Decision Guide: Silicone Ring vs Metal or Diamond Ring

When you are in the market to get a new ring, there are a lot of choices that you will be making. As various different types of rings grow in popularity, there are more choices than ever for all different budgets and styles and preferences. In this guide, we’ll help you learn more about the features that you find in traditional metal wedding bands and engagement rings, as well as the features of a silicone ring so you can decide which one is best for you.

Comfort

One of the most important things you need to decide is how comfortable you want your ring to be. Many people don’t think a lot about this because they assume that rings are going to be metal, and therefore they won’t be very comfortable. But since your ring is something that you will likely wear on your finger every day (or almost every day) for the rest of your life, it’s definitely worth considering how comfortable it will be.

Metal rings

These rings are made of very hard materials that are not designed with any “give” at all. Because the metal is not designed to stretch or flex at all, these rings can be very uncomfortable to wear. They are especially uncomfortable when your fingers swell or change; for example, you wouldn’t want to wear your ring during a workout or a long hike in the middle of summer because your fingers get larger and it can cut off the circulation and become very uncomfortable.

Silicone rings

These rings are made of stretchy silicone rubber, which is naturally designed to flex and bend with your fingers. That means you will be able to wear your ring under any circumstances—from hot days to cold days as your fingers change size, while pregnant with swollen hands, and even if you gain or lose some weight.

Winner for comfort: Silicone

Durability

When you purchase a ring, especially a wedding ring, it’s something you expect to have for years to come and maybe even for the rest of your life. That means you need a material that will hold up no matter what happens and what you put your ring through.

Metal rings

Made of a very solid material that is not designed to break, even under pretty extreme circumstances. Jewelers often use the Mohs Scale to measure gemstone hardness, but the same can be applied to metal. The material you choose for your ring can impact how hard and durable it will be. A diamond, which is one of the hardest substances on Earth, is rated at a 10. Plastic and other flimsy materials are rated 1. The most common metals and their corresponding hardness level include:

  • Gold and silver: 2.5 - 3

  • Platinum: 4 -4.5

  • Palladium: 4.75

  • Titanium: 6

  • Tungsten: 7.5

  • Tungsten carbide: 8.5 - 9

Anything that rates higher on the hardness scale can scratch or damage something with a lower rating. Metal rings, especially those made of tungsten carbine (which is increasingly popular for men’s wedding bands) are some of the most durable materials available.

Silicone rings

While they do not rate on the same hardness scale, it’s important to note that silicone rings are very durable for a rubber material. They are thick and made of high-quality rubber to withstand almost anything you put them through. Since they are rubber, they can break if they are subjected to extreme force, but in some cases that’s a good thing (see the info about safety below). While they’re definitely not as durable as metal, these rings won’t fall apart on you either.

Winner for durability: Metal

Safety

Rings are something that people wear on their hands almost every day, and when they are metal rings, they come with significant safety concerns.

Metal rings

These rings can put you at risk for two types of injuries:

  • Ring avulsion, where a ring is violently pulled from your finger after getting caught on something in your environment.

  • Electrocution, where your metal ring becomes a conductor of electricity.

Both of these can lead to serious injuries, and even fatality in some cases. Many high-risk workplaces like electricians, heavy machine operators, firefighters, and military won’t allow metal rings because of safety concerns.

Silicone rings

Unlike metal rings, silicone will not conduct electricity and it will not put you at risk for a ring avulsion injury. These rings are designed with stretchy rubber that can break if necessary, so if it gets caught on something and there is enough force to harm your finger, the ring will take the punishment instead. Rubber also won’t conduct electricity so it’s very safe to use. For other applications, like working out at the gym or going outdoors, it can put you at ease knowing your fingers won’t be in any risk of injury.

Winner for safety: Silicone

Cost

When it’s time to buy one of these rings, cost is also going to factor in. The good news for you is that you can get a super stylish silicone ring (and even get it engraved) for a fraction of the price of a metal wedding band or diamond ring.

Average costs for different ring types:

Winner for cost: Silicone

Conclusion

Overall winner: Silicone wedding rings

There are many differences between these two types of rings, and these differences are often the key to figuring out which one is going to work best for you. Metal wedding bands and diamond rings have long been the default choice for people who are planning to get married, but they don’t always offer what you need. If you live an active life, work in a setting where metal rings are dangerous or not allowed, or you simply prefer to save some money and not spend it all on a piece of metal or a diamond, a silicone ring is often a better choice.

Shop the full selection of silicone wedding rings and options at Enso Rings to find one that fits your personal preferences and your style today.

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