Tungsten Wedding Bands: A Modern Choice For Men

Men's tungsten wedding bands are a contemporary and durable choice for those looking for a scratch-resistant and long-lasting ring. Tungsten rings are known for their resilience and toughness, making them ideal for everyday wear. They come in a variety of designs, including plain metal bands, inset stones, two-tone contrasting metals, and engravable backings. The most popular width for men's tungsten wedding bands is 8mm.

While tungsten rings are highly scratch-resistant, they cannot be resized. This makes it important to know your accurate ring size before purchasing. In terms of affordability, tungsten carbide rings are a great alternative to more expensive metals.

Pros and cons of tungsten rings

A tungsten wedding band is an increasingly popular choice for grooms. It is a modern alternative to classic metals such as gold and platinum. Tungsten bands are known for their sleek, masculine, and contemporary appearance. They are also affordable, durable, and hypoallergenic.

Pros:

• Durability and Strength: Tungsten is an extremely hard metal, making it scratch-resistant and perfect for everyday wear. It also won't bend as easily as other precious metals.
• Hypoallergenic: Tungsten is hypoallergenic and will not trigger an allergic reaction. It is a good choice for people with sensitive skin or those who are allergic to metals such as gold.
• Affordability: Tungsten bands are much more affordable than rings made from precious metals such as gold or platinum. You can find a high-quality tungsten ring for around $200, while gold and platinum bands can cost $500 or more.
• Luster: Tungsten's shine won't fade throughout the years, and you can expect the ring to maintain its lustre long after your wedding.
• Weight: Tungsten has a nice heft to it, and many people associate weight with wealth.

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.
• Cannot Be Resized: Due to its hardness, tungsten cannot be resized. If your finger size changes, you will need to purchase a new ring.
• Not Easily Resellable: While tungsten rings are affordable, they cannot be easily resold.
• Not Indestructible: While tungsten is scratch-resistant, it is not indestructible and can break if hit with enough force.

In conclusion, tungsten wedding bands offer a modern, stylish, and affordable option for grooms. However, it is important to consider the potential downsides, such as breakability and the inability to be resized, before making a purchase.

Tungsten vs titanium

Titanium and tungsten carbide are two of the most popular contemporary materials currently available in men's jewellery. While they may appear similar, they have distinct differences.

Price

Both metals are very affordable alternatives to precious metals and are comparable in price. The price of each can vary based on style, manufacturer and quality.

Composition

Titanium is a metal that is slightly alloyed with other elements, usually aluminium and vanadium, and is at least 85% pure. Tungsten carbide is a compound made from the rare metal tungsten and mixed with either nickel or cobalt.

Hardness

Both metals are harder than gold or platinum, but tungsten carbide is one of the hardest materials available, scoring 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness compared to titanium's 6.

Scratch-Resistance

Tungsten carbide is the most scratch-resistant metal, but titanium is still highly scratch-resistant when compared to other popular materials.

Crack-Resistance

Titanium is much more resistant to cracking than tungsten carbide, which is naturally brittle. This means that tungsten carbide rings can crack or shatter if struck against a hard surface. Titanium is a better option for those who work with their hands.

Weight

Titanium rings are extremely lightweight, whereas tungsten carbide rings are dense and heavy.

Colour

Both metals have a natural gunmetal grey colour and are available in black. Tungsten also comes in white, which resembles white gold or platinum.

Hypoallergenic Properties

Most titanium rings are hypoallergenic, whereas most tungsten rings are not, due to the use of cobalt, which can be an allergen for some skin types.

Durability

In a crushing injury scenario, tungsten rings will shatter, whereas titanium rings will bend. Shattering is generally preferable, but it is best not to wear any rings when a job involves a crushing risk.

Tungsten vs gold

When it comes to men's wedding bands, tungsten and gold are two popular choices, each with its own unique characteristics and appeal. Here is a detailed comparison between the two options:

Durability:

Tungsten is known for its exceptional toughness and durability. With a rating of nine on the Mohs scale of hardness, it is only slightly less hard than diamonds, which rank at ten. This makes tungsten highly scratch-resistant, ensuring that it retains its lustre and sheen over time. On the other hand, gold is a soft metal that can be scratched easily and may require more maintenance to keep it looking its best.

Design and Versatility:

Gold has traditionally been a symbol of wealth and is prized for its warm glow and versatile designs. It offers a wide range of design options and can be crafted into intricate and beautiful pieces. Gold also offers a variety of colour options, including yellow, rose, and white gold, allowing individuals to choose a colour that complements their skin tone. Tungsten, while extremely durable, may have more limited design options due to its hardness. However, it can still come in various colours, including black, yellow, rose, blue, and red, allowing individuals to choose a contemporary look while maintaining durability.

Weight:

Both tungsten and gold rings have similar densities, so there is not much difference in weight between the two. However, the weight of a gold ring is relative to its purity level, with lower karat gold being lighter than higher karat gold.

Maintenance:

Gold does not require much maintenance as it does not tarnish over time. However, due to its softness, it is prone to scratching and may need occasional servicing to maintain its shine. Tungsten, on the other hand, is low maintenance due to its hardness and scratch resistance. Warm water and mild dish soap are all that is needed to clean a tungsten ring.

Price:

Gold is considered a precious metal and often comes with a hefty price tag due to its scarcity and the extra value associated with its traditional look. The cost of gold can escalate with higher purity levels. Tungsten, on the other hand, is more affordable due to its accessibility and can be a great option for those on a budget.

Resizing:

Gold rings can be easily resized by a jeweller, although the cost will vary depending on the size adjustment. Tungsten, due to its hardness, cannot be resized. However, its affordability means that replacing it with a new, identical model is usually more feasible than resizing a gold ring.

Resale Value:

Gold is a tradable commodity and can be resold, although the resale value is typically a small fraction of the original purchase price. Tungsten, on the other hand, is not a precious metal or a tradable commodity, so it does not have any resale value.

Allergies:

Gold jewellery is often combined with nickel, which can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Tungsten, when combined with carbon to form tungsten carbide, becomes hypoallergenic, making it a safer choice for those with allergies or sensitivities.

In conclusion, the choice between tungsten and gold for a men's wedding band ultimately depends on personal preferences and the specific qualities that are most important to the individual. If durability, affordability, and hypoallergenic properties are key factors, then tungsten may be the ideal choice. However, if design versatility and the traditional appeal of gold are higher on the priority list, then a gold wedding band could be the perfect option.

Tungsten ring designs

Tungsten rings are known for their strength, durability, and scratch resistance. They are also highly customizable, with a variety of colours and designs available.

Black tungsten rings are a sleek and stylish alternative to the classic tungsten ring. These rings are designed to showcase the wearer's unique style while maintaining the strength and durability of traditional tungsten. Black tungsten rings are available in a variety of styles, including the following:

• Black Sapphire Wedding Band in Black Ion-Plated Tungsten
• Triton Men's 6.0mm Comfort Fit Hammered Black Tungsten Wedding Band
• Triton Men's 9.0mm Comfort Fit Honeycombed Black Tungsten Wedding Band
• Domed Faux Meteorite Inlay Black Tungsten Band
• 6mm 8mm Brushed Finish Raised Center Black Tungsten Band
• Woven Rose Gold Steel Rope Black Tungsten Ring
• Beveled Edge Black Dragon Green Inlay Black Tungsten Ring
• Houndstooth Flat Style Black Tungsten Band
• Tartan Flat Style Plaid Pattern Black Tungsten Band

White tungsten rings are another popular option, resembling the look of white gold. Some white tungsten ring designs include:

• Men's 6.0mm Brushed Inlay Stepped Edge Comfort-Fit Engravable Wedding Band in White Tungsten (1 Line)
• Triton Men's 8.0mm Comfort Fit White Tungsten Wedding Band
• Silver Tungsten Ring With Rose Gold Dragon Motif
• Pearl White Opal Glowstone Stackable Ring | Women's Wedding Band

Two-tone tungsten rings are also available, offering a unique and modern look. These rings combine different colours of tungsten, such as black and rose or black and yellow, to create a stylish and eye-catching effect. Some examples of two-tone tungsten ring designs include:

• Men's 8.0mm Double Stripe Wedding Band in Tungsten with Black and Blue Ion-Plate
• Men's 8.0mm Brushed Low Dome Comfort-Fit Engravable Wedding Band in Tungsten with Black and Rose IP (1 Line)
• Men's 7.0mm Beveled Edge Engravable Wedding Band in Black Tungsten and Blue Ceramic (1 Line)
• Men's 9.0mm Satin Grooved Beveled Edge Comfort-Fit Wedding Band in Tungsten with Yellow Ion-Plate - Size 10
• Men's 8.0mm Brushed Comfort Fit Wedding Band in Two-Tone Tungsten (1 Line)
• Triton Men's 8.0mm Brick Edge Engravable Wedding Band in Two-Tone Tungsten (1 Line)

In addition to the above, there are also a variety of other tungsten ring designs available, such as:

• Celtic tungsten rings
• Brushed tungsten rings
• Inlay tungsten rings
• Diamond tungsten rings
• Mokume tungsten rings
• Faceted tungsten rings
• Grooved tungsten rings
• Raised tungsten rings

Cleaning and care instructions

Tungsten rings are designed to be durable and require little maintenance. The metal is highly scratch-resistant and does not tarnish easily. However, it is important to note that tungsten can react poorly to certain chemicals. Therefore, it is recommended to take certain precautions when cleaning tungsten rings to ensure they are properly cared for.

Cleaning Instructions:

• Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with a bowl of warm water. Avoid using products containing chlorine, bleach, or ammonia, as these can damage the ring.
• Soak a cotton cloth in the soapy water and gently scrub the ring.
• For more intricate designs or areas with gemstones, use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a cotton swab to reach into tight spaces and remove any dirt or debris.
• If necessary, allow the ring to soak in the soapy water for a few minutes to loosen any stubborn grime.
• Rinse the ring with warm water and dry it with a clean, soft cloth.

Care Instructions:

• Avoid exposing the tungsten ring to harsh chemicals, such as chlorine, bleach, or ammonia.
• If you work with grease or oil, it is advisable to remove the ring before starting work to prevent build-up.
• Consider using an ultrasonic cleaner, available at some eyeglass stores, tattoo shops, and jewellers, for a more thorough cleaning.
• For heavily soiled rings, a commercial tungsten cleaner, such as a paste with a cloth and applicators, can be purchased online.
• To maintain the ring's shine, use a polishing cloth regularly.
• If the ring is exposed to harsh chemicals, clean it as soon as possible to prevent any potential damage.

Frequently asked questions