Reale Sterling

The Three Things You Should Know When Selecting a Silver Picture Frame

If you’ve always loved the beauty of sterling silver picture frames, but didn’t want to spend that much on a frame then you should look at silver plated picture frames.

Why Buy Silver Plated Frames?
First of all, silver plated picture frames are significantly less expensive than real sterling silver frames. Thats because rather than being 92.5% silver (by weight) like sterling silver, silver plated frames are composed of a thin layer of silver electroplated to another metal. For high quality silver plated frames, the underlying metal is brass while less expensive frames use other types of metal.

Silver plated frames are an excellent alternative to sterling silver because of this process. Silver plate allows you to have the beautiful look of real silver without the high cost. Silver plated picture frames are a great choice for a special gift or an important photo.

But before you start shopping, here are three tips for buying a silver plated frame.

Make Sure the Frame has a Tarnish Resistant Coating
Silver naturally tarnishes with use and age, but a lacquer coating on the frame will help protect the frame from tarnishing. Most new high quality silver plated frames have a tarnish resistant finish, but check with your frame retailer to be sure.

If you’re going to buy a silver plated picture frame, make sure that it’s tarnish resistant especially if it’s a gift. Nobody wants to get a gift that creates more work, so never give a silver picture frame unless it’s tarnish resistant.

I highly recommend that you never buy a silver plated frame without an assurance it has a tarnish resistant surface. If you have to regularly polish your silver plated frame, chances are you wont enjoy it and it will end up in a drawer because it is too much work to keep it shiny and looking beautiful.

Check if the Frame Can be Engraved
If you plan to buy a silver plated frame and have it engraved, be sure you purchase a frame that is made for engraving. To be engraved, a frame needs to have a smooth flat surface and the right type of finish. If you have a silver plated frame that’s not meant to be engraved, you could end up with a two-toned engraving. The reason for this is that the metal underneath the silver electroplated layer is not a silver color. Once the photo frame is engraved it will be too late to return it so always make sure it’s designed to be engraved before you buy it.

Set a Price Range or Budget for Your Frame Purchase
Whether or not you stick to a budget, it is a good idea to have a price range in mind when shopping for any quality silver frame. There is a wide range of sizes and prices so you should be able to find a frame that is exactly the right size and in the price range you want.

It is easy to spend more than you can afford and have buyers remorse if you dont set a price range for your silver plated frame purchase. Dont ruin your enjoyment of your beautiful new frame because you are kicking yourself for spending too much money. Find a price range that you are comfortable with and buy a gorgeous silver plated frame within that price range and you will enjoy your silver plated frame for many years.

Hopefully these tips will help you select the perfect silver plated frame for yourself or to give as a gift. With the beauty of your new silver plated frame, it will be a frame youll enjoy for years and something youll want to pass down to future generations.

Suddenly: Frank Sinatra, Sterling Hayden, James Gleason and Nancy Gates (1954 Movie)