Do Silicone Rings Discolor?
Rings, a time-old piece of jewelry that is associated with numerous aspects of human life, that it is rather difficult to imagine life without them. Used to symbolize lifelong devotion to one's lover or an expression of association with a distinguished group of persons and one’s alma mater and even worn either subtly or boldly as a finishing touch to a person's ensemble.
However, it cannot be ignored that rings are small and could be one of the priciest articles of clothing one would ever purchase. So why then do we still love to buy, hold onto them and pass them down through the generations? If we acknowledge their potent symbolism, we ought to also acknowledge their quality craftsmanship and aesthetic as they age with us.
Then, we, therefore, ask an important question, do silicone rings discolor as they age with the wearer?
What is Discoloration?
Discoloration is the act of changing the natural color of something by making it duller, unnatural, or faded. This is typically when the coating applied to a material's surface changes color due to sunlight, air pollution, humidity, or other environmental conditions. This is especially true for clear coating and clear silicones.
Clear coating is used to protect against erosion by providing a continuous film, can be tinted to the personal liking of the user and is usable throughout its entire shelf-life
The chemical composition of silicone and as such the silicone rings bottles down to longevity, quality, and less discoloration as compared to traditional metal rings. We know better, because the science has helped us develop better rings. Silicone is a polymer and is classified as both a metal and non-metal (a metalloid if you will) which gives it distinct character from the onset. The best way to understand how discoloration occurs and how far silicone rings are resistant to this type of damage, it
would be best to examine the different factors behind discoloration and compare it to how traditional metal rings fare.
Typically, silicone can either be clear or heavily pigmented with the wearer's color of choice. As mentioned above, clear coating or clear silicone is more likely to discolor as compared to pigmented silicone. Discolored clear silicone would turn yellow but can still be cleared up easily without the need for expensive cleaning products. The yellowing of the polymer material can be due to thermal, photooxidation, radiation or oxidation exposure. With this in mind, it would be best advised to opt for silicone rings with a tint or heavily pigmented as this type of ring will discolor at a snail’s pace compared to clear silicone and an even slower rate compared to metals.
AO Originals’ Silicone Rings have this concern at heart with all their products. It would be interesting to compare how traditional metal rings discolor over time and what causes it.
Wear and Tear
Great for everyday wear either on the go or doing some passive activity, the pliability of silicone reduces the rate of wear and tear due to friction; which, on the other hand, causes a dullness on traditional metal rings. The stretchiness of the polymers help in mitigating against scratches that would discolor the ring when combined with different climatic conditions. Silicone rings are made for toughness and can be used in extreme temperatures ranging between -60°c to as high as 200°c. Nothing can beat that AO Originals' quality craftsmanship.
Also, most wearers of silicone rings state that their rings shimmer brighter even though they would wear them to the gym. After all, AO Originals’ Silicone Rings shatter when crushed by a force (not mass) of 9kgs, which is safe to say that tears at the gym are not problematic. Highly pigmented silicone as per the choice of the wearer fades away at a snail’s pace due to the layers upon layers of color.
Traditional metal rings
Rings in this category are typically, Gold, Silver and Platinum which despite having different properties as individual metals, still have commonalities we can look to, to determine how much wear and tear is enough to reduce the luster of the ring.
It must be stated that metals are not as pigmented as silicones can be, hence metals can lose their distinct color and instead develop a patina. The most common wear and tear that these rings suffer from are scratches, micro scratches and general friction that the hands are exposed to as they work. This heightened sensitivity to friction, make the metals dull and this is unavoidable; thus, turning what was once an extravagant gift into metal-work with fine lines.
Environmental Exposure
Temperature changes and changes in humidity are things that no one can escape, even when wearing gloves on your hands. Silicone is to an extent resistant to UV Rays and so fears of sun discoloration are very limited, especially since silicone is highly pigmented.
Silicone can trap moisture as it is not an absorbent and this would mean that humidity could discolor silicone rings, especially after gym works. However, the discoloration is not as dramatic and would typically be on the inside of the ring. The risk of potential discoloration can be averted by simply removing your silicone ring from time to time, usually during baths or sleeping.
Metals are more sensitive to environmental fluctuations, hence are treated by plating them with Rhodium. However, there are still some major concerns to be addressed:
- Although Silver is inexpensive and a very popular choice for rings, it easily gets tarnished compared to all other materials. Silver can turn black due to a reaction with hand creams and some perfumes. Did you know that acidic skin, which is common with heavy meat eaters, can discolor silver rings and other jewelry?
- White Gold can turn yellowish in color due to plating separation and the base gold metal underneath starting to show.
- Yellow Gold and Rose Gold are mixed alloys and can discolor due to low quality plating and corrosion. The alloys mixed with gold, in particular silver, corrode and creat a dulling discoloring effect.
- Pure Gold is not the best choice either given that it's softness makes it more likely to suffer from abrasion. Discoloring can also occure from contact with make-up or cosmetics with many hard metals as part of the ingredients list.
- Platinum is also a popular metal of choice though it is very heavy and can be expensive depending on the jeweler. Platinum is strong and discolors at a very slow rate, unless if exposed to harsh chemicals. Scratches do occur but at a very minimal rate unlike the afformentioned metals.
Generally, metals are more likely to develop a patina over time, especially gold rings. Moreover, consider the new normal that we live in, where inorder to protect others and ourselves against the Corona Virus we must frequently wash our hands with potent alcohol senitizers and then moisturize our hands. The frequency of these chemicals and added moisture create build-up on metal rings and would make them to appear dirty and, thus discolored.
What also needs to be mentioned is that metal rings tend to discolor the wearer's finger either green or black. Definitely not a glamorous sight! Now just consider the
superiority and convenience that AO Originals has brought to the market with their Silicone Rings.
Cost of Repairs once Damaged
Due to their sturdiness, it would not be very often that your AO Originals Ring would need repairing, however, if the need arises all rings come with a lifetime guarantee, allowing you to repair them without difficulty or hidden costs. It is for all these wondrous characteristics and aspects why silicone rings are suitable to be worn all the time for all kinds of activities and daily adventures.
White Gold and Yellow Gold rings need replating as soon as discoloration starts to show. Silver Rings also need to be replated at least once every two years with Rhodium to give it a shiny silver finish. However, if silver rings are not kept properly, the damage to the rings would result in higher costs if not outright replacement. Platinum rings will need to be professionally polished by a jeweller once scratches start to make the ring dull. Overall these facts cannot be ignored when comparing different rings types and what they have to offer. The superiority of silicone cannot be denied.
Spoil Yourself with an Endearing Gift
It is never too late to start a tradition where a ring becomes a family heirloom passed down from one generation to the next, or to step out in style with the right accént piece for your wardrobe whatever the season. A Classic Ring or Plane Love silicone ring is a great place to start.
With all things being considered, it then therefore makes sense to get a gift that symbolizes quality and is aesthetically pleasing. One that is not susceptible to discoloration in comparison to its counterparts. One that possesses the essence of withstanding the test of time. If you want to complete the above equation then add in longevity at an affordable price of €10 - €30, and we say gift yourself with an AO Originals Silicone Ring!