Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver

Choosing the Right Sterling Silver Ring

Let's face it: We love rings. No, we adore rings - especially sterling silver rings. But not every ring looks good on every finger. When choose a sterling silver ring, it is important to consider the size and shape of your fingers and the size of your hands. While trying on gold and sterling silver rings is an excellent way to determine which ring suits, here are some general guidelines to help you find the most flattering sterling silver ring.

Sterling silver rings for long fingers: Sterling silver rings inlaid with round gemstones, such as pearls, are usually the most flattering to longer fingers. Marquise-shaped gemstones - which are oblong gemstones with pointed ends - can make long fingers look even longer. Similarly, pear-shaped or oval stones may not be flattering to long fingers. Alternatively, elongated sterling silver rings without gems can emphasize a finger's length.

Sterling silver rings for short fingers: Sterling silver rings with Marquise-shaped gemstones, with their tapered tips, can draw the eye along the length of the finger, making shorter fingers seem longer. Pear- and teardrop-shaped gemstones such as amethyst, tourmaline and citrine, may have the same effect. Round stones, such as pearls or round garnets, however, tend to have the opposite effect, and so do not usually flatter short fingers. Chunky, rectangular sterling silver rings are probably least flattering to shorter fingers.

Sterling silver rings for narrow fingers: Heart-shaped and round stones in a sterling silver ring add softness to the narrow finger and so flatter it. Sterling silver rings with thick bands emphasize the horizontal line of the finger and so make it look wider. Any small gemstone - whether peridot, smoky topaz, or carnelian - will give a narrow finger the illusion of width.

Sterling silver rings for wide fingers: Wide fingers look best when adorned with a sterling silver ring that has a gemstone wider than they are; the less skin showing on either side of the gemstone, the better. Thus, a wider marquise-shaped aventurine set in a sterling silver ring will flatter a short, wide finger, as would a bold round turquoise in a large setting. Sterling silver rings with a cluster of gemstones - garnets, say - can also be very flattering to wider fingers. When choosing the shape of a sterling silver ring, go for elongated gold or sterling silver rings or ones with a symmetrical design.

Sterling silver rings for large hands: Sterling silver rings with dominant, chunky gemstones, such as jade or onyx, can usually be carried off by women with large hands. Conversely, sterling silver rings with small gemstones, such as pearls or yellow zircon, may be less flattering. Similarly, a small sterling silver ring may "disappear", emphasizing the size of the hand. It is thus better for women with large hands to choose a large sterling silver ring, or to wear several sterling silver rings (even on the same finger).

Sterling silver rings for small hands: Small hands are flattered by delicate, smaller sterling silver rings, with gemstones of almost any shape: delicate heart-shaped, oval, round and square. However, marquise-shaped gemstones may be less flattering, unless the fingers are long.

Since we can't think of too many more idly pleasant pastimes than trying on sterling silver rings, we think that you'll agree with us that, in choosing the most flattering of all the many sterling silver rings available, a lady's motto should be: Seek and ye shall find…

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What is the best home remedy for cleaning a sterling silver that has discolored?

I have a sterling silver toe ring (which I've worn for years) and all of a sudden, it's started to discolor. What's the best home remedy to remove the discoloration?

Tooth past and hot water...Brush with toothbrush and rinse with hot watter.

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