How Durable Is Sterling Silver?

[SparkleyCarats]

I have always loved sterling silver jewelry. Recently, I have seen that some jewelry stores offer genuine diamond rings that are set in sterling sliver. These rings look very beautiful and I am tempted to purchase one. Is sterling silver durable enough to hold a genuine diamond in place so there is no worry that the stones will be lost?

 

[Karl_K]

I love silver it is one of my favorite metals.
It depends on the alloy and how it is made.
It can range from butter soft to fairly durable.
At its best its very borderline for everyday wear.
Personally I wouldn't use it for a diamond or gemstone worth more than a couple hundred bucks.
I have had a bunch of gemstones in the $20-$100 range set in silver.

 

[distracts]

I have several rings with less expensive stones in sterling and I do not recommend it for prong set daily wear for more expensive things. If you're bezel setting things, go for it. But my rings get minimal wear and I am constantly having to tighten the prongs - if I had a diamond in them and/or could not/would not check and tighten the prongs myself, I would be way paranoid.