Buying an engagement ring can be a daunting task because it’s not just any jewelry – it represents the love shared between two people and symbolizes a lifelong commitment. With so much riding on the purchase, it’s important to ensure you get it right. A ring with sterling silver may be the best choice if you want something beautiful and inexpensive.
Sterling silver is great for engagement rings because of its hypoallergenic properties as well as its price tag. It is a great option for a less expensive ring and can last a long time with proper care. However, ensure you’re looking at the whole picture before picking any ring.
Before shopping for your engagement ring, you will want to research different options based on your budget and needs. In this article, we will dive into the topic of sterling silver engagement rings and the pros and cons of choosing them. We will also discuss how to properly care for them so they can last a long time while looking brand new!
Pros and Cons of Choosing Sterling Silver for Your Engagement Ring
You may have heard that silver is not good for wedding rings because it is too soft, but sterling silver is a special kind of silver that can be made into jewelry with no problem.
Sterling silver is a metal that is at least 92.5% silver, with the other components being copper or other metals to make it more durable. Even though it isn’t pure silver, it can still be strikingly beautiful and hold up well as an engagement ring.
While sterling silver might not be an option for everyone, it can still be a great choice for many. Below, we will discuss the pros and cons of sterling silver for an engagement ring.
Pros of Choosing Sterling Silver for Your Engagement Ring
Sterling silver packs a lot of benefits, making it one of the most popular materials for engagement rings.
- It is more affordable than other materials. The reasonable price tag is one of the biggest positives to purchasing a sterling silver engagement ring. Compared to gold, platinum, or white gold, sterling silver is inexpensive and can still look beautiful. It can sometimes even look like white gold without the hefty price tag.
- Sterling silver is hypoallergenic. This is great for people who suffer from contact dermatitis when coming into contact with other metals. However, depending on the materials blended with sterling silver, some people might still have a reaction when wearing such accessories. You will want to be careful not to choose a sterling silver blend that contains nickel or other common irritants, such as cobalt and copper.
- It is easy to design. Sterling silver can be molded and stamped with beautiful, intricate designs due to the initial softness of the metal. This quality can make it easier to personalize the ring. So if you plan on making a custom ring, sterling silver is a great option.
- Sterling silver looks like white gold to the naked eye. It means you can have a ring that looks premium, even at a lower cost. As long as you maintain proper upkeep and care of your sterling silver engagement ring, you can ensure it will look its best for years to come.
Cons of Choosing Sterling Silver for Your Engagement Ring
Though sterling silver engagement rings can be a great choice, there are also some downsides to this type of ring.
- Sterling silver is soft, making it more prone to damage, such as dents and scratches. To avoid this, you’ll often need to get it plated with rhodium or palladium, which can increase the ring’s price.
- Sterling silver can often tarnish every few years due to the copper in the ring. This requires close attention and care, so if you purchase a sterling silver engagement ring, prepare to spend some time on upkeep. Tarnishing can happen from moisture, sweat, and sunlight – common elements from day-to-day wear.
The Verdict: Sterling Silver Can Be a Great Choice for an Engagement Ring
With some upkeep, sterling silver engagement rings are an amazing choice. Although sterling silver requires more maintenance and is not as durable as other engagement ring metals, such as gold, it can be a great starter option due to its affordability.
In addition, if the material price tag of a ring matters to you, then this inexpensive metal will be a great choice to bring you enjoyment for years to come.
Things To Consider When Ring Shopping
Sterling silver is a lovely choice for most couples, but before we can go any further, it’s important to consider a few essential things.
- Preference: When deciding what ring to buy your loved one, you need to figure out what their preferences are for metal. Most of the time, people stick to one type of metal in all of their jewelry. There are gold wearers, rose gold wearers, and silver wearers. Buying a sterling silver ring of great beauty might not be a great idea for someone who only owns gold.
- Health concerns: You’ll need to check and see if your loved one has any allergies. Believe it or not, some metals can react negatively with a person’s skin. Typically, a metal reaction will give the wearer hives or even swelling – making it difficult for the person to take the ring off.
- Quality: Regardless of the metal, make sure you’re getting something of great quality. Sterling silver is a great choice, but there’s a difference between duped sterling silver (which can turn someone’s finger green) and actual sterling silver. It’s important to go to a reputable source that provides paperwork certifying the properties of your ring.
Lots of people like to surprise their loved one with their ring because they don’t want to ruin the surprise of an engagement coming. However, more and more people are going a non-traditional route and picking out the ring later together after the engagement has happened. This might be something to consider if you’re worried about getting it wrong!
Where Can I Buy a Sterling Silver Engagement Ring?
There are many places to shop for the perfect sterling silver engagement ring. From high-end jewelry stores to online retailers, countless options suit any budget or style. Whether you’re looking for a classic solitaire ring or a more intricate design, there is a sterling silver engagement ring for you.
Online Stores
When searching for an engagement ring, you may want to shop around before finding the right one. You can browse online, but this may be difficult if you’re looking to find the correct sizing or see how it may appear in real life.
Shopping online isn’t all bad, though, since this gives you more freedom to explore options across many stores.
Brick-and-Mortar Jewelry Stores
If you visit a jewelry store in person, you can speak with an expert to help you find the perfect fit. The selection may not be as wide in person as online, so keep that in mind.
Many jewelers can also provide you with the ring you want regardless of the band you want to pick. If you find a ring you love in gold, but have decided silver is for you, then they may be able to help set the diamonds the same way in a silver band (though it’ll cost you).
With so many options, you can find the perfect ring to express your love and commitment.
Cost of Sterling Silver Engagement Ring
The average cost of a sterling silver engagement ring can vary widely, depending on the ring’s size, design, and quality. Though sterling silver is less expensive than other metals, the size, and type of gem will change the price of the ring.
In addition, the intricacy of design or customization will also change the value. You can find sterling silver engagement rings for less than $100, but the more complex they get, the price will likely become higher.
It’s important to remember that the cost of a ring is not necessarily indicative of its value. The most important thing is that the ring is a symbol of your love and commitment.
Caring for Sterling Silver Engagement Rings
Upkeep is an essential factor when picking out your loved one’s ring. If you don’t think your partner is into cleaning or maintenance, then a hard-to-manage ring isn’t going to be the right choice for them. Thankfully, sterling silver is usually pretty easy to take care of.
If you think a sterling silver engagement ring is the right choice, the next step is to learn how to properly care for it. Silver can become tarnished and lose its shine when not cared for properly, making it look dull and outdated. Some tips to keep it in good shape include:
- Keep it dry. Sterling silver will tarnish when in contact with moisture, so keeping it dry will keep it from tarnishing longer. Each time you shower, wash dishes, or wash your hands, you will want to take them off to keep them dry.
- Wear it often. You should wear your ring when you’re not touching chemicals or getting your hands wet. The skin’s natural oils help keep it shiny.
- Store it in a cool, dry place. You can store your ring in a jewelry box when you’re not wearing it. Keep it out of direct sunlight to avoid harmful exposure to the sun which can increase the likelihood of tarnishing.
- Clean often. Since sterling silver rings can tarnish easily, you’ll want to clean them as soon as you notice any signs of moisture buildup.
- Keep away from chemicals. Chemicals like chlorine, perfume, or makeup can also cause tarnishing. Be mindful when using these substances to keep your ring safe.
Other Types of Engagement Rings
If you decide a sterling silver engagement ring isn’t for you, don’t worry because there are a variety of metals to choose from.
Popular choices include gold, platinum, and titanium. No matter which metal you choose, the important thing is that you find a ring that reflects your style and commitment. Here are some of the most notable aspects of each choice.
Gold Engagement Rings
Gold is the most common metal found in engagement rings. It can be gold, white gold, or rose gold, allowing for options that please most wearers.
A ring made of 10-karat gold is the most durable option, although mixed with other elements. Keep in mind the karat of the gold, as anything 24k or above can easily be scratched, and jewels can fall out.
Gold is the second most popular material used in engagement rings next to silver.
Many people base their engagement ring preferences on their general jewelry collection colors. For instance, some people wear gold, while others prefer to wear silver or rose gold. Therefore, it’s important to ask your soon-to-be-betrothed what they like best.
Platinum Engagement Rings
Platinum is a rare metal, so engagement rings made with platinum are very expensive. The cost of the ring has a lot to do with its durability, and the care is easier as it is more durable. Hence, the cost is sometimes worth it to have a lifetime ring.
Titanium Engagement Rings
Titanium is gaining popularity in men’s rings due to its strong and light nature. It is easy to maintain and doesn’t need much upkeep. A titanium ring is usually less expensive, too, and makes a great alternative for those who have allergies to gold or silver.
Aesthetically, it’s most similar to silver, but there are different ways titanium can be treated to make it appear a different color. So, if you’re worried about your color scheme, don’t rule out titanium based on its naturally silver appearance.
Conclusion
When it comes to engagement rings, there are a variety of styles to choose from. Sterling silver rings are a great option for those who value affordability or customization. From classic solitaire rings to vintage-inspired designs, there’s something to suit every taste and budget.
For those looking to make a bold statement, there are ornate and intricate designs with diamonds or colored stones. There are simple bands with a single stone or a modern design for a more subtle look. No matter what your style may be, there is a sterling silver engagement ring out there for you.
