Silver Engagement Rings

Why Choose a Silver Engagement Ring

There are several reasons why couples choose silver engagement rings over more traditional gold or platinum rings. A main consideration is the bride’s taste: if she prefers white jewelry that matches everything in her wardrobe, silver is a beautiful option. As for the ring itself, both design and cost factor in to the choice of an engagement ring.

Design

Because silver is very soft and malleable, it is often used for fine detail work that requires elaborate shapes such as filigrees, knots, or molds. The most intricate Celtic engagement rings are often made of silver because it can be easily shaped. Even many gold rings use silver embellishments for unique design elements, creating a two-toned ring with a great deal of visual interest.

Cost

In general, silver engagement rings are less expensive than their gold counterparts. Silver jewelry, however, is not priced solely based on the metal, but also on the intricacy of the piece and the labor required to produce it. Because of this, a very elaborate silver ring may have a higher price tag than a simple gold design.

Silver vs. Other Precious Metals

figural engagement ring.

Because it is so soft, pure silver is very rarely used for jewelry. Instead, sterling silver alloys are used that contain 7.5 percent of a stronger metal for added strength and durability. The most common choice is to add copper, which does not affect silver’s distinctive blue-white color. High quality silver will be stamped with a fineness mark inside the ring’s band, just as high quality gold is stamped with a karat designation.

Silver is often compared to other white metals, such as white gold and platinum, which are more common for engagement rings. Silver is more affordable than either alternative, however, and over time can develop a gentle patina that adds character to the piece. On the other hand, silver can tarnish quite badly and requires more frequent cleaning than other types of metal. The rhodium coating used on white gold engagement rings can wear out and must be reapplied by a jeweler, but silver is more prone to corrosion. When choosing between silver or other metals, it is important to consider the characteristics of each option in order to choose the most appropriate option for your engagement ring.

Caring for Silver Rings

Because silver is naturally soft, silver engagement rings should be stored separately from other jewelry to prevent accidental scratches and nicks. As with any engagement ring, avoid wearing it while involved in heavy activity or cleaning that uses harsh chemicals such as ammonia or bleach, both of which can discolor even fine silver. Furthermore, silver can be damaged by seawater, so always remove a silver engagement ring before swimming in the ocean, collecting sea shells, or simply spending time at the beach.

The most common cleaning problem with silver engagement rings is removing tarnish. Silver reacts naturally with sulfur and hydrogen sulfide in the air, and tarnishing is unavoidable. Wearing a silver ring continuously is the best way to avoid most tarnish buildup because the gentle friction from your fingers will keep the ring bright, but that will not prevent tarnish in delicate designs or along the surface of larger rings. To remove tarnish, use a specially formulated silver polish and a soft, lint-free cloth.

Finding Silver Engagement Rings

Despite their versatility and beauty, silver engagement rings can be difficult to find. Fine jewelers will often have a limited supply of silver pieces, but any gold or platinum design can be reproduced as a silver ring if desired. Small, less expensive rings are often available in silver, though they are often called promise or commitment rings rather than actual engagement rings, and their designs are less elaborate and use smaller gemstones. Of course, custom rings can incorporate any precious metal, including silver. When choosing a jeweler, always inquire about their experience with silver rings because of the required specialized care and delicate nature of fine silver.

Silver engagement rings are an affordable alternative to white gold or platinum for many couples. Not only is silver less expensive, but it is very malleable and can be used to create delicate patterns and intricate designs in addition to classic, simple configurations. When choosing a silver ring, however, always consider the additional care necessary to keep the metal tarnish-free and as sparkling as the day it is first put on the woman’s finger. With loving attention, a silver engagement ring will be just as treasured as a gold or platinum ring, and will last far past the silver anniversary.