Tungsten Wedding Bands: True To Size?

Tungsten wedding bands are a popular alternative to traditional gold and platinum bands. They are affordable, durable, and have a sleek and modern design. However, one of the biggest drawbacks of tungsten wedding bands is that they cannot be resized. So, does tungsten run true to size? The answer is yes, but it's important to get the right size initially as resizing tungsten rings is challenging due to their hardness.

Pros: Durability and strength

Tungsten wedding bands are known for their durability and strength. This is due to the hardness of tungsten carbide, a metal alloy created by combining pure tungsten with carbon and a small amount of nickel or cobalt. This alloy is so dense that its melting point is 6,100 degrees Fahrenheit, the highest among all metals. On the Mohs scale, it has a hardness of over 9, making it four times as hard as titanium and twice as hard as steel. This makes tungsten wedding bands highly scratch-resistant, ensuring that they retain their shine and luster for decades.

The durability of tungsten wedding bands also means that they are long-lasting and perfect for those who work with their hands or lead an active lifestyle. The hardness of the metal means that it won't bend or warp easily, and its scratch-proof nature ensures that it will maintain its sleek and sophisticated look. Additionally, tungsten is a low-maintenance metal that does not require frequent polishing, making it a convenient choice for those who want a ring that is both durable and stylish.

While tungsten is extremely hard, it is important to note that it can also be brittle. This means that if a tungsten ring comes into contact with another extremely hard surface, such as a tile floor, it can crack or shatter. However, this is a rare occurrence, and many retailers offer lifetime warranties that cover cracking or breakage. Overall, tungsten wedding bands offer exceptional durability and strength, making them a popular choice for those seeking a long-lasting and low-maintenance wedding band.

Cons: Brittleness and breakability

While tungsten is an extremely hard metal, it is also very brittle. This means that, while it is highly scratch-resistant, it can be prone to cracking or shattering if dropped or smashed against a hard surface. This is a notable downside, as a broken tungsten ring cannot be repaired by a jeweller and must be replaced. For this reason, tungsten wedding bands are not recommended for people who work with their hands or play sports.

The brittleness of tungsten rings can also be an issue when it comes to resizing. Unlike softer metals such as gold or silver, tungsten cannot be adjusted by a jeweller if the ring is the wrong size. This means that, if your ring no longer fits, you will have to buy a new one.

It is also worth noting that tungsten's hardness means it can scratch or crack fragile materials such as glass or porcelain. Therefore, if you wear a tungsten ring, you should be careful when handling easily breakable objects.

Pros: Hypoallergenic properties

One of the biggest advantages of tungsten wedding bands is their hypoallergenic properties. This means that tungsten is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction, even in people who typically experience skin irritation from other metals. This makes tungsten an excellent option for those with sensitive skin or metal allergies.

The hypoallergenic nature of tungsten is due to its composition. Jewellery-grade tungsten is typically tungsten carbide, an alloy that includes a small amount of nickel or cobalt. In tungsten carbide, the tungsten is bound to the nickel, preventing it from becoming an irritant. This makes tungsten a safe choice for those with nickel allergies, who would typically need to avoid nickel-bound metals.

In addition to its hypoallergenic properties, tungsten is also highly durable and scratch-resistant. Its shine won't fade over time, and it is significantly more affordable than other popular wedding band metals like gold and platinum.

However, it's important to note that not all tungsten jewellery is hypoallergenic. If tungsten is mixed with cobalt, it can cause skin irritation for some individuals. Therefore, it's essential to check the composition of the tungsten jewellery before purchase to ensure it is hypoallergenic.

Cons: Cannot be resized

While tungsten wedding bands are an affordable, durable, and stylish option for men, there are some cons to consider before buying one. One of the biggest disadvantages is that tungsten rings cannot be resized. This is due to the hardness of the metal, which makes it brittle and breakable. If a tungsten ring is cut to be resized, it will affect the continuity of the band and could compromise the integrity of the ring.

Because of this, it is important to be certain of your ring size before purchasing a tungsten wedding band. While some retailers offer exchanges for a different size, others do not, and you may need to buy a new ring if your finger size changes. This can be an inconvenience and an added expense, especially if you have engraved your ring or if your original ring is no longer available.

Additionally, if you require emergency medical attention and your ring needs to be cut off, you will need to replace it with a new one. While most emergency rooms are equipped to safely remove a tungsten ring, the process may cause damage to the ring that cannot be repaired.

Therefore, if you are considering a tungsten wedding band, it is essential to be aware of this limitation and take the time to ensure you have the correct ring size.

Pros: Affordability

Tungsten wedding bands are a highly affordable alternative to rings made from precious metals. You can find a high-quality tungsten ring for around $200, whereas gold and platinum bands can cost between $500 and $1,000 or more.

If you're on a budget, tungsten is a great option for a stylish and durable wedding band that won't deplete your savings account. Starting at just $169, you could even invest in a couple of rings in different styles and colours to match the occasion. For example, some grooms choose to have a daily work ring along with a more elegant design for special occasions.

The affordability of tungsten rings is especially appealing when you consider the possibility of losing or breaking your ring. Losing an affordable ring is less painful than losing a ring that cost you hundreds of dollars. And if you do happen to break a tungsten ring, replacing it won't be as much of a financial burden.

In addition to their affordability, tungsten rings offer a sleek and sophisticated look that gold or white gold cannot achieve. With a variety of styles and colours available, tungsten wedding bands can be sleek and contemporary or classically traditional. You can choose a style that suits your personal taste, whether you prefer a high shine or a brushed or matte finish.

Overall, tungsten wedding bands provide a combination of style, durability, and affordability that is hard to beat.

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