The Best Silver Ring

Buying Guide

Whether you’re someone who wears jewelry or not, chances are, you have at least one ring on your finger when you leave the house. For many people, a relationship ring symbolizing marriage or an engagement is the must-wear piece. But you don’t have to be in a relationship to wear a ring. In fact, a classy, comfortable ring can be just the ornamentation you need.

Diamonds are the go-to for engagement rings, but they can boost the price significantly. If you go with a ring that has diamonds, pay close attention to the “4 Cs,” which are cut, clarity, color and carat weight. Look at the diamond in different lighting to make sure you’re really getting the quality you expect.

There are some ways you can get a durable, classy piece of jewelry without breaking the bank, though. While gold tends to be the metal of choice for rings, silver can be a substitute that gives you both durability and quality. You can even find silver rings that are coated in gold so that nobody who looks at the ring will know it isn’t solid 14K gold.

Silver jewelry isn’t just a way to save money on rings. Some prefer silver jewelry because they can find a comfortable piece that they don’t have to remove when they’re working around the house or doing yard work. Even having a ring you can sleep and shower in can be a huge relief.

Another cost-saving measure some people make with jewelry is cubic zirconia. This synthesized material can adequately replace diamonds, although an expert can easily spot the difference. Still, high-quality cubic zirconia can give you that sparkle you want without the high expense.

But whether you’re buying silver or gold, cubic zirconia or diamonds, do your due diligence to track down the best quality for the money. All of these materials are graded by quality, so with a little research, you can reduce the risk that you’ll get a product that isn’t quite up to par.

• Ring sizes can be tricky. You can measure your finger yourself using a tape measure and online instructions, but this leaves plenty of room for error. For best results, have a jeweler measure your finger before you order a ring online.
• Pay close attention to the thickness of the band of any ring you choose. It can be difficult to tell at a glance just how a ring will look on your finger. Compare the measurements to a ring you already own to make sure you’re getting the right thickness.
• Check the type of silver used to make your ring. Sterling silver is graded based on purity. The quality standard is .925, which means it’s 92.5 percent silver. Fine silver is softer and dents easier, making it less than ideal for jewelry, but it’s 99.9 percent silver within only 0.1 percent filler.
• Some rings feature a silver band with gold plating to give them the look of gold jewelry. If you have a preference for yellow or white gold, you can find a ring plated in that. Look at the material used for plating. One plated in 14k gold is preferable.
• Layering rings can create an interesting look. Look for a thinner band that will lie flat against your other ring to create a seamless look.
• Diamonds are often held in place with prongs. If your silver rings have prongs, it’s important to have them checked every now and then to make sure they haven’t loosened. Otherwise, you can lose a diamond.
• Comfort can be a huge benefit with a ring. Some feature curved edges that ensure you don’t deal with your ring poking your skin as you move throughout the day. This is especially important if you plan to sleep in your ring.