Tungsten Wedding Bands: Safe Or Not?

Tungsten wedding bands are a popular alternative to traditional gold and platinum rings. They are affordable, durable, and stylish. But are they safe? There are a few risks to consider when it comes to wearing tungsten rings. Firstly, while tungsten rings are hypoallergenic, they often contain nickel or cobalt, which can trigger allergic reactions in people with metal sensitivities. Secondly, tungsten rings cannot be resized, so if your ring size changes, you may need to stop wearing it to avoid joint pain. Finally, there is a risk of self-injury when wearing any jewellery during physical activities, and tungsten's hardness means it may cause more harm. However, contrary to popular belief, tungsten rings can be safely removed in emergency situations by using vice grip pliers to shatter them. In fact, their shatterability makes them safer than gold rings, which can bend around the finger. So, while there are some safety considerations to keep in mind, tungsten wedding bands are generally safe to wear.

Hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin, you may be wary of wearing certain jewellery, especially rings, due to the risk of allergic reactions and skin irritation. However, tungsten carbide rings are hypoallergenic, meaning they are unlikely to cause an allergic reaction, even in those with sensitive skin.

The only known risk of an allergic reaction with tungsten rings is if they contain additional metals such as nickel or cobalt, to which some people are allergic. However, many tungsten rings do not contain nickel, and even if they do, the amount is usually small enough that it does not cause a reaction in most people with a slight nickel allergy. If you are extremely sensitive to nickel, you may want to opt for a black tungsten ring, which is alloyed with carbon or cobalt, or ensure that any other metals included in the ring are coated.

Some people experience dermatitis from skin contact with tungsten, but this is generally due to working with tungsten carbide, rather than from wearing a ring. This dermatitis is also not directly related to tungsten itself but to the combination of tungsten and alloyed metals such as cobalt. Overall, tungsten rings are a safe choice for those with sensitive skin, as long as you are aware of the metals included in the ring and ensure that any metals you are allergic to are not in direct contact with your skin.

In addition to being hypoallergenic, tungsten rings are also very durable and scratch-resistant, making them a good choice for those who lead active lifestyles or work with their hands. They are also affordable, stylish, and available in a variety of colours and styles, allowing you to choose a ring that reflects your personality.

Scratch-resistant and durable

Tungsten carbide is one of the hardest metals on Earth, second only to diamonds on the Mohs scale of hardness. This makes it incredibly scratch-resistant, which is a great feature for those with active lifestyles. Compared to other precious metals like gold and silver, which are softer and more malleable, tungsten is much more durable. This makes it a great option for wedding rings and other jewellery that you'll wear every day.

The shine of a tungsten ring won't fade over the years, so you can expect the ring to maintain its lustre long after your wedding. Its hardness also means that it won't bend out of shape. However, this does come with a downside: the harder the metal, the more brittle and breakable it is. If you drop a tungsten ring, or accidentally smash it against a hard surface, it may crack or shatter.

Tungsten rings are a great option for those who work with their hands or have an active lifestyle. They are also hypoallergenic, so they're a good choice for people with sensitive skin. They come in a variety of colours and styles, so you can find one that reflects your personality.

Affordable

If you're looking for an affordable option for a wedding band, tungsten carbide rings are a great choice. They are more affordable than gold or platinum, and they offer excellent scratch resistance, making them perfect for everyday wear.

Tungsten is a relatively new metal on the market and it does not hold its cash value in the same way that gold does, making it a more budget-friendly option for wedding bands. You can find a variety of styles and colours to fit your personality and preferences, and they are available in both men's and women's styles.

In addition to their affordability, tungsten carbide rings are also known for their durability. They are incredibly scratch-resistant and strong, making them ideal for those with active lifestyles or blue-collar professions. They are also hypoallergenic, so they are suitable for individuals with sensitive skin.

When compared to other precious metals like gold and silver, tungsten is significantly more durable and scratch-resistant. This means that your tungsten carbide ring will maintain its finish for years to come, making it a wise investment for those looking for long-lasting jewellery.

Overall, if you're looking for an affordable, stylish, and durable wedding band, tungsten carbide is an excellent option to consider. With their scratch resistance, hypoallergenic properties, and variety of styles, tungsten carbide rings offer a safe and budget-friendly choice for your special day.

Toxicity and ingestion

In its powdered form, tungsten is toxic and dangerous. Inhalation or ingestion of powdered tungsten can cause pulmonary fibrosis, dermatitis, neuropsychological impairment, and "Coal Miner's Black Lung Disease". Long-term exposure to tungsten in its powdered form can lead to chronic tungsten poisoning.

However, tungsten rings are made from tungsten carbide, a combination of tungsten and other metals, and are therefore safe to wear. They cannot be inhaled or ingested and do not pose the same risks as powdered tungsten. There is no evidence that you can get tungsten poisoning from wearing a tungsten ring.

The only potential health risk associated with wearing a tungsten ring is an allergic reaction to the metals it is alloyed with, such as nickel or cobalt. Some people may experience dermatitis due to these alloyed metals, but this is not a direct reaction to tungsten itself.

In summary, tungsten rings are safe to wear and do not pose any health risks unless you have an allergy to the metals they are alloyed with.

Safe in emergencies

While tungsten rings are very durable, they are not indestructible and can be broken or removed in an emergency. This is an important consideration, as any ring can be a hazard if you have an accident.

In the case of an emergency, a paramedic will be able to remove a tungsten ring. While tungsten rings cannot be cut off, they can be safely removed by fracturing them with vice grips or locking pliers. This can be done by a paramedic or even yourself or a friend. It is a good idea to learn how to break a tungsten ring in an emergency.

In an emergency situation where a tungsten ring needs to be removed quickly, it's important to protect the skin around the ring by wrapping the finger with a thin layer of cloth or tape to minimise direct contact and reduce the risk of injury. Then, you can use vice grips or locking pliers to apply a precise amount of pressure to crack the ring.

The breakability of tungsten rings is a deliberate design advantage that prioritises wearer safety in unforeseen circumstances. This feature is especially relevant in medical emergencies where metal rings might need to be removed to treat injuries. Unlike traditional metal rings, tungsten rings can be broken without the need for cutting equipment, which poses a risk of cutting the skin or causing additional trauma to the finger.

Therefore, while tungsten rings are very durable, they are also a safe choice for wedding bands.

Frequently asked questions