Waterproof rings,sized right

A ring lives a harder life than any other piece of jewellery. It is on your hand when you wash it, when you cook, when you clean, when you make wudu, when you grip a steering wheel and when you lift weights. That is why so many fashion rings leave a green line on the finger within weeks, and why a waterproof ring is worth more than its price. This guide explains why rings turn fingers green, what makes a ring truly waterproof, how to find your size, and walks through every NUUR ring one by one.

Every ring in this collection is part of NUUR waterproof jewellery: 18K gold plated 316L stainless steel, or a silver, black or rose gold finish on the same steel, made to stay on all day.

Why rings turn fingers green

The green ring on your finger is not dirt. It is a chemical reaction. Many fashion rings are made from copper or brass, which contain copper. When copper meets moisture, salt from sweat and the chemicals in soap and hand cream, it forms a green compound that rubs off onto the skin. The plating on top slows this down for a while, but rings are rubbed and knocked constantly, so the plating wears through on the inside of the band first, exactly where it touches your finger.

The green mark itself is harmless, but it is a sign that the ring is breaking down, and for people with sensitive skin it often comes with itching or redness. The only real fix is a ring with no copper underneath. Read how to find jewellery that does not turn your skin green for the full explanation.

What makes a ring waterproof

A waterproof ring starts from a base metal that does not react with water. NUUR rings are made from 316L stainless steel. It does not rust, it does not turn green and it does not tarnish, so there is nothing under the finish that can break down. On top of the steel we apply 18K gold plating, 18K rose gold plating, or a silver or black finish on the rings that offer them.

Steel is also strong. A ring takes knocks every day, and a soft metal band slowly loses its round shape. Stainless steel holds it, which keeps stones secure and keeps the ring comfortable. Learn more in what is 18K gold plating and is waterproof jewellery worth it in South Africa.

What about the stones?

The Aurelia Ring, the Amira Ring and the Aria Ring are set with zircon, a hard, clear stone that water does not harm. Soap and hand cream can leave a film on any stone and make it look cloudy. A quick rinse and a soft brush or cloth bring the sparkle straight back.

Hand washing, wudu, sea and pool

A waterproof ring can stay on through every part of the day.

• Hand washing and dishes: leave it on. Soap will not harm the steel or the finish. If you use strong cleaning products, gloves are kinder to your hands and your ring.
• Wudu: water does not harm it, so it can stay on through every wudu of the day.
• The shower: leave it on. Rinse soap from around the stones now and then.
• The sea and the pool: swim in it. Rinse it in fresh water afterwards. In cold water fingers shrink, so a ring that is loose may slip, which is a good reason to choose the right size.
• The gym: sweat will not tarnish it. For heavy lifting, a smooth band like the Mina Ring is more comfortable than a ring with a raised stone.

For more on everyday wear, read jewellery you can wear in the shower and gym.

Every NUUR waterproof ring

Here is every ring in the collection, with the measurements from its size card.

Ayatul Kursi Ring

The Ayatul Kursi Ring is a wrap ring engraved in Arabic with Ayatul Kursi. It is 17 mm across inside and 8 mm high, and it comes in four finishes: 18K gold plated, 18K rose gold plated, silver and black. It is worn by women and men, and it sits at the heart of our Islamic line. It also comes as a set with the matching bracelet.

Ayatul Kursi Oval Ring

The Ayatul Kursi Oval Ring carries the engraving across a wide oval face. It is 1.8 cm across inside, 2 cm high and weighs 7 g, so the Arabic can be read in full. It is a statement ring for the middle or index finger.

Mina Ring

The Mina Ring is an 18K gold plated mesh band, 1.8 cm across inside, 0.81 cm high and 3.35 g. The woven texture catches light softly. It comes in two sizes, 7 and 8, and it matches the Mina Bracelet.

Amira Ring

The Amira Ring is set with heart cut zircon stones, 17.3 mm across inside and 4.7 g, with hearts 5.5 mm high. It is our most romantic ring and pairs with the Amira Bracelet, a heart tennis bracelet.

Aurelia Ring

The Aurelia Ring is a zircon eternity ring, 17.3 mm across inside and 4.2 g, with stones 5 mm high. A row of stones all the way around means it sparkles from every angle. It matches the Aurelia Tennis Bracelet.

Aria Ring

The Aria Ring is a sculptural 18K gold plated ring with a zircon stone. It is 17.8 mm across inside, 24.1 mm tall from top to bottom and weighs 3.4 g. The tall, flowing shape makes it a modern statement ring.

Seraphina Ring

The Seraphina Ring is an 18K gold plated wing ring. The wing is 2.69 cm high, the band is 0.49 cm wide and the ring weighs 3.2 g. It wraps elegantly across the finger and makes a fitting gift for a graduate or a new beginning.

Finding your ring size

A ring that fits is a ring you will wear. Too tight and it will be uncomfortable by the end of the day. Too loose and it will spin, catch and eventually slip off, often in water. Every NUUR ring lists its inner diameter on the size card, so you can compare it with a ring you already own.

Inner diameter	About US size	NUUR rings
17.0 to 17.3 mm	About 6.5 to 7	Ayatul Kursi, Amira, Aurelia
17.8 mm	About 7.5	Aria
18.0 mm	About 8	Mina, Ayatul Kursi Oval

Sizes are approximate. Different countries use different scales, so the inner diameter in millimetres is always the most reliable number.

Three ways to measure at home

1. Use a ring that fits. Lay it on a ruler and measure the inside edge to inside edge in millimetres. Compare with the inner diameter on our size cards.
2. Use a strip of paper. Wrap it around the base of your finger, mark where it overlaps, measure the length in millimetres and divide by 3.14 to get the diameter.
3. Measure at the end of the day. Fingers are slightly larger in the evening and in warm weather, so a ring measured then will not be too tight.

Our step by step guide, how to measure your ring size at home, walks you through each method with pictures.

Buying a ring as a surprise

If you do not know her size, borrow a ring she wears on the same finger and measure it, or ask a friend or family member to help. If in doubt, choose a slightly larger size for the middle or index finger, where a ring has more room, or choose a gift that does not need a size, such as a piece from our waterproof bracelets or waterproof necklaces.

Why your ring size changes

Many people are surprised that a ring which fits perfectly in the morning feels tight by the afternoon. Fingers change size through the day and through the year, and knowing why helps you choose the right fit.

• Heat: fingers swell in warm weather. In a South African summer, especially in humid coastal cities, a ring can feel half a size smaller than it does in winter.
• Cold: fingers shrink in cold water and on cold mornings. This is when a loose ring is most likely to slip off, which is why a correct fit matters for swimming.
• Exercise, salt and travel: a hard workout, a salty meal or a long flight can all make fingers swell for a few hours.
• Your dominant hand: fingers on the hand you write with are often slightly larger, so measure the hand you will actually wear the ring on.
• Your knuckle: if your knuckle is wider than the base of your finger, choose the size that slides over the knuckle with a little resistance. It will then sit comfortably below it without spinning.

The best fit slides on with gentle pressure, sits without spinning, and comes off with a little twist. If you are between two sizes, the larger one is usually the more comfortable choice for all day wear.

Which finger, which ring

Where you wear a ring changes how it reads.

• Ring finger: the place for meaning. The Ayatul Kursi Ring and the Aurelia eternity ring are both popular here.
• Middle finger: the centre of the hand and the best place for a statement. The Ayatul Kursi Oval Ring and the Aria Ring shine here.
• Index finger: confident and modern. A bold ring like the Seraphina wing looks deliberate here.
• Little finger: a small, fine ring adds a finishing detail. A smaller size of a simple band works best.
• Thumb: a wide band such as the Mina, in a larger size, reads relaxed and modern.

Rings for work and everyday life

Your daily routine should guide your choice as much as your style. A ring you have to take off ten times a day ends up in a drawer.

• Nurses, carers and anyone who washes their hands constantly: a smooth, low band such as the Mina Ring sits flat and is easy to keep clean. Because it is waterproof, constant hand washing does not wear it down.
• Cooks and parents: low profile rings without raised stones are easier around food, dough and small children. The Ayatul Kursi Ring is smooth and close to the finger.
• Office work: almost any ring works. A single stone ring like the Aurelia Ring adds polish to a keyboard and a coffee cup.
• Gym and sport: smooth bands are best for gripping weights or a racket. Save tall rings like the Aria for evenings.
• Evenings and occasions: this is the moment for the Aria Ring, the Seraphina Ring or the Amira hearts.

Because every ring here is waterproof and hypoallergenic, the one you choose for the day can stay on from the first wudu of the morning to the last dish at night.

How to stack waterproof rings

Stacking used to mean taking off three or four rings every time you washed your hands. With waterproof rings, the stack stays on.

1. Start with one hero. Choose your most detailed ring, such as the Amira or the Aria.
2. Add a texture. The Mina mesh band beside a stone ring adds contrast without competing.
3. Add sparkle carefully. One stone ring per finger is enough. The Aurelia eternity ring can sit alone or below a plainer band.
4. Spread the stack across the hand. Two rings on one finger and one on another looks more natural than four on one finger.
5. Keep comfort in mind. Rings rub against each other. Smooth bands next to stone rings protect the stones.

For more combinations, see mastering stack rings.

Matching rings with bracelets and necklaces

Several of our rings have a matching piece, which makes it easy to build a set that looks planned rather than collected:

• Mina: the mesh ring with the wide mesh Mina Bracelet.
• Aurelia: the eternity ring with the round cut Aurelia Tennis Bracelet.
• Amira: the heart ring with the heart cut Amira Bracelet.
• Ayatul Kursi: the ring with the Ayatul Kursi Bracelet, in the same finish.

Not sure whether to choose a bracelet, a ring or both? Read bracelet and ring set: which one to choose. For the neckline, a fine pendant from our waterproof necklaces completes the look, and small huggies from our hypoallergenic waterproof earrings finish it off.

Ayatul Kursi rings

An Ayatul Kursi ring keeps a meaningful ayah close throughout the day. Because it is worn on the hand, it goes through wudu five times a day, which is exactly why it must be waterproof. On a base that does not react, the engraving stays crisp and the colour stays even, year after year.

Choose the wrap Ayatul Kursi Ring for everyday wear and the widest choice of finishes, or the Ayatul Kursi Oval Ring for a bold, readable engraving. For a matching look, the Ayatul Kursi Bracelet and Ring Set pairs the ring with the bracelet. Read the Ayatul Kursi ring, a symbol of enduring faith and the meaning of Ayatul Kursi in jewellery, or browse our full Islamic jewellery.

Rings for men

The Ayatul Kursi Ring is worn by many men, most often in the silver or black finish. Many men prefer a silver or black ring, and these finishes give a clean, masculine look on the same waterproof stainless steel. If you are unsure which is right for you, our articles why is gold haram for men and is white gold haram for men explain the questions people ask most.

For couples, a ring for her and a bracelet for him is a popular combination. See our His and Hers Ayatul Kursi Bracelet Set and read the best matching jewellery sets for couples.

Gold, rose gold, silver or black

• 18K gold plated: warm and classic, it suits warm and olive skin and goes with every other piece in our collection.
• 18K rose gold plated: soft and romantic, lovely on fair skin and with neutral clothing.
• Silver: crisp and modern, the right choice if your watch and other jewellery are silver.
• Black: bold and minimal, popular with men and with anyone who wants the engraving to stand out.

Every finish sits on the same stainless steel, so every option is equally waterproof.

Caring for your ring

• Rinse after the sea, the pool or heavy soap. Fresh water clears salt, chlorine and soap from around the stones.
• Brush the stones gently. A soft toothbrush and warm water bring back the sparkle of a zircon ring.
• Dry it with the care cloth. The cloth in your box also polishes the finish.
• Store rings apart. Stone rings can scratch smooth bands. Keep each in its own pouch or frame.
• Avoid harsh abrasives. Scouring pads and abrasive powders scratch any polished surface.

See our jewellery care page and how to clean gold plated jewellery at home.

Giving a ring as a gift

A ring is the most symbolic gift in jewellery. Every NUUR ring arrives gift ready in a NUUR display frame with a care cloth and a card: a Blessing & Warranty Card for the everyday line, or a Prayer & Warranty Card for the Islamic line.

• For a wife or partner: the Aurelia eternity ring or the Amira heart ring.
• For a Nikah, engagement or anniversary: the Ayatul Kursi Ring, chosen in her favourite finish. Read choosing Islamic engagement and wedding jewellery.
• For a graduate: the Seraphina wing ring, a symbol of a new beginning.
• For a sister or a friend: the Mina band, easy to size and easy to wear.
• For a husband: the Ayatul Kursi Ring in silver or black.

Find more ideas in gifts for her, Christmas gifts for her, Islamic gifts and gift sets, or read the best jewellery gifts for an anniversary.

Waterproof, fashion or solid gold rings

	NUUR waterproof	Fashion ring	Solid gold
Base	316L stainless steel	Brass or copper	Gold alloy
Green finger	No	Common	No
Hand washing	Yes	Wears fast	Yes
Holds its shape	Yes	Bends	Can bend
Worry about loss	Low	Low	High

Solid gold rings last, but they are soft, they scratch and bend, and losing one is painful. Fashion rings are cheap but rarely survive a month of hand washing. An 18K gold plated stainless steel ring gives you the colour of gold with the strength of steel. Read does gold plated jewellery tarnish and understanding gold plated jewellery in Islam for more.

Buying in South Africa

• Delivery: free across South Africa, dispatched within 24 hours on business days, and with you in 1 to 3 working days.
• Returns: 14 days from the day it reaches you, unused, undamaged and in its original packaging.
• Warranty: 6 months on every NUUR piece, covering colour fading and manufacturing defects.
• Help with sizing: message us on WhatsApp 24 hours a day, or read our FAQ.

Read what customers say on our reviews page, or learn more about NUUR.

Questions about waterproof rings

Will a NUUR ring turn my finger green?

No. Green marks come from copper reacting with moisture. NUUR rings are 18K gold plated 316L stainless steel with no copper underneath.

Can I wear my ring in the shower and the sea?

Yes. You can shower, swim in the sea and the pool, wash your hands and make wudu with it on. Rinse after salt water or chlorine.

What ring size do I need?

Compare the inner diameter on the size card with a ring that fits you, or follow our guide to measuring at home. Most of our rings are about a US 7, and the Mina comes in 7 and 8.

Do the stones fall out?

Water does not loosen the settings. As with any stone ring, avoid hard knocks against stone or metal surfaces.

Is there a ring for men?

Yes. The Ayatul Kursi Ring in silver or black is worn by many men.

Will the gold colour fade?

With everyday wear and a wipe with the care cloth, the colour stays. Every ring carries a 6 month warranty that covers colour fading.

Can I sleep in my ring?

Water and sweat will not harm it overnight. Smooth bands are the most comfortable to sleep in.

My ring feels tight in summer. Is it the wrong size?

Not necessarily. Fingers swell in heat and after exercise. If it is only tight on hot afternoons, it is probably the right size. If it is tight all the time, choose the next size up.

Can I wear my ring while cooking and cleaning?

Yes. Water and soap will not harm it. For strong cleaning products, gloves protect both your hands and the shine.

Which ring is best for sensitive skin?

All of our rings are hypoallergenic, because the band is 316L stainless steel. If your skin is very sensitive, a smooth band like the Mina leaves the least room for soap and moisture to sit against the finger, and it is the easiest to rinse and dry. See our jewellery for sensitive skin for more.

Can I order two sizes to try?

Yes. Returns are accepted within 14 days, as long as the ring is unused, undamaged and in its original packaging, so you can keep the size that fits and send the other back.

Where can I find more waterproof jewellery?

Browse the full waterproof jewellery collection, or shop by type: necklaces, earrings, bracelets and tennis bracelets.