Tunstein Wedding Bands: True To Size?

Tungsten wedding bands are a popular alternative to traditional gold or platinum rings. They are affordable, durable, and scratch-resistant, with 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 is almost impossible.

Pros: Durability and strength

Tungsten wedding bands are known for their durability and strength, making them a popular choice for those seeking a long-lasting and resilient symbol of their commitment. Here are some key advantages of tungsten wedding bands in terms of durability and strength:

Scratch Resistance: One of the most notable features of tungsten rings is their scratch resistance. The hardness of tungsten carbide makes it exceptionally resistant to scratches and everyday wear. This means your tungsten wedding band will maintain its sleek and lustrous appearance for years to come.

Bend Resistance: In addition to being scratch-resistant, tungsten rings are also highly resistant to bending. Unlike softer metals like gold, which can bend out of shape, tungsten's hardness ensures that your wedding band retains its original form. This is especially beneficial for those who lead active lifestyles or work with their hands.

Long-Lasting Shine: Tungsten's shine and luster are renowned for their longevity. You can expect your tungsten wedding band to maintain its brilliant shine throughout the years, ensuring that it always looks as good as new.

Affordability: Despite their durability and strength, tungsten wedding bands are surprisingly affordable. This makes them an excellent choice for those who want a high-quality ring without breaking the bank. The affordability also means that if you do happen to break or damage your ring, replacing it won't be as financially daunting as it would be with more expensive metals.

Variety of Styles: Tungsten rings offer a wide variety of styles to choose from. Whether you prefer a simple band or a trendy modern design, you can find a tungsten ring that suits your taste. This versatility allows you to express your personality and sense of style while still enjoying the benefits of tungsten's durability.

Hypoallergenic Properties: Tungsten is also known for its hypoallergenic properties. This means that it won't trigger allergic reactions, making it a safe choice for individuals with sensitive skin or metal allergies.

Cons: Brittleness and breakability

While tungsten wedding bands are known for their durability, scratch-resistance, and affordability, they do have one significant drawback: their hardness also makes them brittle and breakable. The harder a metal is, the more prone it is to brittleness and breakability. Unlike gold, which is soft and malleable, tungsten can crack or shatter if dropped or smashed against a hard surface. This is because pure tungsten has a body-centred cubic crystalline structure, which contains high Peierls stresses that resist dislocation movement, making it very strong but also quite brittle.

This brittleness is further influenced by the grain structure of tungsten. Larger grains tend to make tungsten more brittle. Additionally, the addition of cobalt or nickel during the manufacturing process to serve as a binder can also contribute to its breakability.

The breakability of tungsten wedding bands can be a concern, especially for those who work with their hands or are active. If a tungsten ring breaks, it cannot be repaired by a jeweller, rendering it permanently unwearable. Therefore, it is essential to consider your lifestyle and daily activities when choosing a tungsten carbide ring.

However, the breakability of tungsten rings can also be advantageous in emergency situations. Unlike traditional metal rings that may require cutting in medical emergencies, tungsten rings can be broken with vice grip pliers, providing a safer and more efficient alternative for ring removal.

Pros: Hypoallergenic properties

One of the biggest pros of choosing a tungsten wedding band is its hypoallergenic properties. This means that, unlike some other precious metals, tungsten will not trigger an allergic reaction in anyone. Grooms who are typically sensitive to other metals, such as gold, can safely wear a tungsten band without worry.

Tungsten carbide, the type of tungsten used to make jewellery, is a combination of tungsten and carbon with a small amount of nickel or cobalt added. The nickel binds so well with tungsten that it loses its ability to react with the skin, meaning that even those with allergies or sensitivities can wear tungsten jewellery without risk.

This is a significant advantage, as wedding bands are worn every day and even mild symptoms like itchiness or a light rash would be extremely undesirable.

Cons: Cannot be resized

Tungsten wedding bands cannot be resized. This is a notable disadvantage of the metal, and it's important to be aware of this before purchasing a ring. If you get the wrong size, you'll likely have to buy a new one.

The reason tungsten rings cannot be resized is that the metal is too hard and brittle. It would need to be cut in order to be resized, which would affect the continuity and integrity of the band. Cutting tungsten is unpredictable, and it may shatter. Therefore, jewellers won't attempt to resize it.

This issue isn't unique to tungsten, and many other metals, including titanium, stainless steel, and cobalt chrome, also cannot be resized.

To avoid the cost of buying a new ring, you could consider a retailer that offers a lifetime resizing guarantee. If your ring size changes, you can return your old ring and receive a new one in the same style for free or at minimal cost.

Another option is to choose a jeweller that offers exchanges for a small fee. For example, Diamond Nexus allows customers to exchange their ring for a different size for a small charge.

To avoid resizing issues altogether, it's crucial to know your ring size before ordering. You can measure your ring size at home using a piece of string or a strip of paper, or you can visit a local jeweller to have your finger professionally sized.

Pros: Affordability

Tungsten wedding bands are a highly affordable alternative to rings made from precious metals. While a high-quality gold or platinum band can cost anywhere between $500 and $1,000 or more, a stylish and durable tungsten ring can be purchased for as little as $169 to $200. This affordability allows grooms on a budget to invest in multiple rings in different styles and colours without sacrificing quality. For instance, some grooms may opt for a daily work ring and a more elegant design for special occasions.

The low price of tungsten rings also means that losing or breaking a ring is less of a financial burden. If you do happen to break a tungsten ring, replacing it won't deplete your savings account. This is especially beneficial for those with active lifestyles or those who work with their hands, as there is a higher chance of damaging the ring.

In addition to their low price, tungsten rings also offer long-term savings due to their durability and low-maintenance requirements. Their scratch-resistant and tarnish-resistant properties eliminate the need for frequent polishing, saving you time and money on cleaning and maintenance costs.

The affordability of tungsten wedding bands makes them an attractive option for couples who want stylish and durable rings without breaking the bank. With tungsten, you can have a high-quality ring that suits your personality and everyday style without compromising your budget.

Frequently asked questions