“There’s one trick which, if shops allow you to do it, is this.” Varun Panjwani, the director of newly-launched silver specialists Silver by Temptations, strides over to one of the display cabinets holding tens of thousands worth of highly-designed silverwares and gently tweaks one of the feet on a shimmering silver basket. “A solid silver piece that is not plated will be far more malleable, so you can actually take it an feel the bending of the silver in your hand.”

We’re in a glossy 5,000 sq ft showroom in Tsim Sha Tsui East, a bona fide gallery for the newest extension of the Temptations brand, the luxury diamond and jewellery company established by the Buxani family over a quarter of a century ago. Panjwani married Michelle Buxani, the Chief Operating Officer of the brand, in a lavish three-day ceremony in Hua Hin 18 months ago and later assumed the role of managing director for this new branch of the company in August 2012.

While the company deals with high-priced luxury silverware – the pieces here range from HK$5,000 to HK$300,000 and above – for Panjwani the underlying philosophy behind Temptations is to preserve and promote the work of artisan silversmiths, whose craft is slowly dying. “This craft is a fading craft,” he says. “There are fewer and fewer individuals able to make these pieces, and the skillsets have to be passed down from generation to generation.” Panjwani doesn’t see this happening at a pace that will help to preserve the tradition, and so the aim of the brand is to seek out talented craftsmen and provide them with an avenue to continue producing exquisite silverwares. “The history and culture is being lost, and we wanted to share the history of Tibet, Myanmar, India and China through their craftsmanship, which we’ve brought with the brand.”

Silver is a traditional commodity for most, and Panjwani feels that it has mostly been forgotten by the current generation. Still, he is confident that silverware still has its place on the mantelpiece as well as being a smart investment option – and that the most important thing is to buy what you love, or buy smartly. “I don’t believe there are any silverware trends,” he explains. “We would recommend people to really [choose] the design that really appeals to you. It’s going to be in your home and you’re going to be telling the story of that piece to all of your guests.” As for those thinking of buying silver, he has several tips:

The Four Must-Knows of Silver Investments

1) If You Don’t Hold It, You Don’t Own It

“Paper silver does not provide ownership. The volume of paper trade does not reflect volume of physical silver available, and there can be a disconnect between paper and physical prices.”

2) Government Mints Provide Ultimate Liquidity

“Minted coins are a stamp of assurance from the government on the purity and quality of the silver. They are accepted currencies by banks. Alternative silver rounds from mints or simply industry should only be looked at if you trust your dealer.”

3) Ensure Dealer Provides a Bid and Offer Spread

“This provides insight into immediate cash value, and shows that the dealer is willing to stand behind his product, providing an added layer or security.”

4) Collectable Coins vs. Investment Coins

“Understand the difference: silver coins come from several mints, in limited edition version, and bars. Each has a different premium above spot price, to reflect refining and production costs involved. However, the net amount of silver is as per the weighting and comparisons on a per ounce basis should always be made.”

In the video above, Panjwani talks us through the various tips for buying silver and what to look for; plus, he introduces a few intricate pieces of silverware at the showroom and explains their significance.

Silver by Temptations
Unit 203, Wing On Plaza, 62 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui