I have no question that some among you perusing this will find a Galaxy Ring beneath the Christmas tree or as one of your eight Hannukah gifts. Samsung has been actively offering an array of promotions on wearables. Should you receive such a gadget, even if it lacks the Galaxy Ring label, it’s important to recognize that smart rings do indeed accumulate scratches rather swiftly.

Naturally, they do scratch. Unlike traditional jewelry crafted from solid gold or silver, what primarily catches your eye is merely a layer of luster between your digits and the internal components. Nonetheless, I found myself unprepared for how commonplace it is for firms to advise that users abstain from wearing the ring during intense, hand-intensive tasks. To this, I must inquire: What’s the purpose behind a constant-tracking smart ring if you must remove it during particular activities? Who will monitor my steps when I remove it?

I didn’t anticipate how fast the marks would accumulate while I was living life. I really kept wearing the Galaxy Ring as though it was a piece of jewelry seamlessly integrated into my standard attire. I don it for dishwashing and for unfurling my yoga mat. I wear it during Peloton classes and while breaking down boxes for recycling. As daily routines unfold, I rely on the Galaxy Ring to monitor my exertion, much like Samsung suggested through their advertisements.

The Galaxy Ring excels at tracking both steps and sleep, and I have resigned myself to the reality that the underside of the size nine ring I got for review in July now sports a unique pattern of wear. It’s somewhat fascinating if you ponder it, possessing the charm of genuine jewelry with distinctive scratches uniquely yours.

The company doesn’t view it this way. As per Samsung’s UK manual, this is not the intended manner of employing the Galaxy Ring. There is a dedicated section discussing scratch prevention, with most of the manufacturer’s recommendations effectively advising against wearing it. Samsung advises against donning the ring when grasping weights, metal bars, and other gear typically found in an exercise bootcamp—a setting I’d mostly like to use the smart ring. Another recommendation suggests removing the ring when managing hefty items and wearing it on the hand you least frequently use. Additionally, Samsung’s support page specifies that scratches to the Galaxy Ring aren’t encompassed by warranty.

Attempting to find assistance regarding Galaxy Ring scratches via Google often leads to numerous Reddit discussions and community forums expressing frustration over how effortlessly it seems to get blemished. “I purchased the silver one and noticed a small scratch on the first day,” notes a user just 26 days ago. Another user, discussing the black titanium version of the Galaxy Ring back in July, describes a similar experience: “I haven’t worn it for two days, and it’s already peeling back to reveal the silver layer below the finish. I can’t fathom what it would look like after a month.”

I can! Check out the images above if you need a refresher. It wasn’t until about a month ago that I observed the forming silver rim. When I place it in its charger, I find myself watching to see just how much more the ring’s bottom has worn since the last time I removed it. It’s not apparent to anyone else but me, as only I can see it when I flip my finger over for a closer look. I do my best to not dwell on it. I justify that this personalized aged appearance on the ring allows it to be claimed as a unique tech piece. It also implies I can easily differentiate it from a lineup of similar black smart rings if misplaced.

Being the holiday period, I have yet to hear back from Samsung. I inquired if this type of aesthetic wear might negatively affect the trade-in value when the time comes. Samsung has mentioned that devices should be free of “breaks, cracks, or other flaws beyond typical wear and tear.” Here’s hoping the firm is lenient on the “wear and tear” aspect since this seems to be a widespread occurrence among Galaxy Ring owners.

Should you receive a smart ring from Santa or someone else, the foremost recommendation across the internet appears to be to acquire a silicone covering to prevent damage to the chassis. These covers are abundantly available on Amazon and other swift purchase outlets. The downside is they will probably add bulk to the already chunky ring. Personally, I don’t foresee adopting this type of use since my fingers are constantly fluctuating in size.