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Silver Wedding Bands
&
Engagement Rings
Silver wedding bands have been treasured tokens of love since the beginning of recorded wedding ring history. Although many of today's wedding rings are made with other types of more durable metals, silver seems to be a mainstay that is not going away any time soon. Below you will find pros and cons of silver wedding rings and engagement rings, the type of silver which is best for wedding rings, special care info and shopping tips. What is Silver? - Silver is a chemical element, and it is listed as a transition metal on the periodic table. Silver, like gold, platinum, and palladium, is a precious metal.
- Silver's density is almost half that of gold's, and it is the lightest precious metal that is currently used to make wedding rings (palladium is a close second).
- Silver has the highest electrical and heat conductivity of any known metal.
Pros of Silver Wedding Rings: - Silver's soft characteristics allow this metal to be formed into a variety of complex shapes and designs; silver can be easily carved or engraved as well.
- Silver wedding rings and engagement rings are very affordable, even for rings that have been customized or handmade.
Cons of Silver Wedding Rings: - Silver's softness can also be its major downfall. Silver wedding rings can scratch and bend, and thin silver rings may not wear well with time.
- Silver wedding rings will eventually tarnish and need to be professionally cleaned on a regular basis.
Grade of Silver Used in Silver Wedding Bands: - Pure silver is much too soft to craft into a wedding ring. The only acceptable grade of silver used for wedding rings is sterling silver.
- Sterling silver jewelry is 92.5% silver alloyed (mixed) with 7.5% copper.
- Sterling silver wedding rings may be treated with a process called "flashing." During this process the bands are plated with a thin coat of "fine" silver, which is 99.999% pure, to give it a shiny finish.
- Silver wedding rings and silver engagement rings may also be treated with rhodium plating to increase strength and shine, or gold to increase worth, but the plating will wear off with time.
Special Care for Silver Engagement Rings: Silver engagement rings are very affordable, especially silver gemstone engagement rings, and because they are available in so many styles they are perfect for couples on a budget.
However, silver engagement rings will require special care to hold up to daily wear. Because silver can bend under pressure, and scratch, silver engagement rings should be removed before performing any activities which could expose the rings to extreme pressure and/or hard knocks or blows. If the ring does become scratched or bent, a professional jeweler may be able to buff out the scratches and straighten the ring. To clean the ring, gently wash it in warm soapy water and then dry with a soft polishing cloth. A Note About Men's Silver Wedding Bands: Men's silver wedding rings are an excellent and affordable choice for men who do not regularly perform activities which could expose the ring to scratches, blows or pressure.
Men who need a strong and extra durable ring that can hold up to extreme wear should consider purchasing a wedding band made of titanium, tungsten or stainless steel. Rings made with these metals are just as affordable as silver, and they are extremely strong and durable. Shopping Tips for Silver Wedding Bands: - Always make sure that you are purchasing silver rings that have been crafted from sterling silver.
- Ask the retailer about any warranties, replacements, or if they offer services in case the ring has lost its shape or become dull.
- Keep in mind that silver wedding rings are never 100% pure silver, so beware of rings advertised as 100% pure silver.
Click on Wedding Ring Metals to compare Silver Wedding Rings to other wedding rings in terms of cost, availability, durability, and hypoallergenic qualities.
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