3 Tips to Buying a Real Silver Photo Frame on a Budget

If you’ve always loved the look of sterling silver frames but didn’t want to spend that much on a frame then you should consider looking 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 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 picture frames, the metal underneath the silver plate is brass whereas other 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 the Frame has a Tarnish Resistant CoatingSilver 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 receive a gift that adds to their workload so never give a silver frame unless it has a tarnish resistant coating.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.Verify that the Frame is Designed for EngravingIf you plan to buy a silver plated frame and have it engraved, be sure you purchase a frame that is 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 the wrong type of silver plated frame engraved, you could end up with a two-toned engraving. The reason for this is that the metal underneath the silver eletroplated layer is not a silver colored metal. Once the frame is engraved and you realize the mistake, you will have a frame that is unattractive that you cannot return.Set a Price Range or Budget for Your Frame PurchaseWhether 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 buyer’s remorse – if you don’t set a price range for your silver plated frame purchase. Don't ruin your enjoyment of your new silver frame because you spent too much.  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 picture 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 you’ll enjoy for years and something you’ll want to pass down to future generations.