Sterling Silver Engagement Rings: The Complete Guide

Courtesy of Lafonn / Design by Michela Buttignol

Sterling silver engagement rings are oftentimes chosen by couples who are looking for inexpensive but gorgeous wedding jewelry. When people talk about silver engagement rings, they are specifically referring to sterling silver rings.

Sterling silver is an alloy of silver. It is made up of at least 92.5 percent silver with the other 7.5 percent being copper or other metals.

Jeweler Jasmine Carter enthuses, “I would say the color is the most appealing element of sterling silver. It looks almost identical to white gold and is a much more affordable option! Additionally, there are so many designs on the market that brides are almost destined to find something they love.”

Wondering if sterling silver is the best ring metal for you? Read on for everything you should know about sterling silver engagement rings.

Carter reports that sterling silver engagement rings are very affordable, hypoallergenic, and extremely versatile. Of course, with that inexpensive price point, comes some disadvantages, too. She cautions, “If sterling silver is used for rings, especially engagement rings, the ring will have to be re-dipped several times over the years. Most brides decide on solid gold rings to avoid the maintenance that a silver ring requires. Sterling silver should be considered a temporary option for those on a budget, which is why it’s often used for ‘starter rings’ that the couple plans to upgrade later.”

Here are a few questions and answers you should know before purchasing a sterling silver ring.

Carter cautions that sterling silver engagement rings cannot be treated the same way that you’d treat gold rings. She says, “It is a completely different metal and reacts to other elements in a way that could cause damage or discoloration much faster. For example, you can't hand sanitize your sterling silver ring five times a day and then take a shower, expecting it to stay in perfect condition for a lifetime.”

She adds, “My greatest recommendation for sterling silver products is to remember to take them off before showering and washing your hands. Also, avoid harsh chemicals. Only clean them using solutions designated for their maintenance. Proper care will give sterling silver pieces a longer lifespan.”

Scroll through to see all of our favorite sterling silver engagement rings.

JTV

With its dazzling center jewel, this sterling silver engagement ring from JTV immediately commands attention. Its lab-created, oval Fabulite strontium titanate center stone is framed by a halo of 14 round white zircon stones. It offers glitz and glamour without the high price point.

Tiffany and Co.

The word love written in Paloma Picasso’s handwriting is the centerpiece of this sterling silver ring. It lets a couple literally spell out their feelings in a special engagement ring.

Zales

Three-stone engagement rings are supposed to symbolize love, fidelity, and friendship. This three-stone sterling silver engagement ring features three princess-cut, lab-created white sapphires as its centerpiece. Smaller round white sapphires line the sides of the silver band.

JCPenney

This simple but stunning engagement ring has understated elegance. It features a solitaire, round-cut white diamond at its center in a four-prong setting. The unadorned sterling silver band may be plated with rhodium.

Kohl’s

This sweet engagement ring showcases the beauty of contrasts and the charm of a heart-shaped stone. It has a heart-cut black diamond as the center stone that’s framed with two round-cut black diamond accent stones. They are contrasted with a shimmering, lab-created white sapphire that lines the braided-style type of the sterling silver band.

Tiffany & Co.

For brides who have always wanted an engagement ring from Tiffany & Co., yet also want something fun and unique, this sterling silver ring is delightful. It features large green quartz as the center stone and has a ladybug layered over the quartz. The sterling silver band is simple and elegant.

Amazon

This lovely engagement ring features a large princess-cut solitaire cubic zirconia with two smaller princess-cut cubic zirconia stones. The round-cut side stones then line the top sides of the sterling silver band.

Amazon

This Starchenie sterling silver engagement ring has a modern, complex design that keeps one looking at its beauty for some time. It has a heart-shaped cubic zirconia as the centerpiece, which is set on a twisted double band.

JTV

JTV’s sterling silver engagement ring with the Fabulite strontium titanate jewel is sparkly and fun. The polished ring has a rhodium finish. It has a large jewel at its center with a prong setting, and two small jewels are on each side.

Amazon

Crafted in rhodium-plated sterling silver, this BERRICLE engagement ring has a round-cut cubic zirconia as its center stone. It’s accented with sparkling, round-cut cubic zirconia.

Meet the Expert

Jasmine Carter is the founder and CEO of Balacia, a growing Black-owned bridal jewelry brand. As a young, female entrepreneur, Carter understands the needs of brides, and she designs custom engagement rings and wedding bands to fit all budgets.