While we can’t speak for you readers, most patients care a lot about what their doctor wears. A 2016 study found that over 50% of participants said how their attending doctor dresses matters. “Perhaps this is why most doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals often go without rings.” You may think. Well, no. It’s not forbidden for doctors or nurses to wear rings. There are, in fact, rings for medical professionals.
The real issue is more about how small jewelry may impact their job.
A doctor can’t wear a ring if it’s going to get in the way of work. Specific ring options work best for some medical professionals.
Keep reading if you’re interested in purchasing professional jewelry. We’re going to discuss why rings can be troublesome in the medical field and the kind of rings for medical professionals.
Why A Medical Professional May Not Wear Rings
Let’s get one thing out of the way – doctors can wear small jewelry, depending on where they work and their job regulations. Some jobs may disallow rings for safety reasons.
There are concerns that rings may harbor or transport bacteria. In the interest of full disclosure, a study says there is no conclusive evidence that rings may contain harmful bacteria.
You could argue disallowing rings is more of a precaution than defending from an explicitly proven fact. Regardless, safety is just one reason why doctors and other medical professionals may not wear rings.
Rings May Be Uncomfortable
Not wearing a ring may be a matter of comfort for many medics. Medical professionals often work with their hands for much of their day. A ring could become uncomfortable to wear during work.
Doctors also must provide some degree of comfort to their patients. Metal rings and other jewelry can get cold and feel bad against a patient’s skin.
What You Must Consider in A Ring
Ok, you’ve decided to ask your partner for their hand in marriage. That’s wonderful! But – you still have to choose a ring. You don’t want something boring, but you’re worried specific rings aren’t suitable for their work.
Here are a few things you need to consider. Gloves regularly feature in a doctor’s or nurse’s work. Whatever ring you get can’t be something that’s going to tear through latex.
The ring will also take punishment from constant hand washing. It’s good practice to opt for germ-resistant materials as well. We said there’s no conclusive evidence that rings carry germs, but no need to take risks.
Many medical professions are fast-paced, and doctors can’t afford to slow down. The ring you choose would ideally be low profile and less prone to snagging onto items within the office.
Types of Rings for Medical Professionals
The first type of ring we’ll discuss doesn’t belong to any specific subset. Sturdy rings are the best kind of professional jewelry you could buy.
Small gemstones and strong metals can withstand the rigors of your partner’s work. Silver and gold are soft metals prone to dings and scratches. White gold is especially easy to damage.
If you decide on white gold, get a rhodium-plated ring so it can better withstand wear and damage. One of the strongest metals you could pick is platinum. It’s weighter than other metals but less likely to get scratched.
Low Set, Bezel Set, and Germ-Resistant Rings
Low-set rings are great for clinical, fast-paced settings. Typically, a ring’s gem separates slightly away from the overall structure. But, low-set rings have their jewels built closer into the band and sit closer to the finger.
Low-set rings are much less prone to snagging onto counter corners, medical machinery, or laboratory tools. A low-set gem won’t press as much against your hands while washing them and won’t burst through latex gloves.
Bezel-set rings consist of gems surrounded by small encasements of metal. Many ring gems are held by sharp edges that can hook onto objects.
The rounded edge on the bezel set rings is smooth enough that it won’t snag latex gloves or your partner or patient’s skin.
If your focus lies more in sterility, then gold, silver, or platinum are your best bet. These three metals have decent resistance to bacterial accumulation. That said, there is no substitute for keeping your small jewelry clean.
Silicone Rings
Silicone may seem odd even by nontraditional ring options, but it is soft and may be much more comfortable to wear all day than metal. Constant hand motion is no problem when your jewelry flexes with your movement.
Silicone makes for fabulous professional jewelry because it accommodates patient comfort. Unlike metal, silicone isn’t cold and won’t feel frigid against the skin.
A medical professional will find keeping silicone clean more straightforward than metal rings. Silicone is non-porous and is easily washable with soap and water.
If your spouse exposes their silicone ring to higher amounts of contaminants, you can boil or throw it into the dishwasher without worrying about damage. The malleability of the material makes them harder to damage.
Silicone rings also come in various colors and designs. You don’t have to settle for a dull ring just because it isn’t metal.
Silicone bands do have the inability to accommodate gemstones. If your partner wants a diamond or sapphire, silicone isn’t the option you’re looking to buy.
In Need of Professional Jewelry?
Finding rings for medical professionals requires a little more thought than typical, but it doesn’t need to be a complicated task. The primary concerns are comfort and safety.
If you’re going with metal, try choosing a low-set, bacteria-resistant band. Your partner is less likely to tear through gloves or inadvertently hook the ring onto something.
Finer Custom Jewelry can help you assemble the ring of your partner’s dreams. If you’d like to discuss rings and other small jewelry, contact us or visit us at our Scottsdale AZ, Houston TX, and Dallas TX locations.