Resizing Tungsten Wedding Bands: Is It Possible?

Tungsten wedding bands are a popular choice for those seeking an affordable, durable, and scratch-resistant ring. However, one common question surrounding tungsten rings is whether they can be resized. Due to the hardness and brittleness of the metal, tungsten rings cannot be physically resized by a jeweler. Attempting to cut or bend tungsten can result in cracking or breaking. While resizing is not possible, some retailers offer lifetime warranties that include size exchanges, ensuring customers can obtain a new ring in the same style if their finger size changes. Therefore, while tungsten rings themselves cannot be resized, options are available to accommodate changes in ring size.

Why can't tungsten rings be resized?

Tungsten rings are made from tungsten carbide, a compound of tungsten and carbon with an extremely high melting point. This compound is so strong that it is used in machinery, light bulbs, and TV tubes. In fact, on the Mohs scale of hardness, tungsten carbide ranks as a 9-9.5 out of 10, with only diamonds being harder. This strength makes tungsten rings extremely durable and scratch-resistant, but it also means that they cannot be resized.

The hardness of tungsten carbide means that it cannot be altered or cut after it is cast. Any attempt to resize a tungsten ring would result in it breaking. This is in contrast to gold, which is highly malleable and can be easily reshaped. Gold used in jewelry is typically mixed with stronger metals like copper and silver to achieve a suitable level of hardness, but it is still soft enough to be resized by a professional jeweler.

While tungsten rings cannot be physically resized, some retailers offer lifetime resizing warranties. This means that if your ring no longer fits, you can exchange it for a new ring in the same style and size at no additional cost. However, this option is not available from all retailers, and it is important to check the manufacturer's warranty before purchasing a tungsten ring.

To ensure a proper fit, it is recommended that individuals know their correct ring size before ordering a tungsten ring. There are several ways to determine ring size, including using a piece of string or paper to measure the finger and consulting a local jeweler for a professional sizing.

In summary, tungsten rings cannot be resized due to the extreme hardness of the metal, which makes it impossible to cut or reshape without breaking. However, the durability of tungsten also makes it a popular choice for wedding bands, as it is scratch-resistant and long-lasting.

What is tungsten?

Tungsten, also known as wolfram, is a rare chemical element with the symbol W and atomic number 74. It is a hard, steel-grey metal with the highest melting point of all known elements (3422°C) and the highest tensile strength of any pure metal. It is also highly dense, with a density comparable to that of uranium and gold.

In its raw form, tungsten is often brittle and challenging to work with. However, when purified and crystallised, it becomes malleable and easier to manipulate. Tungsten is typically forged, drawn, or extruded, but it is more commonly formed through a process called sintering.

The element is found almost exclusively in nature as compounds with other elements, such as tungstenite (tungsten disulfide), scheelite (calcium tungstate), and wolframite (iron-manganese tungstate). It is estimated that tungsten comprises about 1.5 parts per million of the Earth's crust, making it rarer than tin or molybdenum.

Tungsten has numerous applications across various industries due to its unique properties. It is often alloyed with other metals to increase their hardness and strength. For example, it is used to make high-speed steel, which contains up to 18% tungsten. Tungsten is also used in incandescent light bulb filaments, X-ray tubes, electrodes, and cutting tools for machining steel.

One of the most important tungsten compounds is tungsten carbide (WC), known for its extreme hardness and wear resistance. It is widely used in metalworking, mining, construction, and the petroleum industry.

In recent years, tungsten has gained popularity in jewellery, particularly for wedding bands, due to its durability, scratch resistance, and affordability compared to traditional metals like gold.

Pros and cons of tungsten rings

Tungsten rings are a popular choice for wedding bands, thanks to their modern style, durability, and affordable price. But are they the right choice for you? Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

Durability and Strength: Tungsten is an extremely hard and durable metal, making it highly scratch-resistant. Its shine won't fade over the years, and it won't bend easily, ensuring your ring maintains its luster long after your wedding.

Hypoallergenic Properties: Tungsten is hypoallergenic and does not contain any extra additives like nickel. If you have sensitive skin or metal allergies, tungsten is a safe choice as it won't trigger an allergic reaction.

Affordability: Compared to precious metals such as gold and platinum, tungsten is a more affordable alternative. This makes it an attractive option for those looking for a stylish yet budget-friendly wedding band.

Stylish and Versatile: Tungsten rings come in a variety of styles and colours, including white, grey, and black. This allows you to choose a ring that reflects your personality and unique style.

Nice Weight: Similar to traditional gold and platinum rings, tungsten has a nice heft to it. Many people associate weight with wealth, and the substantial feel of tungsten adds to its appeal.

Cons:

Brittleness and Breakability: Despite its hardness, tungsten is a brittle metal and can crack or shatter if dropped or smashed against a hard surface. Any man who works with his hands should consider this carefully before choosing a tungsten wedding band.

Cannot Be Resized: Due to its hardness, tungsten cannot be resized by a jeweler. This means that if your ring no longer fits, you will need to exchange it for a new size, which may be inconvenient and costly.

Not Easily Resellable: Unlike gold or platinum, tungsten rings may not hold their value for reselling. This is something to consider if you're thinking of selling your ring in the future.

How to get the right size tungsten ring

Tungsten rings are a popular choice for wedding bands due to their durability, scratch resistance, and affordability. However, one of the drawbacks of tungsten rings is that they cannot be resized due to the hardness of the metal. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that you get the correct size for your finger when purchasing a tungsten ring. Here are some tips to help you get the right size:

Know Your Ring Size

Before placing your order for a tungsten ring, it is essential to know your accurate ring size. You can visit a local jeweller to get your finger professionally sized. They will typically use a ring sizer to determine the most comfortable fit for you. If you are ordering online and cannot visit a jeweller, you can measure your finger at home using a piece of string or paper and a tape measure. Wrap the string or paper around your finger where the ring will sit, mark the length, and then measure it against the tape measure. Use a ring size conversion chart to determine your ring size.

Consider the Width of the Ring

When choosing a tungsten ring, keep in mind that wider rings will feel tighter on your finger. If you are considering a ring that is larger or wider than 6mm, it is generally recommended to go up half a size to ensure a comfortable fit.

Shop with a Reputable Retailer

It is important to purchase your tungsten ring from a reputable retailer that offers warranties and size exchange policies. Some retailers, such as Larson Jewelers and Timeless Tungsten, provide lifetime warranties that cover size exchanges. This means that if your ring no longer fits, you can exchange it for a new ring in the same style but a different size. Always read the fine print and understand the manufacturer's warranty before making your purchase.

Be Aware of the Limitations

Keep in mind that tungsten rings cannot be resized like traditional metal rings. While they are extremely durable, they are also brittle and can crack or break under pressure. Therefore, it is crucial to be careful not to drop or knock your ring on hard surfaces. Additionally, avoid exposing your tungsten ring to harsh chemicals, as they may damage the metal.

Explore Alternative Metals

If you are unsure about committing to a tungsten ring due to the inability to resize it, consider exploring alternative metals such as titanium, stainless steel, or cobalt chrome. These metals offer similar benefits to tungsten, such as durability and affordability, but can be resized if needed.

Alternatives to tungsten rings

As mentioned, tungsten rings cannot be resized due to the hardness of the metal. However, there are several alternative metals that can be used for wedding rings, which can be resized. Here are some options:

Titanium

Titanium rings are a great alternative to tungsten, especially for those who are not used to wearing jewellery. Titanium is extremely lightweight and durable, with the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any metal. It is commonly used in aerospace and military applications, and is tarnish-resistant and hypoallergenic. Titanium rings are also more affordable than tungsten rings, ranging from $20 to $1000 depending on the design. They come in a variety of colours, including silver-toned, black, and fully black, although the latter may be difficult to find.

Ceramic

Ceramic wedding rings, made from titanium carbide, are another alternative to tungsten. They are lightweight, crack-resistant, scratch-resistant, and hypoallergenic. They are also easy to care for and can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Ceramic rings usually come in black, but can also be found in other colours like white. They are affordably priced, starting at around $50 for simple designs and going up to $1000 for more intricate styles.

Cobalt Chrome

Cobalt chrome is a popular alternative to tungsten as it looks similar to white gold but is much more affordable. It is harder than gold or platinum and highly resistant to scratching and wear. It is also hypoallergenic, durable, and will not tarnish, fade, or rust. Cobalt chrome rings can be customised with various inlays, finishes, and designs.

Zirconium

Zirconium is another popular alternative to tungsten, known for its sleek black colour and lightweight feel. It has excellent chemical resistance and does not react to solvents, acids, bases, or other types of chemicals. Zirconium rings are also hypoallergenic and can be cleaned with normal jewellery cleaners. While they can be scratched, they are not as brittle as titanium or tungsten and can withstand being dropped.

These alternative metals offer a range of benefits and design options, making them great choices for wedding rings. They can also be resized, which is an important consideration if you are looking for a ring that can be adjusted over time.

Frequently asked questions