Tungsten Carbide Wedding Bands: Pros And Cons

Tungsten carbide wedding bands are a popular alternative to traditional gold and platinum wedding rings. They are made from a compound that contains equal parts tungsten and carbon atoms, resulting in a deep grey colour that can be polished, sandblasted or carved to create a range of finishes. Tungsten carbide is extremely hard and scratch-resistant, making it a durable and long-lasting choice for wedding bands. It is also hypoallergenic and tarnish-resistant, and significantly cheaper than gold or platinum. However, one of the downsides of tungsten carbide is that it is prone to shattering if dropped or hit with enough force.

Pros and cons of tungsten carbide wedding bands

Pros of Tungsten Carbide Wedding Bands

• Durability and strength: Tungsten carbide is a very hard metal, making it highly scratch-resistant and virtually indestructible. Its shine won't fade over the years.
• Hypoallergenic properties: Unlike some other metals, tungsten carbide won't trigger an allergic reaction.
• Contemporary style: Tungsten carbide is available in white, grey, and black, making it ideal for those who want to avoid traditional gold or silver colours. Its sleek, modern, and masculine appearance appeals to many grooms.
• Inexpensive: Despite being a rare metal, tungsten carbide wedding bands are much cheaper than gold, platinum, or palladium rings.

Cons of Tungsten Carbide Wedding Bands

• Brittleness and breakability: The hardness of tungsten carbide means that it is prone to shattering if dropped or smashed against a hard surface. It cannot be repaired by a jeweller.
• Cannot be resized: Due to its hardness, tungsten carbide cannot be resized. If your finger size changes, you will need to replace the ring.
• Limited styles: Currently, there are fewer styles available for women's tungsten rings, and even men's rings are limited to sleek, modern designs due to the metal's lack of malleability.
• Weight: Tungsten carbide is a dense metal, making it heavier than some other metals. Some people may find that it weighs down their finger.

What is tungsten carbide?

Tungsten carbide is a compound created by combining carbon with tungsten, a hard and dense metal with a high melting point. Tungsten carbide is extremely hard and scratch-resistant, making it a popular choice for wedding bands. In its natural state, it has a deep grey colour, but it can be polished, sandblasted, or carved to give it a wide range of aesthetic finishes.

The best quality tungsten carbide contains at least 80% tungsten, making the rings strong, hypoallergenic, tarnish-resistant, and able to maintain their polish for a lifetime. Tungsten carbide rings are also significantly cheaper than gold or platinum, and they are scratch and tarnish-resistant.

However, one of the downsides of tungsten carbide rings is that they cannot be resized. Due to their hardness, they are too difficult to adjust and will simply break if attempted. Additionally, tungsten carbide rings are typically heavy, which can be a positive or negative attribute depending on the wearer's preference.

Overall, tungsten carbide is a popular choice for wedding bands due to its durability, scratch resistance, and affordability.

Myths about tungsten carbide wedding bands

Despite their increasing popularity, there are several misconceptions about tungsten carbide wedding bands. Here are some of the most common myths, along with the facts that debunk them:

Myth #1: Tungsten Carbide Rings are Indestructible

While tungsten carbide is an incredibly strong and durable metal, it is not indestructible. It is true that tungsten carbide rings are highly scratch-resistant, but they can still be damaged. For example, if struck with a hard object at a high velocity or dropped from a significant height, a tungsten carbide ring can crack or shatter. Therefore, while it is a very tough metal, it is not entirely impervious to damage.

Myth #2: Tungsten Carbide Rings are Heavy and Uncomfortable

Contrary to this myth, tungsten carbide rings are generally not any heavier or more uncomfortable to wear than other types of wedding bands. In fact, due to their smooth, polished finish, some people find tungsten carbide rings more comfortable as they are less likely to catch on clothing or skin. Most reputable jewellers also offer a comfort fit option, making the rings even more pleasant to wear.

Myth #3: Tungsten Carbide Rings are Brittle and Easily Breakable

While it is true that tungsten carbide rings can break or shatter under extreme pressure or when dropped from a great height, they are not inherently brittle. In fact, tungsten carbide is designed to be strong and resistant to breaking in normal, everyday circumstances. The level of strength and durability offered by tungsten carbide makes it a popular choice for those concerned about scratching or breaking their ring during daily activities.

Myth #4: Tungsten Carbide Rings Cannot be Resized

It is true that tungsten carbide rings cannot be resized using traditional methods such as cutting, stretching, or compressing. However, this does not mean they are impossible to resize. Skilled jewellers can resize tungsten carbide rings using specific techniques and specialised tools designed for this purpose. Therefore, while it may be more challenging to resize a tungsten carbide ring, it is not impossible.

Myth #5: Tungsten Carbide Rings are Difficult to Remove in an Emergency

This myth is also untrue. In fact, tungsten carbide rings are often easier to remove than rings made of softer metals like gold or platinum. In an emergency, a tungsten carbide ring can be quickly and efficiently cut off with a pair of ring-cutting pliers or a similar tool.

Myth #6: The Best Tungsten Carbide Rings are Made of 100% Tungsten

This is another common misconception. In its pure form, tungsten is actually a powder and requires a binder, typically nickel, to be moulded into a ring. The optimal ratio for jewellery is generally considered to be around 85% tungsten and 15% nickel, as this combination provides the ideal balance of durability and scratch resistance.

How to choose the right ring size

Tungsten carbide wedding bands are popular choices for wedding rings due to their durability, scratch resistance, and stylish appeal. When choosing the right ring size, here are some tips to consider:

Measuring Your Finger

It is recommended to measure your finger multiple times, as finger size can fluctuate throughout the day due to factors such as temperature and exercise. Measure at different times and on both cold and warm days to find a good compromise. You can use a ring sizer or measure your finger in millimetres to determine your size accurately.

Allow for Wider Rings

The width of the band affects how the ring fits. Wider rings will feel tighter, so consider sizing up if you're opting for a thicker band.

Comfort Fit vs. Straight Fit

Tungsten carbide bands often feature a comfort-fit design, which means they have a curved interior that allows for a smoother and more comfortable fit. If you're used to wearing straight-fit rings, you may need to size down when opting for a comfort-fit ring.

Seek Professional Help

Visit a jeweller to get your finger professionally measured. They can advise you on the best size, especially when taking into account the unique characteristics of tungsten carbide bands.

Consider Resizing Options

While tungsten carbide rings cannot be resized due to their extreme hardness, look for jewellers who offer a lifetime warranty or exchange policy. This will give you peace of mind if your ring size changes over time.

Choose a Reputable Jeweller

When purchasing a tungsten carbide ring, ensure you buy from a reputable jeweller who can provide information about the ring's warranty and return policy.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you choose the right ring size for your tungsten carbide wedding band, ensuring a comfortable and perfect fit.

How to care for a tungsten carbide ring

Tungsten carbide rings are extremely durable and scratch-resistant. However, they are not resistant to the buildup of grime and dirt, which can make them appear to have black spots. Here are some tips on how to care for your tungsten carbide ring:

Cleaning

To clean your tungsten carbide ring, start by rinsing it with water. Dispense some mild liquid hand soap onto an old toothbrush and gently scrub the ring, paying special attention to any grooves or intricate patterns where dirt can easily get lodged. If your ring is very dirty, you can soak it in a cup of warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap for about 15-30 minutes before scrubbing. Once you're done scrubbing, rinse the ring under warm water and dry it with a clean cotton towel.

What to Avoid

Avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals such as ammonia, bleach, and chlorine, as these can damage your ring. Also, stay away from jewellery cleaning solutions, as they are usually formulated for other metals and may contain chemicals not suitable for cleaning tungsten. Ultrasonic jewellery cleaners are not recommended for the same reason.

Storage

When not wearing your ring, store it in a soft cloth bag or the original box to protect it from the elements of daily exposure.

Resizing

It's important to note that tungsten carbide rings cannot be resized. Therefore, it's crucial to choose the correct size when purchasing. A good idea is to get a ring sizer for an accurate measurement. It is recommended to take several measurements at different times and average out the size, as finger size can vary slightly throughout the day.

Warranty

When purchasing a tungsten carbide ring, look for a reputable retailer that offers a free lifetime warranty in case of any accidents or damage to the ring.

Frequently asked questions