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March 27, 2024

Do Silicone Rings Stretch?

Featured: The Aspen - Ash Gray

Silicone rings are an increasingly popular choice among shoppers seeking an alternative to traditional metal rings. Whether you want a budget-friendly option or a good backup wedding ring, silicone rings are made to hold up to everyday life. If you’re looking to purchase a silicone ring, you want to make sure you’re investing in something that will hold its shape over the long term. And since silicone rings are a fairly new addition to the jewelry world, you may have some questions, like whether they are stretchy. In this blog post, we’re answering some of the most common questions about silicone wedding rings, including “Do silicone rings stretch?” Let’s dive in!

What Are Silicone Rings?

Well, they’re just that. Rings made of silicone. Unsatisfying answer? Okay, fine. Silicone rings are made from a comfortable rubber that has a bit of give to it. They’re a great backup ring, especially for people with active lifestyles. There’s a whole bunch of confusing science about entropy and whatnot that underpins all this but, suffice to say, they’re comfortable, slightly stretchy rubber.

Are Silicone Rings Safe?

Assuming you don’t have an allergy to silicone, yes! Considering silicone rings are hypoallergenic, it’s very unlikely you’ll have a reaction to them anyway. Silicone rings are safe (and food-grade), so you’ll never have to worry when you wear them.

They provide a safe alternative to traditional rings, too. While metal offers timeless elegance, they pose safety risks in certain environments. Unlike their rigid counterparts, silicone rings stretch. This flexibility prevents ring avulsion, or degloving, injuries that can occur when a ring snags and forcefully removes tissue from the finger (or the entire finger). Ouch. In addition to being extremely painful, these injuries can cause bone fractures, tendon tears and amputation. 

The stretchy nature of silicone allows these rings to break away under pressure, protecting the wearer from serious harm. This makes them ideal for tradespeople, construction workers, athletes and anyone with an active lifestyle. And since silicone is non-conductive, they’re much safer than metal rings for electricians and others who work near electricity. If you’re looking for a piece of jewelry that looks great and offers peace of mind, consider swapping your traditional metal ring for one of our silicone wedding bands. 

Why Would I Want a Silicone Ring?

There are plenty of reasons you would want a silicone ring. They’re really a good idea for everyone to have (and we aren’t just saying that because we sell them). If you live an active lifestyle, work in a physically demanding profession or travel often, silicone rings are a great way to wear a ring without scratching your nice investment.

a woman wearing the aspen

This also makes them great rings for working out. If nothing else, they’re comfortable, light and low profile, so they won’t get in the way of your day-to-day life. If you’re someone who’s bad about losing things (no judgment), a silicone ring is much easier to replace than a gold one. Plus, you won’t need to insure it!

Silicone rings also just look really good. We aren’t operating on the Henry Ford model here. You can get them in black if you want to, but you aren’t limited to just neutral colors! Silicone rings come in a variety of colors, widths and styles. They’re available in all ring sizes, too. Their flexible material makes them great for people who are between ring sizes, too. 

Rings for Working Out: Everything You Need to Know

Are They Easy to Take Care of? 

Silicone rings, with their flexibility and durability, are low-maintenance companions. However, a little TLC goes a long way in keeping them looking their best. The good news is that caring for them is simple! For everyday cleaning, wash them with mild soap and warm water. For deeper grime, soak your ring in a vinegar and water solution (2:1 ratio) for 30 minutes and then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the silicone. When not wearing your silicone ring, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to prevent warping. With these simple steps, your silicone ring will retain its vibrant colors and comfortable fit for years to come.

But Do They Stretch?

Okay, the answer you came here for. In short, yes, they do. The longer version is that they do a little bit but probably not as much as you might think. We aren’t talking flubber here. Look, you don’t want silicone rings to stretch very much, so this news should come as a good thing to you. After all, if your ring stretches too much, it could fall off — and no one wants that!

Beyond stretching, silicone rings can actually break. That might not sound like a perk, but it absolutely can be. If you work, for example, in the trades, you’re often better off going with a silicone ring, as we mentioned earlier. Harder materials that aren’t meant to break can cause damage to your hand if you have an accident at work. A silicone ring, on the other hand, can snap away, preventing greater injury. And, again, silicone doesn’t conduct electricity, which is why it’s a popular choice for electricians who want to wear a ring on the job site.

a man wearing the journey silicone ring in green

Featured: The Journey - Green

If you’re in between sizes, sizing down will prevent your silicone ring from stretching too much and becoming loose. You can expect a tiny bit of stretch, so if your ring is a bit tight to begin with, don’t worry. If it’s anything beyond just a bit tight, though, size up. We also recommend sizing up if you wear a half size. As with all rings, make sure you double-check your ring size before purchasing. While not a particularly expensive option, why go through the hassle of returning it or having it fall off your finger because you bought the wrong size?

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