Source: David Shao/Shutterstock.com You just got engaged, and you’ve got a beautiful ring on your finger. It sparkles in the sunlight and looks great in every photo you take. But, with the pandemic going on, you might be worried all the excessive hand-washing and sanitizing can ruin your ring. It’s a valid question, especially for couples who have been looking for engagement rings for active lifestyles. Lucky for you, there’s an alternative to your shiny ring that can keep it safe from any harsh elements: silicone rings! Will Hand Sanitizer Ruin My Diamond or Metal Ring? First things first. Let’s talk about any diamond or metal rings you have. Whether it’s your high school class ring or your wedding bands, soap and water or hand sanitizer won’t ruin them right off the bat. However, prolonged contact with the harsh chemicals in rubbing alcohol and other cleaning agents can dim the metal, potentially discolor it or weaken it. In fact, leaving your gold ring in bleach for too long can dissolve it completely! Plus, the chemicals and soap scum buildup can discolor your diamond or gemstones — so take off the ring when showering, swimming or cleaning. For some, especially those in the medical field, this constant “take off your ring to wash, dry and then put back on again,” routine can get old very quickly. It’s so much easier to lose your ring this way — you might leave it on the edge of a sink and accidentally send it sliding down the drain! Source: Kwangmoozaa/Shutterstock.com What Can I Do to Keep My Metal Ring Protected? Your rings are important — if you have metal ones, they probably cost over a thousand dollars! You’ll want to keep them protected and in pristine condition for years to come. We always recommend you invest in a set of silicone rings, especially if you are a first responder or someone who typically works with harsh chemicals frequently. If you’re in the market for an engagement ring, our silicone wedding bands for women are a great alternative to a traditional metal band. If you know she’s set on having a diamond engagement ring, then we still recommend getting a silicone ring for her to wear when she works out, goes on trips or is doing anything that might damage her ring. Check Out Our Silicone Wedding Bands for Women Your Bride Is Sure to Love When you do wear your metal ring, avoid wearing it while working out, swimming or cleaning. Consider only wearing it on special occasions, such as dinner parties, weddings or for any family photoshoots you do. You might think date night is the perfect opportunity to wear your metal rings, but if it involves bowling, golfing or any other sporting activity, you’ll want to think again! Consider what activities you’ll be doing and whether or not you could lose or damage your ring while doing them. That will help you to keep your metal ring protected to last for years! Source: Riderfoot/Shutterstock.com How Do I Keep My Silicone Ring from Getting Ruined? Silicone rings are less susceptible to ruin from harsh chemicals than metal ones — one of the best advantages of wearing a silicone ring! Our rings are built to withstand heat, pressure and cleaning agents other rings can’t. Whether you’re a firefighter fending off flames in industrial buildings or a professional rock climber breaking records around the world, our silicone rings are perfect for your lifestyle. Even if you’re just heading out to the grocery store, a silicone ring can come in handy — ever lost a diamond after the prong snapped when it got stuck in one of the holes of the grocery cart? Soft and comfortable, silicone rings will ensure you can still live your life while showing off your style. Our rings come in a variety of colors and sizes to ensure everyone can find the perfect ring. Learn How to Clean a Silicone Ring in Our Guide! However, as with all items, you’ll want to keep it clean. No one wants a dirty ring! Even though our silicone rings don’t absorb gross smells from gasoline or other cleaning chemicals, dirt, sweat and grime can still build up on it. Prevent any rashes or smells from your ring by cleaning it frequently. It’s important to know how to clean a silicone ring because a clean ring will last for years! You can throw it in the dishwasher — in the silverware container, of course — for an easy and quick clean, or soak it with some dish soap and water for a few minutes. No scrubbing required!