Tungsten Bands: Built To Last?

Tungsten wedding bands are a popular alternative to traditional gold and platinum rings. They are made from tungsten carbide, a hard and dense metal with a high melting point. This makes tungsten rings highly durable and scratch-resistant, retaining their shine for years. They are also affordable, hypoallergenic, and versatile in terms of style and colour. However, their extreme hardness makes them susceptible to cracking if dropped or knocked against a hard surface. Additionally, resizing is not an option for tungsten rings, and their weight may be off-putting to some.

Tungsten rings are durable and strong

While tungsten is an extremely hard metal, it is also quite brittle. This means that if you drop a tungsten ring or accidentally smash it against a hard surface, the metal may crack or shatter. An accident like this would render the ring permanently unwearable, as broken tungsten cannot be repaired by a jeweler. For this reason, anyone who works with their hands or leads an active lifestyle may want to think twice before purchasing a tungsten wedding band.

Despite this potential downside, tungsten's hardness makes it an ideal choice for individuals seeking a low-maintenance ring. Unlike gold or silver, tungsten does not tarnish and retains its shine for a long time, so you won't have to worry about frequent polishing or cleaning. Additionally, tungsten is highly scratch-resistant, so you won't have to worry about unsightly scratches marring the surface of your ring over time.

In addition to its durability and strength, tungsten is also a versatile metal that can be polished to a high shine or given a brushed or matte finish. It is available in a variety of colours, including white, grey, black, and even yellow and rose gold tones, making it a great alternative to traditional gold or silver wedding bands.

They are affordable

Tungsten wedding bands are a highly affordable alternative to rings made from precious metals. Prices for tungsten rings vary, ranging from $15 to $600, with some starting at just $169. This is significantly cheaper than gold or platinum bands, which can cost between $500 and $1,000 or more.

The affordability of tungsten rings is largely due to the low production cost of the metal. The factory price for a tungsten ring is about $3, and retailers can buy them for $4-6. However, some companies charge much higher prices due to overhead costs, such as store location and advertising.

Another factor that affects the price of tungsten rings is the grade of tungsten used. Most shoppers don't realise that tungsten comes in two grades: jewellery grade and industrial grade. Jewellery-grade tungsten is perfectly suited for fine jewellery, while industrial-grade tungsten is meant for use in machinery. Industrial-grade tungsten is cheaper because it uses cobalt as a binder alloy, which tarnishes easily and can cause skin allergies. Jewellery-grade tungsten, on the other hand, uses nickel as a binder alloy, which is hypoallergenic and resistant to tarnishing.

When buying a tungsten ring, it's important to consider the warranty offered by the seller. Amazon, for example, provides excellent customer service for the first 30 days after purchase, but getting support after this window can be difficult. In contrast, some jewellers offer a lifetime warranty on their tungsten rings, allowing you to replace the ring for free if it breaks or needs to be resized.

Overall, tungsten wedding bands are a great affordable option for those on a budget. With their durability, scratch resistance, and shine, tungsten rings offer excellent value for money.

They are hypoallergenic

Wedding bands made from tungsten are a great option for people with metal allergies. Metal allergies occur when someone with an allergy to certain metals comes into contact with metal irritants, which can cause dermatitis. This can result in itchy, red skin or even small blisters.

Tungsten rings are hypoallergenic, meaning they won't trigger an allergic reaction in anyone. This includes those who are typically sensitive to other metals such as gold. In fact, tungsten combined with nickel alloy takes on hypoallergenic properties, as the nickel binds so well with tungsten that it loses its ability to react with the skin.

However, it's important to note that cobalt alloys, which are sometimes used in tungsten rings, are a common irritant and may trigger rashes. Cobalt-based tungsten rings may also appear to have spots and stains over time where the metal came into contact with the skin. This is due to oxidation, which occurs when cobalt bonds with the oils in the skin.

For those with sensitive skin or diagnosed skin conditions such as eczema, tungsten rings are a good option to minimise the occurrence of skin allergies.

They are low-maintenance

Tungsten wedding bands are low-maintenance. They are made of tungsten carbide, a hard and dense metal with a high melting point. This makes them highly scratch-resistant and able to withstand day-to-day wear and minor scratches. Unlike gold or silver, tungsten does not easily tarnish and retains its shine for a long time, so you won't need to worry about regular polishing or cleaning. Its hardness also means it won't bend as easily as other metals.

While some care is still required, the maintenance of tungsten rings is minimal compared to other metals. It is recommended to store your ring in a soft case when not wearing it and to wipe it down occasionally with a soft cloth and mild soap. This will help to ensure your ring maintains its beauty and lustre over time.

The durability and scratch-resistance of tungsten are especially appealing to those with active lifestyles or those who work with their hands. The metal is also hypoallergenic, making it a great option for individuals with metal allergies or sensitive skin.

In terms of style, tungsten's natural colour is a deep gunmetal grey, but it can be polished, sandblasted, or carved to create a range of finishes. It can be polished to a high shine or given a brushed or matte finish, providing a modern and stylish alternative to traditional wedding bands.

Overall, tungsten wedding bands are a great choice for those seeking a low-maintenance, durable, and stylish option that will retain its appearance for years to come.

They are versatile

Tungsten wedding bands are versatile in terms of their style, colour, and design. They can be sleek and contemporary or classically traditional. The flat profile delivers an ultra-modern look, while the rounded profile combines traditional and modern design elements.

The metal is available in white, grey, and black, making it ideal for those who want to avoid traditional gold or silver colours. The natural colour of tungsten rings is gunmetal grey, but they can be given a high-grade colour through the process of physical vapour deposition (PVD). This gives the ring a permanent luxurious deep black colour that resembles onyx. A new type of binding process can also change the grey colour to a rich white colour that looks similar to platinum.

Tungsten rings can also be combined with other metals like gold or rose gold, or with carbon fibre in black or blue, to create fancy designs. They can also be inlaid with precious and semi-precious stones, such as diamonds, sapphires, and rubies.

Frequently asked questions