How to Select an Affordable Real 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. That's because instead of being 92.5% silver by weight like sterling silver, silver plated frames are made of a thin layer of silver that's 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 picture frames are a great alternative to sterling silver because of this cost effective process. Silver plate allows you to have the beautiful look of real silver without the high cost. Silver plated frames are a beautiful choice for a special gift or special photograph.
But before you start looking for a silver frame, here are three things to watch out for when buying a silver plated picture frame.
Make Sure it is Tarnish Resistant
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 are going to spend your money on a high quality silver plated frame, be sure that it has a tarnish resistant finish, especially if it is 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 strongly recommend that you never buy a silver plated frame without verifying that it has a tarnish resistant coating on the frame surface. If you have to polish your silver frame regularly, you won't enjoy it as much and will end up putting it away because it will be too much work to keep it looking shiny and beautiful.
Check if the Frame Can be Engraved
If you want a silver plated picture frame for engraving, make sure to get a frame that is specifically made for engraving. In order to be engraved, the frame needs to have a flat smooth surface and have a thick enough silver plate finish that's designed for engraving. 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's easy to spend more and get buyer's remorse if you don't set a price range for what you want to spend. Don't 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 picture frame, it will be a frame you'll enjoy and pass on to future generations to enjoy.
Autumn Lockwood loves taking pictures and is a writer for YourPictureFrames.com. Your Picture Frames offers a large selection of beautiful silver picture frames in a variety of finishes, colors, styles and sizes. If you're looking for beautiful silver plated picture frames give us a call or visit us at => YourPictureFrames.com
