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PhrasesAt the JewellerCerco una collana in argento.
A1

Cerco una collana in argento.

I am looking for a silver necklace.

Pronunciation

'Collana' — col-LA-na. Three syllables.

When to use it

A simple, useful phrase for browsing. Stating the material (argento/silver) narrows the search immediately. If you also know the style: 'una collana in argento con ciondolo' (a silver necklace with a pendant).

What it means

'Collana' = necklace. 'In argento' = in silver (sterling silver in Italy is '925' — 92.5% pure silver). Common jewellery types: 'bracciale' (bracelet), 'orecchini' (earrings), 'anello' (ring), 'spilla' (brooch), 'ciondolo' (pendant/charm).

Variations

Cerco un bracciale in argento.

I am looking for a silver bracelet.

Same structure, different item.

Avete orecchini in argento?

Do you have silver earrings?

Asks about a specific item.

Vorrei qualcosa in argento 925.

I would like something in 925 silver.

Specifies the sterling silver standard.

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Cerco una collana in argento — è per un regalo. Gioielliere: Per uomo o donna? Cliente: Per una donna. Gioielliere: Abbiamo una selezione bellissima — le posso mostrare la nostra vetrina.

Customer: I am looking for a silver necklace — it is for a gift. Jeweller: For a man or a woman? Customer: For a woman. Jeweller: We have a beautiful selection — I can show you our display case.

Cultural Note

Italian silver jewellery ('argenteria') is a centuries-old tradition. Arezzo, in Tuscany, is the world's second-largest gold and silver jewellery production hub. Italian silver is almost exclusively '925' — look for the stamp 'AG 925' or the word 'argento' on the reverse.