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With more and more research pointing towards cross-infection within the workplace, nurses and doctors can find it difficult to choose an engagement ring that is both stylish and compatible for wearing within the healthcare sector.
That being said, there are designs out there that can bridge the gap between something practical and something refined and luxurious. Whatever engagement ring design you choose as a doctor or a nurse, it will require some thinking through. Let’s take a look at the best options for you.
Jewelry and the Health Sector
Health care professionals like doctors and nurses use their hands a lot during work, with frequent hand washings and exposure to chemicals. So, when choosing a ring design, not only would you want to choose a ring that’s safe to wear, but one that doesn’t get damaged either.
Many clinics have introduced a restriction on jewelry wearing by front line staff, since a ring can snag on an item of work attire or patient, becoming a health and safety issue for the carer, as well as proving hazardous in terms of carrying germs and spreading infection between the practitioner and the patient.
Another issue is that most medical staff are required to wear latex gloves for the most part of the day, so a snag-free ring design that will enable you to put protective gloves on and take them off with ease, is important. Rings that incorporate diamonds and gemstones can harbor bacteria within the grooves and spaces of the design, so this needs to be taken into consideration as well when choosing a ring.
The trick is to find a ring that’s safe to wear and can be kept from damage, while looking stylish. It all comes down to the setting.
Best Ring Settings for A Nurse or Doctor
Because rings worn by healthcare professionals take a beating every day, it’s best to choose a gemstone like diamond or sapphire which can withstand extreme exposure, as well as a hypoallergenic metal that is safe to wear. These then need to be crafted into a ring setting that’s safe and easy to wear. Here are the best options.
1- Bezel Setting:
Bezel set rings can make for the perfect engagement ring if you’re a nurse or doctor. These settings greatly reduce the risks normally associated with a prong setting, since the central gemstone or diamond is still raised, albeit in a more secure setting that won’t work loose. Also, without prongs, the risk of snagging, chipping and being subject to impact damage are minimized.
Bezel set rings are designed so that they hold a diamond inside a thin piece of custom-made metal designed like a rim, whilst still displaying the shape of the stone and its captivating sparkle. A halo bezel set ring or half bezel-set ring can feature the addition of smaller round brilliant cut diamonds, creating the impression of a much larger central diamond.
2- Low Profile Rings:
Low profile rings sit closes to the skin thus reducing the risk of being caught on apparatus or important work equipment. Whilst these designs can be less extravagant, they offer a comfortable and streamlined look for those who prefer modern jewelry designs. The closer to the finger the diamond or gemstone sits, the less obtrusive it will be.
Channel set diamond rings are low profile and still able to add a touch of sparkle to formal attire without becoming a nuisance. Diamonds are set closely together in a channel set ring, making it difficult for dirt to get underneath the simple setting of each stone.
3- Eternity Bands:
Eternity bands for doctors and nurses make for a practical and elegant design to show-off in the workplace. Symbolic of eternal love, a diamond eternity ring is typically worn as wedding rings, but also make for a nice engagement ring. The design will feature identical-sized stones placed along the entire band of the ring.
You can also opt for a half-eternity ring, where only half the band is studded with diamonds. With diamonds set around the front half of the band only, this style of ring is a more discreet and understated design for pairing with work attire.
Eternity rings in flush settings and channel settings are best as the diamonds are held more securely and have less chance to fall out, but pave set eternity rings are also an excellent option.
Best Engagement Ring Metals for Doctors and Nurses
While gold and platinum are the two most popular options for engagement rings, there are many metal options out there which suit a healthcare setting.
As a nurse or doctor, you’ll spend a considerable amount of time during the day washing your hands so a material that won’t tarnish over time is advantageous. A biocompatible metal is another important consideration when looking at engagement rings for nurses and doctors, especially if your role at work involves anything surgical-related.
Gold is the most popular option for engagement and wedding rings but choose a higher karat alloy like 14K or 18K golds for a purer, biocompatible option. However, gold isn’t as durable as platinum or titanium. White gold will require frequent rhodium plating while yellow gold tends to dent and scratch. Rose gold holds up better due to the copper content that makes the alloy more durable.
Platinum engagement rings for doctors and nurses are a great option since they are relatively scratch-resistant and add a beautiful luster to the ring, closely resembling that of white gold. Platinum is also durable, making it an ideal choice for wearing to work each day. Its anti-corrosive properties and density make it strong enough for wearing every day without tarnishing.
Platinum is also a hypoallergenic metal, so it’s perfect for nurses and doctors who suffer from skin allergies or skin reactions to other metals.
Like platinum, titanium is also hypoallergenic and is often used for surgical implants. This makes it a great option for those working in a healthcare setting who suffer from sensitivities to other precious metals. Another advantage of titanium jewelry is its lightweight feel on the finger. Titanium is also very affordable but resizing it can be difficult.
There are now several manufacturers creating engagement rings for nurses and doctors from medical grade silicone, tested specifically for biocompatibility. Silicone rings are a practical alternative to metal for many reasons. They’re easy to clean, affordable to replace, won’t rip on gloves and are comfortable and lightweight to wear.
Alternatives to Wearing an Engagement Ring
If you’re a nurse or a doctor and your work setting won’t allow for a ring to be worn on the finger, there are alternative ways to enjoy wearing your ring whilst keeping it safe.
Wearing a wedding band or engagement ring around the neck is becoming an increasingly popular way to keep a sentimental piece of jewelry close, whilst adhering to health and safety rules within the workplace. You can opt for a wishbone-style pendant, like this one, to hold your ring. Rings can also be worn on a key chain as another alternative and kept close and safe.
Wrapping Up…
Choosing the right engagement ring if you’re a nurse or doctor doesn’t need to be too challenging if you consider the three factors we’ve covered in this article.
Consider the ring styles available to suit your taste. If you like designs with a touch of sparkle, figure out how you can incorporate a diamond into your engagement ring without the design being hazardous for the workplace. Consider materials to suit your role at work as well as your skin type and skin tone.
Lastly, decide if wearing your ring an alternative way when in the workplace is a better and safer option for you.
