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. The short answer is no – due to the hardness of the metal, tungsten rings cannot be cut, bent, or reshaped like other metals. This makes it essential to know your correct ring size before purchasing a tungsten band. While tungsten rings cannot be physically resized, some retailers offer warranties or exchange policies that allow customers to receive a new ring in their desired size if their original ring no longer fits.

Why can't tungsten rings be resized?

There are several reasons why tungsten rings cannot be resized. Firstly, tungsten is an extremely hard metal with a high mineral hardness, making it much stronger than other metals commonly used in jewellery, such as gold. On the Mohs scale of hardness, tungsten carbide ranks as a 9-9.5 out of 10, while gold is only 2.5 and platinum is 3.5. This strength means that tungsten rings cannot be bent or reshaped for resizing; they would need to be cut, which could affect the integrity of the ring and cause it to break. Cutting tungsten is unpredictable, similar to cutting glass, so jewellers will not attempt to resize a tungsten ring.

Another reason tungsten rings cannot be resized is that they are not malleable. The lack of malleability is due to the composition of tungsten carbide, which is a compound of tungsten, carbon, and often other metal alloys like cobalt. This compound gives tungsten rings their incredible strength and hardness, making them durable and scratch-resistant, but also means they cannot be easily shaped or resized like softer metals.

While tungsten rings cannot be physically resized, some retailers offer resizing warranties or guarantees. For example, Timeless Tungsten offers a free lifetime resizing warranty, where customers can exchange their ring for a new one in the same style and size at no additional cost. Similarly, Patrick Adair Designs offers one free size exchange for all non-custom tungsten rings. These warranties provide a solution for customers who need to resize their tungsten rings without having to pay for a completely new ring.

In summary, tungsten rings cannot be resized due to the hardness and brittleness of the metal, which makes resizing risky and impractical. However, the durability and scratch resistance of tungsten are also some of its most desirable qualities, making it a popular choice for wedding bands, especially for those with active lifestyles.

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—comparable to uranium and gold—and very hard, making it difficult to work with. In fact, it is the hardest metal after diamonds.

Tungsten is found almost exclusively in nature as compounds with other elements, such as tungstenite, scheelite, and wolframite. Its important ores include scheelite and wolframite, the latter lending the element its alternative name.

Tungsten has numerous applications, including in incandescent light bulb filaments, X-ray tubes, electrodes, and radiation shielding. It is also used in jewellery due to its durability, scratch resistance, and hypoallergenic qualities.

Tungsten is typically combined with other metals, such as carbon, cobalt, or nickel, to form a strong and durable alloy called tungsten carbide, which is used in jewellery and industrial applications.

Pros and cons of tungsten rings

Pros of Tungsten Rings:

Durability and Strength: 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 and ensures that its shine won't fade over the years. This makes tungsten rings perfect for everyday wear and those with active lifestyles.

Hypoallergenic Properties: Tungsten is completely hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for people with sensitive skin or metal allergies. Most jewellers use tungsten carbide without any extra additives, like nickel, to avoid allergic reactions.

Affordability: Compared to precious metals such as gold, tungsten is an alternative metal that is much more affordable. This affordability, along with its durability, is one of the biggest reasons for its growing popularity.

Weight: Similar to traditional gold and platinum, tungsten has a nice heft to it. Weight is often associated with wealth, and many people prefer the weightiness that tungsten provides.

Luster: Tungsten has a beautiful gunmetal grey colour that polishes extremely well and can hold its colour over time.

Cons of Tungsten Rings:

Brittleness and Breakability: While tungsten is extremely hard, durable, and scratch-resistant, it is also brittle and can crack or shatter if dropped or smashed against a hard surface. An accident like this would render the ring permanently unwearable, as broken tungsten cannot be repaired by a jeweller.

Cannot Be Resized: Due to its hardness, tungsten cannot be resized. This may present problems in the future as the ring will never be able to be adjusted for a perfect fit. However, some jewellers offer a lifetime resizing warranty, where they will exchange the ring for a new one in the same style but a different size.

How to get the right size tungsten ring

Tungsten rings are a popular choice for wedding bands, especially for men, due to their durability, scratch resistance, and affordability. However, tungsten rings 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 using a ring sizer. They can also help you determine the most comfortable fit by trying on different rings. If you plan to order a wider ring, consider going up half a size for a more comfortable fit.

Size Your Ring at Home

If you prefer to size your ring at home, you can use a simple method with a piece of string or paper and a tape measure. Wrap the string or paper around your ring finger where the ring will sit and mark the length. Then, measure the length with the tape measure and use a ring size conversion chart to determine your ring size.

Consider Size Exchange Warranties

When purchasing a tungsten ring, look for manufacturers or retailers that offer size exchange warranties. Some companies provide lifetime warranties that cover size exchanges, ensuring that you can receive a new ring in the same style but with your updated size. This option allows you to maintain the same design while accommodating any changes in your finger size.

Choose Reputable Retailers

Avoid buying tungsten rings from cheap or less reputable retailers, as they may not offer any guarantees or warranties. Opt for well-known brands or jewellers that provide resizing guarantees or easy exchange policies. This way, you can have peace of mind knowing that you can exchange your ring for a different size if needed.

Be Aware of the Limitations

Keep in mind that tungsten rings cannot be physically resized due to the hardness of the metal. Cutting or altering a tungsten ring can affect its continuity and integrity, and no professional jeweller will attempt to do so. Therefore, it is crucial to be certain of your ring size before finalising your purchase.

Alternatives to resizing tungsten rings

While tungsten rings cannot be physically resized, there are a few alternatives to consider if resizing needs arise. Here are some options to explore:

Exchange for a New Size

Some retailers, such as Timeless Tungsten, offer a lifetime resizing warranty or guarantee. This means that if your ring size changes, you can send your ring back and they will exchange it for a brand new ring in the same style but in your new size. This service is often provided free of charge, and you won't have to pay any labor fees for resizing work. It is important to check the warranties offered by the manufacturer or retailer before purchasing your tungsten ring to ensure size exchanges are covered.

Choose a Different Metal

If you are open to exploring other metal options for your wedding band, softer precious metals like gold, platinum, or silver are much easier to resize. These metals are malleable and can be resized with the right equipment, allowing for adjustments to be made to the ring's size without having to replace it entirely.

Consider a Silicone Ring

Silicone rings are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional metal wedding bands. They are flexible, comfortable, and safe, making them ideal for those with active lifestyles or jobs that require working with their hands. Silicone rings are also very affordable, so if your size changes over time, replacing them is a convenient and cost-effective option.

Go for a Custom-Made Ring

If you want to ensure your tungsten ring fits perfectly, consider having it custom-made. By providing your exact ring size specifications, you can avoid the need for resizing in the future. Custom-made rings may also offer more room for personalization and unique designs.

Ring Size Adjuster

If your tungsten ring is too loose, a temporary solution is to use a ring size adjuster. These are small clips that fit onto the back of your ring, making it tighter. They are a quick and inexpensive fix, but they may not be as comfortable or aesthetically pleasing as a properly sized ring.

Frequently asked questions