Can Gold Rings for Women and Silver Rings for Men Really Help Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Category: Health, Education & Islamic Lifestyle | Reading Time: 08 minutes

"Gold and silk have been permitted for the females of my nation and forbidden for its males."  Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Sunan an-Nasa'i)

• Grade: Sahih Darussalam
• Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 5148, Sunan Ibn Majah 3597
• In Book Reference: Book 48, Hadith 109
• English Translation: Vol. 6, Book 48, Hadith 5151

Author

Dr. Nimra, DPT

• Licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy
• Certified Medical Writer
• Certified Dry Needling (UK) practitioner
• Certified KT Taping (Aus.) practitioner
• Certified Hijama Therapist (UK)
• Founder of WellnessbyN
• Medical Writing Experience since 2019

A gold ring is one of the most beautiful, culturally rich, and medically fascinating objects in human history. For centuries, it has adorned fingers, symbolized power, sealed marriages, and, as modern science now confirms, even interacted with the body's joints in measurable ways.

This article explores the full picture: the science of gold and its effects on the body, health benefits of gold rings for women and why Islam forbids gold for men, why silver is the Islamically prescribed and scientifically compelling alternative, and what research tells us about gold rings and rheumatoid arthritis (رمیٹیائی گٹھیا). So, let us get started.

Table of Contents

1. Gold Ring: History & Cultural Significance
2. What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis (رمیٹیائی گٹھیا)?
3. Common Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
4. Gold Ring and Rheumatoid Arthritis: What Does the Research Say?
5. The Birmingham Study on Gold Rings and Joint Erosion
6. Gold Therapy (Chrysotherapy): A Brief Medical History
7. Why Is Gold Forbidden for Men in Islam?
8. Does Science Support Avoiding Gold for Men?
9. Silver Ring for Men: The Islamic Alternative
10. What Is Sterling Silver?
11. Health Benefits of Sterling Silver
12. Gold Ring vs. Silver Ring: Key Differences
13. Can Physiotherapy Help Rheumatoid Arthritis?
14. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
15. Conclusion
16. References

The gold ring is one of humanity's oldest and most loving artifacts. Archaeological records trace its use back more than 6,000 years, from ancient Egyptian pharaohs who wore gold rings as divine symbols, to Roman senators who used them to seal official documents, to the wedding rings exchanged in nearly every culture on earth today. Gold has always been more than just jewelry. It has been medicine, currency, power, and protection all at once.

However, buried beneath centuries of beauty and symbolism lies a question that modern science is only beginning to answer: 

Can the metal sitting quietly on your finger actually communicate with the joints beneath your skin? Can a gold ring worn day after day change the course of a disease that silently destroys the very joint it encircles?

To understand that, we must first understand the disease itself. Moreover, for millions of people across Pakistan and the wider Muslim world, understanding it begins with knowing its name: رمیٹیائی گٹھیا Rheumatoid Arthritis.

2. رمیٹیائی گٹھیا کیا ہے؟  Rheumatoid Arthritis Meaning in Urdu

اردو میں Rheumatoid Arthritis کو "رمیٹیائی گٹھیا" کہتے ہیں۔

یہ ایک دائمی خود مدافعتی بیماری ہے جس میں جسم کا مدافعتی نظام غلطی سے اپنے ہی جوڑوں کی اندرونی تہہ پر حملہ کرتا ہے۔ اس کے نتیجے میں جوڑوں میں شدید درد، سوجن، اکڑن اور وقت کے ساتھ ہڈیوں کو مستقل نقصان پہنچتا ہے۔ اگر بروقت علاج نہ کیا جائے تو یہ مرض جوڑوں کی مستقل خرابی کا سبب بن سکتا ہے۔

In English: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial lining of joints, causing progressive inflammation, pain, swelling, stiffness, and eventually bone erosion and joint deformity. It differs from osteoarthritis (which results from mechanical wear and tear), and in the long run, Rheumatoid arthritis can affect not just joints but also the lungs, heart, skin, nerves, eyes, and blood vessels.

Facts about RA

• According to NIH, RA affects 0.5%–1% of the global population, making it one of the most common causes of disability after osteoarthritis and gout.
• Most commonly begins between ages 30 and 60, though it can affect children (juvenile RA) and older adults (elderly onset rheumatoid arthritis)
• Affects women more; most studies report a 2:1 to 3:1 female-to-male ratio (Romanian Journal of Rheumatology).
• A systematic review of Pakistani RA patients found that 74.5% had low disease knowledge, highlighting a critical need for education and awareness.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are essential. As Pakistani rheumatology resources confirm, there is no permanent cure for RA, but early treatment can control symptoms, slow disease progression, and protect joint function.
• Long-term R.A relief starts with the right treatment. Physiotherapy can reduce pain, improve mobility, maintain muscle strength and help prevent future injuries. If you are looking for professional physiotherapy sessions to manage your RA symptoms, contact Dr. Nimra, a physiotherapist in Lahore, at Wellness Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Center to begin your recovery with personalized, evidence-based care.

Common symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis رمیٹیائی گٹھیا

• Persistent pain, warmth, and swelling in multiple joints,  usually both sides of the body simultaneously (symmetrical pattern)
• Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
• Fatigue
• Low-grade fever
• Loss of appetite
• Gradual joint deformity if untreated
• Deformation of joints

Gold Rings & Rheumatoid Arthritis

Here is where gold reveals one of its most surprising and scientifically documented properties. Regardless of religious considerations about wearing gold, the medical research on gold and joint health is genuinely remarkable and worth understanding.

Watch! What this lady has to say about Gold and Rh. Arthritis 

The Birmingham Study (PMC1752429); Gold Ring Vs RA

The hypothesis: Could a gold ring worn continuously on the finger actually slow down the articular erosion caused by rheumatoid arthritis at that specific joint?

In 1997, researchers at City Hospital, Birmingham, UK, published a study in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (PubMed Central reference: PMC1752429) examining a striking clinical observation.

The Method: 55 RA patients who had had arthritis for at least two years were recruited. X-rays were taken of both hands. 30 patients wore rings; 25 did not.

The Finding: The knuckle joints (metacarpophalangeal joints) of ring-wearing fingers showed up to three times less articular erosion than the equivalent joint on the other hand or than the joints of non-ring wearers. The Ganoksin Jewelers' Forum, which covered the study's publication, noted that doctors had first observed this anomaly in a 62-year-old woman whose ring-wearing finger was significantly less affected than her other fingers. Check out this amazing video.

The Proposed Mechanism: The researchers proposed that gold ions may leach from the ring into the skin and underlying tissue, exerting a localized anti-inflammatory effect at the joint, echoing the mechanism of gold salt injections already used therapeutically in rheumatology for decades.

This is extraordinary evidence, though it is important to note that the study was small-scale and preliminary. Larger, controlled trials are needed before any clinical recommendations can be made for ring-wearing as a therapeutic strategy. The finding should be understood as an area of scientific interest, not a medical prescription.

The Second Referenced Study (PMC2760131); The Gold Ring Theory

The second study referenced (PMC2760131) further explores gold's biomedical properties in the context of RA treatment, reinforcing the established pharmacological basis for gold-based disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). This body of literature confirms that gold's interaction with inflammatory pathways is real, measurable, and clinically relevant, even if the mechanisms of topical gold absorption from a ring are not yet fully characterized. An amazing gold theory, right?

4. Gold Therapy in Medicine

The therapeutic use of gold is not a myth or folk remedy. It has a legitimate and documented place in medical history.

Chrysotherapy, the medical use of gold compounds, has been practiced since the early 20th century. Gold sodium thiomalate, an injectable gold salt, was used for decades as one of the primary treatments for rheumatoid arthritis before the development of newer biologics. A double-masked study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that gold salt treatment produced significant measurable improvement in RA patients, tracked through physical examination, ring sizes, and grip strength.

A five-year prospective study of 440 RA patients treated with intramuscular gold (sodium aurothiomalate), published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (PMC1752531), found that patients with early-stage disease who began treatment within two years showed lasting improvement in functional ability.

More recently, a study in ACS Omega titled Dose-Dependent Efficacy of Gold Clusters on Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy, found that a synthesized gold cluster compound effectively suppressed both inflammation and bone damage in an animal model of rheumatoid arthritis, demonstrating that gold at the nanoscale continues to hold therapeutic promise in RA research.

Mechanism: Gold compounds are believed to inhibit the activity of certain immune cells and enzymes, particularly macrophages and lysosomal enzymes that drive the inflammatory cascade responsible for cartilage and bone destruction in RA.

This science is relevant to the context. It explains why a gold ring might theoretically have localized effects at a joint. However, it also raises an important question: 

If gold has these biological effects, why can’t men wear gold?

5. Gold for Men? 

Does gold work for men as well? Can men wear gold?  Why does Islam prohibit men from wearing gold rings? 

Islam's prohibition of gold for men is one of the clearest, most consistently upheld rulings in Islamic jurisprudence. It is not a matter of cultural preference or regional interpretation. It is derived directly from authentic Hadith, the recorded sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

The Primary Evidence

Hadith 1  Sunan an-Nasa'i: "Gold and silk have been permitted for the females of my nation and forbidden for its males."  Narrated by Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) 

Hadith 2  Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith 5863): "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ forbade us from seven things, one of which was wearing a gold ring."  Narrated by Al-Bara' ibn 'Azib (RA)

Hadith 3  Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith 5867) (book 77- Hadith 84): The Prophet ﷺ himself once wore a gold ring, then discarded it and said: "I will never wear it again." Following him, the Companions also removed their gold rings.

The Science Behind Why Gold Is Not Suitable for Men

This section presents the most thought-provoking dimension of this topic: 

What does modern science say about gold's effects on the male body specifically?

Gold (Rings) and Male Hormones

Several studies have investigated the biological impact of gold compounds on male reproductive function, with the following findings:

Study 1  ResearchGate / Biological Impact of Gold Nanoparticles (2015): A study of 25 healthy male volunteers investigated the impact of gold nanoparticles on sex hormone levels. The results indicated that gold nanoparticles have an inhibiting effect on estradiol levels and a disrupting effect on testosterone levels at higher doses. The study noted that gold's impact on the testosterone-to-estradiol (T/E2) ratio was measurable even at relatively low concentrations.

Study 2  Authorea / Detrimental Effects of Gold on Male Fertility: A study examining gold's effects on male Wistar rats found that gold-treated groups showed a very significant decrease in testosterone concentration compared to control groups. The study also documented decreased sperm concentration, pointing toward disturbed male reproductive health.

Study 3  Journal of Applied Toxicology (Wiley Online Library, 2026): A study on chrysotherapy gold solution and male reproductive function found that gold compounds produced a significant decrease in testosterone level and an extremely significant decrease in sperm concentration as compared to the control group.

Important 

It is critical to be scientifically honest here. These studies involve:

• Gold nanoparticles and injected gold compounds, not gold jewelry worn on the skin
• Animal models (rats) in some cases, with limited human data
• Dose-dependent effects: the quantities used in studies are far greater than any possible skin absorption from a ring

Note: The current evidence does not prove that wearing a gold ring directly lowers testosterone or impairs male fertility. However, for such claims, more controlled trials are needed to get to authentic results.

What should men wear then? Let us find out why a silver ring is a better option than a gold ring for men.

Silver Ring for Men

If gold is prohibited for men in Islam, what is prescribed? The answer is clear from the Sunnah:

Silver. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself wore a silver ring. It bore the inscription "Muhammad, Messenger of Allah" and was worn on the right hand.

Reference: Sunan ibn Majah; English translation: vol.4, Book 32, Hadith 3646

This established the silver ring as the Sunnah ring for Muslim men and one of the most recommended adornments a Muslim man can wear. Beyond its religious dimension, silver is supported by a substantial body of scientific evidence for health and wellness.

The Science of Silver: What Research Confirms

Silver is not merely a beautiful metal. It is one of the most biologically active and therapeutically studied metals in human history.

Antimicrobial Properties of silver rings, bracelets and chains

Silver's most well-documented property is its ability to destroy bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Silver ions disrupt the respiratory functions of single-celled microorganisms, prevent bacterial cell replication, and break down microbial cell membranes, making the microorganism incapable of survival.

Research has confirmed that silver is effective against over 650 disease-causing microorganisms. This broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity is why silver has been used in:

• Medical wound dressings (silver-impregnated dressings for burns and chronic wounds)
• Surgical instruments and medical implants
• Water purification systems
• Antimicrobial textiles

A study titled Comparative Evaluation of Silver-Containing Antimicrobial Dressings; PMC3471607  confirmed that silver-containing dressings accelerated wound healing in comparison to controls, despite some dose-dependent cytotoxicity concerns in vitro.

A study, reference; PMC3984151 explained that silver ions show antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, though it also noted that biological compounds like glutathione can interact with silver ions and affect their potency, highlighting the importance of ongoing research.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties of silver for men

Silver has been used traditionally to relieve pain from arthritis and rheumatism. Scientific research suggests that silver may have anti-inflammatory properties that could help lower pain and swelling in affected joints in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. 

This creates an interesting parallel to the gold ring research on RA: while gold ions appear to reduce joint erosion via an anti-inflammatory mechanism, silver also possesses anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting that a silver ring, which is the Islamically prescribed alternative for men, may offer comparable or complementary benefits without the religious or hormonal concerns associated with gold. However, women can wear both silver rings and gold rings. Heavy on husband’s pocket? It is all for your girls’ health. 

Hypoallergenic Nature of Silver 

Sterling silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% other metals, typically copper) is among the most antiallergic and durable metals available for jewelry. It does not cause any skin reactions when compared to nickel-containing alloys, brass, or low-quality mixed metals. 

This makes it an excellent choice for daily wear, particularly for those with sensitive skin. Furthermore, Lahore weather, in this extreme hot conditions, increases sweating and skin irritation, making low-quality jewelry more likely to cause allergies; therefore, gold and sterling silver are generally safer for sensitive skin.

Key Note for the Gold Ring

The gold ring has always been more than just a beautiful piece of jewelry. It represents tradition, elegance, faith, and cultural heritage, especially for women in many Muslim communities. However, now, modern sciences have discovered some amazing health benefits for females. 

Studies have explored that wearing a gold ring may have localized effects on joint health, including rheumatoid arthritis (رمیٹیائی گٹھیا). This research is interesting and may lead to future discoveries, but evidence is still limited and needs further scientific study.

Note: If you have rheumatoid arthritis, proper medical treatment is essential. Early diagnosis, prescribed medications, a healthy lifestyle, and regular follow-ups with a qualified rheumatologist remain the best way to manage the condition. A gold ring should never be considered a replacement for medical care.

On the other hand, a gold ring might not have positive effects for men. Instead, they can wear the silver rings. 

So, when are husbands gifting their wives a gold ring and wives gifting a silver ring to husbands? 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can wearing a gold ring help with rheumatoid arthritis in females?

Some research suggests that a gold ring may have localized anti-inflammatory effects around the finger joints in people with rheumatoid arthritis. However, the evidence is limited, and a gold ring should never replace prescribed medical treatment.

2. Is there scientific evidence that a gold ring reduces joint damage?

A small clinical study found that finger joints wearing a gold ring showed less joint erosion in some rheumatoid arthritis patients. While these findings are interesting, larger studies are needed before any medical recommendations can be made.

3. Can a gold ring cure rheumatoid arthritis?

No. A gold ring cannot cure rheumatoid arthritis. RA is a chronic autoimmune disease that requires early diagnosis, medications, physiotherapy, regular exercise, and ongoing care from a qualified rheumatologist.

4. Why can't Muslim men wear a gold ring?

According to authentic Islamic teachings, Muslim men are prohibited from wearing a gold ring. Instead, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ recommended silver rings for men.

5. Is a silver ring better than a gold ring for men?

From an Islamic perspective, yes. A silver ring is the recommended choice for men. Scientifically, silver is also well known for its antimicrobial properties, making it a popular metal for jewelry and medical applications.

6. What are the common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

Common symptoms include:

• Pain and swelling in multiple joints
• Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
• Fatigue
• Low-grade fever
• Loss of appetite
• Joint deformity if left untreated

7. Does physiotherapy help people with rheumatoid arthritis?

Yes. Physiotherapy can help reduce pain, improve joint mobility, strengthen muscles, and maintain daily function. It works best alongside medications and a personalized treatment plan.

8. Is gold therapy still used for rheumatoid arthritis?

Gold-based medications were once commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Although they have largely been replaced by newer disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs) and biologics, gold therapy remains an important part of rheumatology history.

9. Should I wear a gold ring if I have rheumatoid arthritis?

Wearing a gold ring is a personal choice and may have cultural or religious significance. While some studies suggest potential localized benefits, there is not enough evidence to recommend it as a treatment. Always follow your rheumatologist's advice for managing rheumatoid arthritis.

Author Bio

Dr. Nimra is a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy, certified medical writer, and founder of WellnessbyN. Having years of clinical experience and professional healthcare writing since 2019, she creates evidence-based content that helps readers in every aspect of their lives, which is exactly the vision of wellness. Her long-term vision is to build WellnessbyN into a trusted digital healthcare platform connecting people with reliable health information and expert care.

For content collaborations, guest posts, or SEO health writing inquiries, contact: dr.nimrasiddiq@gmail.com

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician or pharmacist before starting any medication, including Brexin tablet.

Want to book your appointment?
You may contact us at dr.nimrasiddiq@gmail.com or send a message at 00923354700870.

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Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on WellnessbyN is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, or treatment plan.

Author: Dr. Nimra

• Reviewer: Dr. Nimra
• Date Published: 25 June 2026.
• Date Modified: 30 June 2026.
• MedicalWebPage type: educational and lifestyle health