When on the hunt for alternatives to traditional wedding bands, silicone rings are the top contender. Silicone is durable, and it’s typically less expensive than other ring metals. A nickel-free alternative to most gold bands, silicone remains a top alternative for non-metal wedding rings, especially for those that suffer from sensitive skin or even a nickel allergy. We’re thrilled to hear that you’re considering buying a silicone ring. Apart from their immense value, these are rings that are beautiful, built to last, and represent individual style better than many other jewelry options on the market today. That doesn’t mean that choosing your first QALO will be an easy choice, though. With so many colors, shapes, and designs to choose from, making that first choice can be overwhelming. Here are the five things you need to ask yourself before you buy your first silicone ring. Will it warp? It’s a legitimate concern! Since silicone is a stretchy material, we understand that you may be concerned about how your ring will hold up over time. The good news is that while your ring may stretch to move with your finger, it will always return to its original shape. And while your ring may stretch slightly over time, it will never shrink. Unlike other alternative nickel-free bands, such as titanium wedding bands or even tungsten wedding bands, the ability for silicone to stretch slightly as you move throughout the day will make it more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time. Additionally, silicone rings don’t tarnish, so they’ll stay in pristine condition for much longer than a metal wedding band would. How sensitive is my skin? Jewelry experts estimate that up to 5% of people have a metal sensitivity or allergy. One of the most common skin ailments is a nickel allergy. That means that, depending on how sensitive they are, a traditional ring can cause their finger to turn colors, break out in hives, or even develop blisters. For these people, the easy choice is a hypoallergenic silicone ring. But buyer beware! Not all silicone is made the same, and some silicone rings could be made with other elements as well, leading to more skin sensitivity issues, especially for those with metal allergies. That’s why QALO uses only the highest quality silicone in our rings. That way you’re guaranteed a hypoallergenic experience that even the most sensitive of skin can handle. And, while you might be tempted to go for an engagement ring or wedding band made of precious metals that is also nickel-free, many other metals can still cause contact dermatitis, a skin condition that simply translates to an itchy rash on your skin. Even pure gold rings or ceramic rings can cause your skin to suffer from allergic reaction symptoms. However, you’ll often find that the reason your skin is discolored or itchy is due to the chemicals that might have gotten onto your ring throughout the day. That’s why it’s important to keep your ring clean - that way, you minimize the risk of causing any additional irritability on your skin. We often get asked can you be allergic to silicone, and the answer is typically no - but you can be allergic to other materials found in poor quality silicone, or the materials and chemicals you come into contact with daily. That’s why we consider our rings to be hypoallergenic wedding bands - they are made of the best materials, so your risk of wearing an allergenic ring is slim to none! Are silicone wedding bands comfortable? Silicone rings are the height of comfort. They’re designed to be light as air and flexible, meaning that they move with your hand. One concern that many people have is that the rings will be hot, or cause their fingers to sweat. While this can happy with a rubber ring, we offer a number of styles that are designed with a comfort fit. Whether you choose one of our fashionable astrology rings or something more simple, we’ve got the perfect ring for you. That means your QALO will be comfortable, breathable, and guaranteed to move with you. One of the benefits of a hypoallergenic ring from QALO is that we only use the best silicone with you in mind. We’d never want to wear an uncomfortable ring, so why should you? Looking for something that mimics a traditional wedding ring, without the metal? We have a line of metallic silicone bands that come in modern rose gold, a beautiful yellow gold imitation and even a white gold option! Will it break? Yes. But only if it needs to. Instead of seeing the potential for breakage as a setback for silicone, consider this − If your finger ever becomes caught in a dangerous situation, a silicone ring will break free of your finger, whereas a traditional metal ring cannot. In this way, yes, your ring may be broken, but your finger won’t be. Plus, if breakage or damage does occur, that's covered under our warranty. Learn more about it here. Depending on your career, a silicone ring could actually be a must. Those who work in difficult conditions, such as law enforcement, hospitals or even the military can benefit from rings that provide easy accessibility to removal in the event of an emergency. Plus, you don’t have to worry about scratching the metal - silicone rings are entirely scratch-resistant! Will I love it? We think this is an easy yes. But, of course, that decision is ultimately yours. Since silicone rings are an emerging fashion, we make it easy to try them with little risk. First, you can use our tips for ring sizing to find the perfect size. And then, later, if you receive your ring and decide that you don’t love the color, design, or fit, we’ve got you covered. You can check out our full exchange and refund policy, here. Choosing hypoallergenic jewelry will really go a long way in ensuring that you can show your commitment for years to come.