While traditional metal and stone rings can be elegant and beautiful, they come with a few potential drawbacks in the practical realm. Some of these can be found among those who either live or work in moist, humid environments, who may find a common issue on their rings: Rust and similar forms of corrosion. 

At Enso Rings, we're here to offer a fantastic alternative: Silicone rings, which we offer in numerous styles, from specific men's and women's rings through engagement rings, fashion rings and many more. The durability and practicality of silicone rings is a huge part of what makes them so popular among many people, whether on their own or as alternatives to pricier metal rings that may also have certain practical issues. What are some of the practical issues such metal rings pose, including rust, and how do silicone rings serve as a great option for those who don't want to deal with these issues? Here's a primer.

Steel and Rusting

Many people choose steel for their wedding or engagement ring band, and there's nothing wrong with this choice -- steel is resistant to scratches and looks great on the hand. However, those who are regularly in moist or humid conditions will often find an issue with steel bands: Rusting and other corrosive elements form on the ring very quickly, and over time the ring can begin to look quite worn.

This is not a problem that silicone rings suffer from, as silicone is non-corrosive and will not rust even when exposed to moisture regularly. Silicone rings are even worn regularly by those who work in metalworking and other environments where steel rings would not fare well.

Platinum and Scratches

Another popular ring band material option for many people is platinum. It is also a very durable metal, but it does suffer from one common issue: scratches. Platinum can be easily scratched by other materials, and over time these scratches can accumulate and make the ring look quite worn.

This is not a problem that silicone rings suffer from, as silicone is non-scratchable. In fact, silicone rings can even be worn while working with other materials without fear of scratching the ring. This makes silicone a great choice for those who work with their hands regularly or who are concerned about scratches on their ring.

In addition, platinum is known to feel denser on the hand, as it's heavier than gold and many other metals. Silicone rings, on the other hand, feel light and airy on the hand, making them a popular choice for those who do not want a bulky ring.

Titanium and Dulling

Titanium rings share one major property with silicone rings: They're hypoallergenic, making them perfect for those with metal allergies. However, titanium rings can also suffer from one common issue: They can quickly lose their shine and become quite dull looking.

This is not a problem that silicone rings suffer from, as silicone does not discolor or lose its shine over time. In fact, silicone rings often look just as shiny on day 1000 as they did on day 1. This makes silicone a great choice for those who want a ring that will maintain its shine over time.

On top of this, similar to platinum, titanium can scratch easily. Silicone rings, once again, are non-scratchable and can be worn without fear of damaging the ring. While titanium rings need to be polished regularly to maintain their shine, silicone rings do not require any sort of special maintenance to keep them looking their best.

Gold and Durability

Some enjoy gold for a wedding or engagement ring band, but the main issue here is durability. Gold needs to be mixed with other metals in order to make it more durable and less likely to bend or dent, but this also makes it more susceptible to scratches and other forms of damage.

This is not a problem that silicone rings suffer from, as silicone is a very durable material that will not bend or dent like gold can. In fact, silicone rings are often referred to as "unbreakable" and can withstand a great deal of wear and tear.

Gold is also a heavier metal than silicone, which can make it feel bulky on the hand. Silicone rings, on the other hand, are very light and airy, making them a popular choice for those who do not want a heavy ring.

Finally, for those with skin sensitivities, gold may not be the best choice as it is a reactive metal. Silicone rings, once again, are non-reactive and perfect for those with skin sensitivities.

Other Benefits of Silicone Rings

On top of each of the areas we've gone over above as specific examples of silicone rings' superiority to other types in various practical areas, here are some further benefits of silicone rings:

• Handling extreme temperatures: Silicone rings can handle a wide range of extreme temperatures, making them perfect for those who live in hot or cold climates.

• Fantastic grip: Silicone rings have an amazing grip, which makes them perfect for those who participate in activities that require a lot of hand dexterity or grip (like rock climbing, weightlifting, etc.).

• Non-conductive: Silicone is non-conductive, meaning it will not conduct electricity like metal rings can. This can be a safety feature for those who work with or around electrical equipment.

• Non-rigid: While silicone rings are very strong, they are also designed to break off if too much pressure is applied, making them a safe choice for those with small children or pets who may be prone to playing rough with jewelry.

For more on the non-rusting and other practical qualities of silicone rings that make them so attractive to many people, or to learn about our wide selection of silicone rings for numerous purposes, speak to the team at Enso Rings today.