Which Ring Is Right for You?
Choosing a wedding ring can be hard. You want something comfortable enough to wear every day, but it also has to complement your style. And if you work with your hands or in risky situations, you have to consider safety, too.
This guide will show you what silicone wedding rings and metal wedding bands can offer to help you decide which ring is a good match for you and your spouse.
Silicone Wedding Ring: Pros & Cons
The nice thing about a silicone wedding ring is that you can put it on and forget about it. It’s flexible, so even if your fingers swell on and off throughout the day, your ring won’t dig into your skin. And if you work with your hands, you don’t have to worry about your wedding ring causing a tragic injury if it gets caught.
Unlike a metal wedding ring, a silicone band is…
Safe in all situations because it’s designed to break with 20.87 pounds of force (in other words, the band will break before your ring finger is ever compromised).
Non-carcinogenic, hypoallergenic (it doesn’t cause weird rashes), and chemically inert (it doesn’t adversely react to most chemicals).
100% non-conductive, so it’s safe for electricians and linemen to wear on the job.
Can withstand extreme temperatures, making it a good fit for firefighters.
Ozone and UV resistant (meaning the color won’t fade over time).
The drawbacks of a silicone wedding ring? Given that it’s designed to prioritize safety, it may not last as long as, say, a platinum wedding band. But that durability comes at a cost – if a platinum band gets caught on something while you’re working, it’s taking your finger with it.
So if you’re a traditionalist who wants a ring that can be passed on from generation to generation, a silicone wedding band may not be your first choice. However, a silicone ring is affordable to replace and you can wear it nonstop without worry. That peace of mind can be worth its weight in gold.
To learn more about whether a silicone wedding ring is a good fit for you, check out “Bend and Break: Why Try a Rubber Wedding Band” and “7 Signs an Alternative Wedding Ring Is Right for You.”
Metal Wedding Ring: Pros and Cons
When most people think of wedding rings, the image of a shiny gold band springs to mind. Traditionally, modern wedding bands are made of precious metal, such as gold, silver, or platinum.
Precious metal wedding rings are…
Durable and can last generations, if taken care of properly.
Valuable, which might be important to some couples.
Easily customized with gemstones for added flair.
Easy to engrave.
The downside? Metal wedding rings aren’t safe for everyone to wear no matter their profession or situation. For example, they…
Conduct electricity, which means electricians can’t safely wear them on the job.
Can cause ring avulsions if they get stuck on something because these metals don’t break easily.
Aren’t necessarily hypoallergenic (this depends on the metal alloy).
Can be difficult to remove in emergency situations.
Can be expensive to replace if lost or stolen.
To learn more about the potential risk of wearing a metal band, read “Titanium Wedding Ring? Time to Switch to a Rubber Wedding Band.”
Final Verdict
There’s no such thing as the “right” wedding ring. Pick the ring that fits your lifestyle, and don’t get bogged down by what’s considered traditional.
Even if you prefer a metal wedding ring, it’s important to ask yourself if the risk of wearing a metal band all the time is worth it. You can’t wear it in every situation without risking your health and safety.
It’s also worth remembering that our understanding of what’s traditional changes. After all, Ancient Egyptians exchanged bands made of reed and hemp to symbolize their devotion.
So it’s not so much about what the ring is made of – it’s about what it symbolizes to you and your spouse. Feel free to expand your horizons when trying to find the ring that’s right for you two.
