Engagement ring in sterling silver?

Question

My boyfriend wants to have a ring made for me, and was asking about using sterling silver. Can anyone make suggestions? What are the pros and cons of setting a diamond in sterling silver?
Thanks!!

It is not important to me as far as tradition goes.... I just want something #1 we can afford, and #2 something that will last.

Answer 1

I would think twice about having a diamond set in sterling silver. White gold is more appropriate for a diamond.

If you consider most sets in sterling silver do NOT have prong settings for the stone. The reason is that sterling silver is .925 silver. Both silver and gold are very soft metals. Since sterling silver is almost all silver, it is very soft and would not provide a secure setting. 10K or 14K white gold has more of another base metal mixed with the gold and would be a stronger choice. Platinum is also very good for diamond settings, however a little on the pricey side.

You really do need a prong setting for a diamond. The reason a diamond is so desired is for it's brilliance. It needs the light that a prong setting allows to show off this brilliance.

Although 10K and 14K costs a little more (14K more than 10K because of more gold), it really is much better for securing a stone. I would not even recommend stones such as sapphires, emeralds, rubies, etc.. to be set in sterling silver. Only semi-precious stones (onyx, quartz, topaz, etc..) should be set in sterling silver. They're much less expensive if lost from the setting.

Hope this helps a little. Congratulations on your engagement!

Answer 2

Sterling silver is a very cheap metal. White gold would be an alternative for something a little more precious. However even white gold doesnt wear very well.

I personally like sterling silver jewellery... but my engagment ring we chose is 18k gold. As I wanted the tradional style.

Thats cute that hes thinking of getting one made for you :)

Heres to a happpy life for you both together.
X

Answer 3

Gold is a soft metal, and there are more likely to be problems with the prongs, resulting in the loss of the gem. I think sterling is an excellent choice. I also love the idea of engagement rings with gems other than diamonds. The price of diamonds is artificially increased by a control of the market. You can get a much larger ruby, sapphire, or emerald for the same price. You might want to opt for one of them with a couple of small diamonds on the side.

Answer 4

Both Sterling silver and white gold is good for setting diamond, depending on your budget you can opt any of them.

Answer 5

no!!!!!!
no no no no no
sterling silver is not right for a wedding ring. it's too cheap. it first of all would not work with diamonds (diamonds fall off sterling silver) and sterling silver is for everday jewlery, not your engagement ring!

go with white gold, same look, classier, and not as expensive at platinum.

Answer 6

please listen to what you are saying...Does it really matter if it is made of silver, or gold or plastic? What it matters is the fact of him wanting to give you a ring..not even the fact of gicing it to you... Pros and Cons...Well it is up to what you like, if that is what he wants to know...

If what worries you is the fact that gold is better than silver then try White Gold

Answer 7

i like gld personally because sterling silver is plain gold pops

Answer 8

How about white gold??? Same visual...but I like white gold much better.

Answer 9

Will it turn your finger green? Go for white gold!!!

Answer 10

i absolutly love white gold. it's so pretty and it looks really nice. You should check it out, it's outrageously pretty! haha! Contratulations!