Are Silicone or Metal Rings Better?

For the modern consumer looking to purchase a ring for any purpose, whether it's wedding-related or in any other area, you have a number of great options. Two that are often compared with one another, and are likely the two most popular ring options out there today: Traditional metal rings (the kind that often have special stones like diamonds attached to them) and silicone rings. 

At Enso Rings, we're proud to offer a wide selection of silicone rings for any need, from wedding and engagement rings for both men and women to themes like fashion rings and more -- we even have many kid-themed ring collections, such as our Star Wars and Disney rings. These rings often serve as great alternatives to traditional metal rings, which may have a few issues for certain people. Which of these is the ideal choice for your next ring need? The answer will depend on several factors, each of which we'll go over here. 

Durability

When it comes to durability, this is one area where both silicone rings and metal rings have some excellent perks. But while metal has some features that can't be denied, silicone rings are extremely durable as well. They're often made of TPU, a type of plastic specifically designed to prevent wear and tear from occurring on your ring -- this means even if you use your hands more throughout the day than many people, like by working in a tough construction job or even just by being an avid DIYer and hobbyist, you won't have to worry about your ring slipping off of your finger. 

Now, neither of these options is simply invincible, either. For instance, a metal ring can be scratched or bent if a heavy enough impact takes place. You won't have to worry about it if you're just at home and not doing any heavy lifting or getting your hands dirty, but if you do have a very active lifestyle then it may not be the best choice. But with that said, there are some metals that are softer and more flexible than others.

Comfort

Another major consideration for anyone buying a ring is comfort. And here's the big perk of choosing a silicone ring: it's very, very comfortable to wear all day long. This is thanks to its softness and flexibility, and even if you have an active lifestyle in which your hands are often getting dirty or having other substances on them that can be hard to clean off, such as paint or grease, you don't have to worry about the ring causing discomfort or getting stuck on the material.

In this area, metal rings tend to come up a bit short in many cases. They just don't have the same kind of softness or flexibility that silicone rings do; this means they can be a bit more uncomfortable to wear, especially if you're someone who has your hands in water a lot or just naturally perspires quite a bit. And while metal rings are generally easier to clean than the surfaces of things like plastic and wood, it can still be tough to completely get off all the grime and oil that can build up throughout the day without having to use a strong cleaning agent.

Safety

For some people, such as those who work in risky environments like construction or welding but want to wear a ring throughout the day, metal rings aren't the best. Because they're such a hard material, any situation where they become caught on an object can lead to real dangers, such as cutting or ripping your finger open. 

Silicone rings are a much safer option for these purposes. They're specifically designed to be flexible to a point -- but then to break off instead of causing injury. This can be a major benefit if you have to really tug on something while wearing a ring, as it's much less likely to cause harm than if you had been using a metal ring.

Cost

One area where there's a very clear winner when it comes to choosing between silicone or metal rings is cost. The former tends to be much more affordable, which can be a major benefit for those on tight budgets. And even if you don't have that big of a concern with your budget, consider this: when you buy several silicone rings in bulk (which tend to vary in price depending on their exact specifications and features, but can be bought on the cheap if you know where to look), that's potentially a lot of money saved compared to having to regularly purchase metal ones as they break down over time or get lost.

Replaceability 

Down similar lines, silicone rings are also much easier to replace if they're ever damaged, lost or stolen. Unlike metal and diamond rings, which are typically one-of-a-kind items and thus can be very costly to replace, silicone rings often come in multiple sizes so that they're not just easily available but affordable, too.

When all is said and done, both metal and silicone rings have their benefits depending on your lifestyle and preferences. But if you want a great deal of comfort as well as safety for your hands when working or otherwise getting them dirty, silicone rings are the clear winner.

For more on this, or to learn about any of our silicone ring options, speak to our team at Enso Rings today.