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The price of gold has changed so remarkably and so consistently for so many months that investors and beginners to the precious metal space may have missed substantial movement elsewhere. The price of silverfor example, has surged past multiple records over the past year, providing a cost-effective alternative for those who can’t afford to get started with gold right now. But the price of the metal is also more volatile than gold tends to be (one of the critical differences between the two), and that’s clearly been seen in the first quarter of 2026.
With a new month starting, and a high need for the protection and portfolio diversification silver can provide, investors may find it helpful to review silver’s recent performance. By understanding how the price has evolved, beginners and those already with silver holdings can better decide on their next moves, or if they’d be better served pausing. Below, we’ll detail the silver price changes so far to know in 2026, as well as what investors should consider following these developments.
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How silver’s price has changed so far in 2026
The price of silver per ounce has changed considerably so far in 2026, and this volatility is unlikely to change as long as current market conditions hold.
On January 1, for example, the price of the metal was just $71.59 per ounce according to Priority Gold’s historic price chart. While that represented a higher price than what was largely available in much of 2025it still sat far from the $100 per ounce price milestone. By mid-January, it was listed in the $80 range; however, before moving above $90 per ounce. On January 27, meanwhile, it was priced at $111.36 for the same amount. While that may not have been a huge increase from one day to the next, a look back at the same time frame in 2025 underlined the metal’s growth performance – silver was around $30 in January 2025, meaning it was up around 270% just a year later.
That changed dramatically in February, however. By February 2, the price was back under $80 per ounce, and by February 5, it was a few cents over $70 for the same amount. It surged again later in the month as geopolitical tensions and overseas conflicts increased in intensity, and by March 2, it was approaching the $90 mark. Since March 10, however, there has been a gradual but noticeable decline in the price yet again. On March 17, it was priced at $79.33, and on March 24, it was $71.29. It briefly fell into the high $60 per ounce range toward the end of the month before rising slightly into the low $70 range all over again, where it sits now at the start of April.
While these dollar and cents changes may not seem significant on paper, the percentage swings tell a different story. Between just January 1 and January 27, for example, the price grew by almost 56%. It then declined by approximately 29% by February 2 and had up and down results since. Ironically, the metal as of April 3 is almost worth exactly what it was three months earlier – $73.05 per ounce or just 2% higher despite all of the recent market adjustments. Based on these price changes, it could be smart to get started with silver now, while the price is back within reach for many investors.
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What investors should consider now
Investors should take a strategic approach to silver investing at any point, but particularly following this recent price variability. Silver does have many of the same benefits gold does, for example, thanks to its ability to hedge against inflation and maintain value when stocks and bonds underperform. But it doesn’t hold its value as high or as consistently as gold does, as can be seen clearly in recent months. And it shouldn’t necessarily supplant the full role gold would otherwise play in a portfolio, especially now.
It’s also important to note that despite global market uncertainty and tensions – factors that would normally cause gold and silver prices to consistently rise – both metals have actually seen their value decline in recent weeks.
Be careful in your approach, then, but not overly cautious either. Instead (as usual), aim to keep the precious metal portion of your portfolio capped at 10% to allow other investments to perform as intended. How much of that 10% is made up of gold or silver, however, will depend on your goals and investor profile. Consider speaking with a representative from a top precious metals companytoo, who can better help you build a tailored investment.
The bottom line
The price of silver has changed remarkably, in 2025 and in the first quarter of 2026, making it both an attractive investment and an especially volatile one right now. That doesn’t mean that it’s not worth pursuing, especially currently, with the entry price point much lower than it had been. It does mean, however, that investors will need to be more strategic in their approach than usual, especially if they’re more focused on diversifying their portfolio and hedging against inflation versus making a quick profit. Evaluate your silver investment options with precision, then, and don’t hesitate to use the experts associated with precious metal investing companies who can better assist you and help you get started securely.