Despite the majority of engagement rings being made from gold or platinum, silver engagement rings are exceptionally beautiful and affordable, making them a popular choice for couples who are on a budget. If you are interested in finding a silver engagement ring to pop the question with, there are a few things you should know about this affordable metal.
The Benefits of Choosing a Silver Engagement Ring
While gold engagement rings are the traditional choice, more couples are looking to silver as an alternative metal choice for their rings. Not only is silver typically less expensive than other metals, but even for the bride-to-be who loves the look of platinum but can’t afford the price tag can benefit from a silver engagement ring for a similar look.
Silver is already typically used in many engagement rings, but generally only in detail work such as intricate knots or elegant looking accents. Many two-tone engagement rings also use silver to give the ring a distinctive appearance.
While silver engagement rings are generally cheaper than gold or platinum rings, the overall cost will depend on the intricacy of the design. If you are looking for a silver engagement ring to cut down on the cost, then you should stick with a classic, understated ring because an elaborate silver ring can be just as expensive, if not more so, than traditional gold rings.
What Makes Silver Different From Other Metals?
When creating a silver engagement ring, pure silver has sterling silver alloys added to the mix to increase the metal’s strength, as pure silver is too soft to use in jewelry on its own. Typically compared to other white metals, such as platinum or white gold, silver engagement rings can be just as beautiful and offer a more affordable alternative to couples who can’t afford to spend much money on a ring.
While silver is affordable, it can often become quite tarnished and will require frequent cleaning and polishing to restore the ring to its former glory. When you are not wearing your ring, it should be stored in a separate area way from other jewelry to avoid potentially scratching or damaging the ring.
Even though all engagement rings are prone to damage when worn during heavy housework or using household cleaning products, certain chemicals such as bleach and ammonia can discolor silver. If you are using these products, do not wear your silver engagement ring or you will risk damaging the metal.
Silver engagement rings are a lovely alternative to traditional gold or platinum rings, and offer the additional bonus of being much more affordable. In order to protect such a precious investment, make sure you regularly clean and polish your silver engagement ring so that it remains as beautiful as when you first put it on. With the proper attention, your ring will continue to bring joy every time you look at it for many years to come.
22:16 PM UTC February 07, 2012