Sterling Silver Wedding Bands: Good Choice Or Not?

Sterling silver is a popular choice for wedding bands, but there are several factors to consider before making a decision. Firstly, durability is a key concern. Sterling silver is a soft metal that is prone to scratches, dents, and changes in shape over time. While some appreciate the unique patina that develops with daily wear, others may prefer a more durable metal like white gold that retains its original finish for longer. Budget is another important consideration. Sterling silver is significantly more affordable than other precious metals, making it a cost-effective option for couples on a tight wedding budget. Additionally, the finish of sterling silver jewellery is versatile, ranging from bright white to oxidised black and high polish to soft satin, providing a wide range of choices for couples.

Sterling silver is affordable and aesthetically pleasing

Sterling silver is a beautiful, affordable jewellery option. It is one of the most popular metal choices, and its shine and timelessness make it aesthetically pleasing. It can be dressed up or down and can be styled with a variety of looks.

Sterling silver is a great option for those without a big budget who still want to buy precious metal for their wedding bands. It is substantially lower in price than other precious metals. Weddings are expensive, and for some, adding a pricey ring to the bill is not an option. Many people who choose sterling silver wedding bands plan on wearing them temporarily and investing in new rings for their one-year anniversary.

Sterling silver is also a good option for those who want to buy multiple pieces of jewellery. Because it is a more affordable option, you can invest in a few favourite pieces that you can rotate throughout your week.

The metal is relatively soft, light, and comfortable to wear. Due to its malleability, it is highly unlikely to crack, making it ideal for hammered ring designs. Sterling silver is also a great material for texturing and stamping, making it a good choice for those who want to make their own wedding rings.

It is soft, prone to scratches and not ideal for everyday wear

Sterling silver is a soft metal and is, therefore, prone to scratches, dings, and changes in shape over time. It is not ideal for everyday wear, especially if you work with your hands. If you are looking for a more stable setting with significantly fewer scratches and no accidental bending, 14k gold is a better option.

The softness of sterling silver means that it can bend, scratch, and chip more easily than harder metals like gold. This is because sterling silver is mostly silver, which makes it softer than gold, where a little over half is gold. The alloy makes gold harder.

If you are set on a silver-coloured metal, white gold or platinum are more durable options. Platinum is expensive but is the most durable of the silver-coloured options. White gold is often rhodium-plated to achieve a silver colour, but the rhodium needs to be replated from time to time as it fades.

Sterling silver is also susceptible to tarnishing. Tarnish is a blue-green tint caused by chemical reactions between silver and natural elements in the air. Tarnishing can be prevented by keeping your jewellery in a clean, dry place.

It can be easily cleaned and polished

Sterling silver is an alloy made with silver and copper, which creates the perfect material for long-wearing jewellery. However, the drawback of using copper in the alloy is that it can cause the silver to oxidise when in contact with water or oxygen. This is characterised by a blue hue that covers the surface of the silver and the skin around it. Even pure silver will tarnish over time as silver reacts with atmospheric pollution, resulting in a blackening of the metal.

The good news is that this oxidisation or tarnishing is easily removable with a silver cloth or a silver polish such as Silvo. You can also use household products such as baby shampoo, baking soda, or lemon juice with an old toothbrush. Cleaning sterling silver regularly will keep it gleaming for years to come.

If you prefer your ring to remain shiny and perfected, you can send it back to the jeweller who made it for regular polishes. Be aware that some scratches may be too deep to polish out.

It is easy to work with and great for texturing and stamping

Sterling silver is an alloy made up of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. It is a popular choice for jewellery because it is affordable, widely available, and has a beautiful shine that complements every skin tone. It is also highly malleable, which makes it ideal for hammered ring designs.

One of the benefits of sterling silver for wedding bands is that it is easy to work with and great for texturing and stamping. This makes it a good choice for couples who want to make their own wedding rings. The metal is easy to form, solder and polish, and the results will be professional.

While sterling silver is a soft metal that is prone to scratches and dents, some people appreciate the way that silver ages and collects marks from daily wear. For those who prefer their ring to remain shiny, it can be sent back to the jeweller for regular polishes.

In addition to its affordability and workability, sterling silver offers a range of finish options, from bright white to oxidised black, high polish to soft satin. These finishes will look great in wedding photos, but they may not last long beyond the big day due to the burnishing process that occurs when a metal rubs against something harder than itself.

It is not suitable for those with sensitive skin

Sterling silver is an alloy made with silver and copper. While it is a beautiful, affordable option for wedding bands, it may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin.

Firstly, sterling silver is prone to tarnishing, which can cause skin discolouration. Tarnishing is a chemical reaction between silver and natural elements in the air, resulting in a blue-green tint on the metal and skin around it. While this discolouration can be easily cleaned, it may irritate those with sensitive skin.

Secondly, sterling silver is a relatively soft metal, making it susceptible to scratches, dents, and changes in shape over time. This softness can also lead to skin irritation, as the metal may react with the skin's natural pH levels, especially if the ring is not regularly cleaned.

Additionally, sterling silver is not recommended for prolonged exposure to water, as it can cause the silver to oxidise when in contact with moisture. This oxidation can lead to skin discolouration and may further irritate sensitive skin.

Finally, some individuals with sensitive skin may experience an allergic reaction to sterling silver. While this is not common, it is important to consider, as a reaction can result in skin rashes, itching, or other uncomfortable symptoms.

In conclusion, while sterling silver is a popular and cost-effective choice for wedding bands, it may not be the best option for individuals with sensitive skin due to its tendency to tarnish, its softness, potential for oxidation, and the possibility of allergic reactions.

Frequently asked questions