technique behind it.
How to keep silver bright and avoid tarnishing
Silver tarnishes when the surface reacts with sulphur compounds in the air and forms a dark layer. This is a perfectly normal chemical process and not a sign of poor quality. Tarnishing sets in faster if the bracelet lies unused in a damp drawer, or if it comes into contact with perfume, hair products, sweat or chlorinated water.
The most effective thing you can do is actually to wear the bracelet: the gentle friction against the skin keeps the surface shiny. When you put it away, silver is best stored dry and preferably in a closed bag, so it is shielded from the air. If the bracelet does become dull, you can polish it with a soft cloth intended for silver, and lighter tarnishing can often be removed with lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid abrasive agents and hard sponges that can scratch the polished surface.
A practical habit is to take the bracelet off before you exercise, shower or swim, and to put it on as one of the last things after you've applied cream and perfume. Longvé gathers more advice in the article How Do You Clean Jewellery.
Which hand do you wear the bracelet on?
There is no fixed rule for which hand a bracelet should sit on, and it is largely a matter of habit and comfort. Many people choose the non-dominant hand, that is the left for right-handers, because the bracelet then interferes least in daily life and is less exposed to knocks and wear. If you already wear a watch, you can either gather the bracelet and watch on the same wrist for a layered look or spread them across each hand. A flat chain bracelet like the panzer link sits nicely next to a watch without pinching.
Silver bracelet as a gift
A silver bracelet is a gift with broad appeal, because sterling silver suits most skin tones and is easily worn every day. If you are unsure about the size, chain bracelets are a safe choice, because they adapt to the wrist better than a fixed band and are therefore less sensitive to a deviation of a couple of centimetres.
If you want to combine several pieces of silver jewellery for the gift, you can see the rest of the range in the collection Silver, and if you need to view bracelets across materials, you'll find them gathered under Bracelets. Silver is often a more accessible price point than gold, which makes it an obvious place to start if the recipient is to have their first fine bracelet, or if you want to build up a collection yourself over time.