If you're just being introduced to the world of silicone and silicone rings, you may be well aware that this is a flexible, soft material that's comfortable to wear. Naturally, though, you may have a follow-up question: Because of this flexibility, is a silicone ring durable enough for my needs?

At Enso Rings, we're here to tell you that the answer is a firm "yes." Our wide selection of silicone rings, ranging from our handcrafted rings to various collections such as Star Wars or Disney, are not only comfortable and flexible, but also immensely durable against numerous different elements or threats. Here's a basic primer on how durable a silicone ring is, plus how long you can expect it to last with some basic care and maintenance. 

Extreme Temperatures

One of the key qualities of silicone rings is their ability to resist extreme temperatures. Compared to metal, wood, and other materials, silicone is much more resistant to high or low temperatures (including those as hot as 700 degrees Fahrenheit). 

Because of this resistance against the extreme heat and cold, you won't have to worry about your ring losing its shape - no matter how hot it gets outside during the summer or how cold it gets during the winter. This makes a silicone ring ideal for use during both the summer and winter months, since it will keep its form no matter what type of temperature shifts occur.

Water-Resistant

In addition, silicone rings are also water-resistant. This makes them ideal for use in situations such as washing the dishes, doing the laundry, using a dishwasher, and more. Since the ring won't absorb any water, it will keep its form and clean up easily -- and also won't change its shape or lose its color.

Not a Conductor

Silicone rings also do not conduct either heat or electricity, making them excellent choices for people who work in jobs that involve both. If you work with cars, motorcycles, on airplanes, or on metal grills, your hands are likely to be exposed to some extreme temperatures on a daily basis. 

Additionally, if you may have the potential of coming into contact with electric currents while working on your job -- such as working on the electronics of cars and motorcycles -- you'll want to opt for a silicone ring. Not only will it provide insulation against high temperatures, but also keep your hands safe from electrical currents that could impair your ability to work at all.

This is beneficial not only to your hands and safety, but also to your more expensive metal rings. Instead of exposing these to the high temperatures involved with jobs such as cooking or welding, you can keep them safe in a jewelry box and wear your silicone ring instead -- and then switch back out once your shift is over.

Not Rigid

Finally, it's vital for us to mention that despite their durability and properties that help them withstand various threats, silicone rings are not rigid. If you're in a situation where you have injured your finger, you may need to remove your silicone ring -- this is very easy, and there are even some settings where the ring itself will break off if it sustains too much force. 

This stops your finger from being injured if you happen to snag your ring on something, and it also means that you won't have to worry about potentially damaging your finger or hand by wearing a rigid ring during such situations.

How Long Will a Silicone Ring Last?

Based on everything we've gone over, how long will your silicone ring last you? The answer depends on how well you care for it, but most can last a very long time. Here are some general tips on how to extend its lifespan:

• Regular cleaning: Just like any other form of jewelry, you'll want to take care of your ring and keep it clean. Wash it once a week in warm, soapy water -- do not use abrasive cleaners such as dish soap, though. Also avoid wearing rings while you wash dishes or when cleaning with harsh chemicals or bleach. 

• Storage: Store your silicone ring somewhere where it won't be soiled or exposed to high temperatures. This may be a box reserved just for your ring, or you could even place it in a sock and store it with other pairs of socks so that it will stay safe while out of sight.

• Maintaining a comfortable temperature: Silicone rings are resistant against hot and cold temperatures, but only to an extent. You'll want to avoid exposing it to extremes, as this may affect the shape of your ring and may make it uncomfortable for you to wear.

• Sleep removal: Generally, we recommend removing your ring when you go to bed and keeping it safe near your jewelry box or sock storage. This is because your fingers typically swell during sleep, and if you wear a silicone ring, it may become too tight to wear comfortably.

• Shower removal: While you technically can wear your ring in the shower if you want to, removing it will prevent accumulation of water underneath it. This may cause your silicone ring to deteriorate faster, so we suggest removing it when you shower and storing it until the end of your shower.

• Tightening: If you find that your ring is too loose, always err on the side of caution by removing it rather than playing a dangerous game where you risk losing the ring. Tightening your ring is an option, but you'll want to ensure it's done correctly -- always take it to a professional jeweler instead of trying the do-it-yourself route.

For more on how well your silicone ring will hold up and why it's a fantastic option if you care about durability, speak to the staff at Enso Rings today.