Silver Wedding Bands: What's The Metal?

Silver wedding bands are usually made from sterling silver, which is a mix of metals, 92.5% of which is pure silver. The remaining 7.5% is typically copper, although some jewellers use palladium or other precious metals to create a more durable alloy. Sterling silver is used because pure silver is too soft to be crafted into a long-lasting ring. Silver wedding bands are popular because of their radiance and natural brilliance, as well as their relatively low price compared to other metals.

Sterling silver is the best type of silver for wedding rings

Silver is one of the oldest precious metals used in jewellery-making. It is also the most affordable option on the market today. However, pure silver is too soft to be used on its own for jewellery, so it is mixed with copper or other metals to create sterling silver, a more durable alternative.

Additionally, sterling silver is easy to work with, making it a great option for couples who want to make their own wedding rings. It is simple to form, solder and polish, and it is also a fantastic material for texturing and stamping. This means that the process of creating sterling silver rings is generally smooth and hassle-free.

Finally, sterling silver is a popular choice for wedding rings due to its unique appearance. The white, moon-like hue of sterling silver gives it a luxurious look without the high price tag of other luxury metals. While sterling silver does require more upkeep than some other metals, many people appreciate the way that silver ages and collects marks from daily wear, giving it a unique character and history.

In conclusion, while all metals will wear over time, sterling silver is the best type of silver for wedding rings due to its versatility, affordability, ease of use, and unique aesthetic qualities.

Silver is a soft metal prone to scratches and marks

Silver is a soft metal that is prone to scratches, dings, and changes in shape over time. This means that silver wedding bands can quickly start to look aged and collect marks from daily wear. For example, silver wedding bands can become covered in shiny marks from the burnishing process, where metal rubs against something harder than itself. As a result, a satin ring will become shinier, and a polished ring will become more matte.

Some people appreciate the way that silver ages and collects marks, but many don't like the idea of their rings looking significantly older within a year. If you fall into the latter category, you may want to opt for a more durable metal such as white gold or platinum. All metals will wear over time, but even a more durable alloy of silver will go through the ageing process much faster than gold alloys.

If you choose a silver wedding band, you will need to take extra care to protect it from scratches and marks. For example, you should remove your silver ring before performing any activities that could expose it to extreme pressure, hard knocks, or blows. This includes household chores such as washing dishes. When the ring is not being worn, it should be stored in a cloth bag, separate from other jewellery that could scratch it.

To clean a silver ring, gently wash it in warm soapy water and then dry it with a soft polishing cloth. For any tarnish build-up, use a tarnish removal product that is approved for sterling silver rings. If your ring becomes scratched or bent, a professional jeweller may be able to buff out the scratches and straighten it. You can also maintain its shine by taking it for a yearly clean and buff appointment with a professional jeweller.

Silver is more affordable than other precious metals

Silver is a popular choice for wedding bands, especially for those on a budget. It is the most affordable precious metal on the market today. In fact, silver prices have been declining since their peak in April 2011, when they reached $49.82 per ounce. As of 2024, silver prices are hovering below $16 per ounce, with analysts predicting further declines in the coming years. This makes silver a much more affordable option compared to other precious metals.

The affordability of silver is due to its higher availability compared to other metals like gold. Gold is much rarer, with an average occurrence of 0.004 parts per million in igneous rock, while silver is more abundant at 0.07 parts per million. This difference in availability naturally leads to a vast disparity in their spot prices.

Additionally, silver is often produced as a byproduct of mining other metals such as copper, lead, and zinc. Global production significantly impacts the price of silver. While current low prices may sustain production for a while, they have led to a decline in mining investments. Experts forecast a peak in silver mining over the next few years.

The lower price of silver makes it a popular choice for couples who want to save money on their wedding rings without compromising on aesthetics. Silver's white, moonlike hue and its history and glamour make it a desirable option for those seeking a luxurious look at a lower cost. For couples planning their weddings, which can be expensive, choosing silver wedding bands can be a financially prudent decision.

In summary, silver is the most affordable precious metal available for wedding bands. Its price is substantially lower than other options, making it a popular choice for couples who want to keep costs down without sacrificing the beauty and symbolism of their rings. With its soft lustre and long history in jewellery, silver is an excellent choice for those seeking an economical yet elegant option.

Silver is easy to form, solder, polish, texture and stamp

Silver is a popular choice for wedding bands due to its ease of use in crafting jewellery. It is easy to form, solder, polish, texture, and stamp, making it a great option for couples who want to make their own wedding rings. Here are some reasons why silver is a convenient metal for crafting wedding bands:

Forming Silver

Silver is a soft metal, which makes it easy to work with and form into the desired shape for a wedding band. It can be moulded, cut, and shaped without requiring excessive force or specialised tools. This malleability allows for a smooth and relatively straightforward ring-making process, even for those who are not professional jewellers.

Soldering Silver

Silver soldering is a process of joining two pieces of metal together permanently. It involves using heat to melt pieces of silver solder, which then fill the joint between the two metal pieces. Soldering is an essential technique in jewellery making, allowing you to create intricate designs and join different metals. Silver solder comes in various forms, including wire, sheet, paste, chips, and powder, each suitable for different applications.

Polishing Silver

Silver is known for its bright, lustrous appearance, and polishing helps enhance and maintain this quality. Polishing silver is a relatively simple process that can be done using polishing cloths or professional cleaning solutions. Regular polishing can also help remove scratches and maintain the ring's finish.

Texturing and Stamping Silver

Silver is an excellent material for texturing and stamping, allowing you to create unique designs and patterns on your wedding bands. Its softness makes it receptive to imprinting and texturing techniques, giving you the freedom to personalise your rings with intricate details or meaningful symbols.

While silver is a popular choice for wedding bands due to its affordability, versatility, and ease of use, it is important to note that it is prone to scratches and tarnishing. Couples considering silver wedding bands should be aware of the maintenance requirements and the potential need for regular polishing and care.

Silver rings can be treated with rhodium plate to increase durability and shine

Rhodium plating can protect silver rings from scratches and wear, and increase their resistance to surface scratches. It can also make silver rings more lustrous and reflective, enhancing the brilliance of any gemstones they may have. The rhodium plating process involves cleaning the silver ring, then using an electroplating process to fuse a thin layer of rhodium onto the ring. This process typically costs between $40 and $100.

While rhodium plating can enhance the appearance and durability of silver rings, it is not permanent and will wear off over time. The length of time rhodium plating lasts depends on how frequently the ring is worn and the thickness of the plating. For rings that are worn daily, rhodium plating may last only a year or so, and will need to be re-plated every 1-3 years.

In addition, rhodium is a very expensive metal, often priced between $2,000 to $2,500 an ounce, so the ongoing cost of re-plating can add up over time. Couples considering rhodium plating for their wedding bands will need to decide if they want to deal with the added expense and time of continual re-plating.

Frequently asked questions