[Jewelry making - Article 00351] - [Orchid] Sterling silver engagement ring hardness

[ali d]

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    My cousin is getting engaged and is desperate to have a sterling
    silver engagement ring as she isn't a fan of gold and platinum is out
    of her budget. Personally I can relate to what she is saying as we
    have very similar tastes! (My engagement ring was also silver but was
    only ever intended to be worn until my wedding day when I switched
    rings. My wedding ring is stainless steel and silver, the silver
    being protected by the steel surrounding it. So it still looks as
    good as new 6 years later.) 

    I have talked to her about white gold and she doesnt feel that is an
    optioneither as she doesn't like the colour of it unplated and
    equally doesn't want to have to keep having to re-rhodium every few
    years. Basically she loves silver and wants a silver ring but is
    intending to wear it everyday forever. I want to let her know what
    exactly she is letter herself in for. 

    I realise that alot is based on the final design for the ring...
    knowing my cousin it will be simple and chunky and very very funky!
    But I'm wondering which of the gold carats, sterling silver is most
    like in relation to hardness and wear over the years. I am talking in
    a work hardened finished state. I know pure silver is slightly harder
    than pure gold, but I'm not sure how they compare once alloys have
    been added etc. 

    How a ring wears obviously depends on how it has been worn, my
    cousin is a vet nurse and a masseuse. She likes extreme sports but
    doesn't climb... just to give you an idea of the type of wear it
    will be subjected to. 

    I am assuming she will also want a sterling silver wedding ring so
    it's important I advise her correctly. 

    Can anyone help? Does anyone out there have a sterling silver
    engagement ring which has stood the test of time? Or is it just a
    really bad idea?

Thanks in advance.
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