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Designs vary from the sleekly modern with a highly polished shine resembling white gold, to a less polished finish with a carved design that gives the ring an antique look. The sleek, shiny finish will make the beauty of any diamond stand out. A third finishing technique is to intentionally blacken patterns that have been deeply carved into the surface. The result is a ring that varies from bright and shiny in some areas to almost black in the deep, carved areas.
The most popular silver for jewelry is sterling silver, which is really 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent other metals, including copper, zinc, or nickel. Most jewelry made of precious metals is stamped with the true metal content, so for this reason, sterling silver rings are normally stamped .925. The metals mixed with pure silver help to increase its strength and durability while maintaining its beauty. ÂFine silver is 99.9 percent pure but is considered too soft for use in rings.
Many couples are drawn to silver for its affordability. Where the raw silver for a medium-weight ring might cost $1 to $2, the cost of the same ring in white gold would be $64 to $77.
Care should be taken to protect the finish of highly polished silver, as it is more subject to wear and tear than gold. To maintain the shine, be careful not to expose the ring to household chemicals, such as those found in cleaning agents. Scratches on the finish, even microscopic scratches, can dull the shine. Once itÂs been destroyed, the shine is hard to restore. Jewelry polishing cloths remove these scratches each time you clean. Using one on a regular basis will maintain a fairly bright finish.
A quick dip in specially made liquid silver cleaner, followed by gentle brushing with a soft tooth brush, will keep a silver engagement ring with carving and an antique finish looking beautiful. Be sure to follow directions, as too long in the silver cleaner or too harsh a brushing can remove the finish. If your carved ring becomes too shiny after cleaning, the antique look should return with normal wear.
Throughout the ages, couples have chosen the mythical allure of silver to pledge their love to each other. With its affordability and versatility, the silver engagement ring offers a timeless quality that for many couples signifies their everlasting love.