Tungsten Wedding Bands: Timeless, Durable, Affordable

Tungsten wedding bands are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional gold and platinum wedding rings. While gold and platinum have been used for centuries, tungsten is now being chosen for its durability, strength, and affordability. It is scratch-resistant, long-lasting, and hypoallergenic, making it ideal for those with skin sensitivities. It is also a great option for those on a budget, with prices starting at around \$169. However, it is important to note that tungsten rings cannot be resized and are brittle, so they may crack or shatter if dropped or knocked against a hard surface.

Tungsten is strong, scratch-resistant, and shines

Tungsten is an increasingly popular choice for wedding bands. Its popularity can be attributed to its strength, scratch-resistance, and shine.

Firstly, tungsten is a strong and reliable metal. Its hardness makes it highly durable and scratch-proof. This means that a tungsten wedding band will not bend as easily as other precious metals. It can withstand hardship and varying conditions without getting damaged, making it an ideal choice for those who work with their hands.

Secondly, tungsten is scratch-resistant. Its scratch-proof quality means that it can take a lot of wear without tarnishing. Its polish can last for years, maintaining its shine and luster long after the wedding. This is in contrast to other metals such as gold or silver, which can become dull over time.

Thirdly, tungsten has a sleek and contemporary appearance. The metal is available in white, gray, and black, making it ideal for those who want to steer clear of traditional gold or silver colors. The natural color of tungsten rings is gunmetal gray, but they can also be polished to give a shinier appearance. This versatility means that tungsten wedding bands can be designed to suit every style, from sleek and contemporary to classically traditional.

In conclusion, tungsten is a popular choice for wedding bands due to its strength, scratch-resistance, and shine. It offers a modern alternative to classic metals, providing a striking design statement at a more affordable price point.

Tungsten is affordable

Tungsten is a cheaper alternative to gold and platinum wedding bands. Prices for gold and platinum bands can range from $500 to over $1000, whereas a high-quality tungsten ring can be purchased for around $200.

The affordability of tungsten rings is particularly appealing to those on a budget, or those who are concerned about losing or damaging their ring. If a tungsten ring is lost, broken, or damaged beyond repair, it is relatively inexpensive to replace.

The price of tungsten rings can vary, with some rings costing as little as $20, and others priced at over $1000. However, it is generally agreed that the quality of the bands does not differ significantly between price points, as most tungsten rings are manufactured by the same companies.

While some may argue that gold and platinum are more "noble" metals with a higher intrinsic value, tungsten is a more affordable option for those who do not wish to spend a fortune on a wedding band.

Tungsten is hypoallergenic

Hypoallergenic Properties

Tungsten is a hypoallergenic metal, making it a great option for wedding bands. Its hypoallergenic properties mean that it won't trigger an allergic reaction in anyone, even those with sensitive skin or diagnosed skin conditions such as eczema. This is especially beneficial as wedding bands are worn daily for prolonged periods.

Alloy Considerations

While tungsten is hypoallergenic, it is important to consider the alloys used in the ring. For example, tungsten rings can contain either cobalt or nickel binders. Although nickel alloys with tungsten are actually hypoallergenic due to the binding process, nickel itself may be an irritant for some individuals. On the other hand, cobalt alloys are known to be common irritants and may trigger rashes. Cobalt-based tungsten rings can also appear spotted and stained over time due to oxidation when cobalt bonds with the oils in the skin.

Other Benefits of Tungsten Wedding Bands

In addition to its hypoallergenic properties, tungsten offers several other advantages for wedding bands. Firstly, tungsten is highly durable and scratch-resistant, ensuring that the ring maintains its shine and luster for years to come. Secondly, tungsten is a more affordable option compared to traditional metals like gold and platinum, making it a cost-effective choice for wedding bands. Finally, tungsten is low-maintenance and requires minimal care, as its polish can last a lifetime without needing regular upkeep.

Considerations and Drawbacks

Despite its many benefits, there are a few considerations to keep in mind with tungsten wedding bands. Firstly, due to its hardness, tungsten can be brittle and breakable, and any cracks or breaks in the metal cannot be repaired by a jeweler. Additionally, tungsten wedding bands cannot be resized, so it is crucial to ensure an accurate ring size before purchase. Lastly, the weight of tungsten may be a factor for some individuals, as its dense nature gives it a heavier feel on the finger.

Tungsten is versatile

The metal is available in white, grey, and black, making it ideal for men who want to steer clear of traditional gold or silver colours. Many grooms like the sleek, masculine, and contemporary appearance of the metal. Tungsten is also available in natural grey, yellow, and rose, mimicking the look of a traditional 14K white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold wedding band.

The natural colour of tungsten rings is grey, and while they are extremely scratch-proof, if you get your tungsten ring in a colour other than its true gunmetal grey, the coating may scratch to reveal the natural tungsten colour underneath.

Coloured tungsten is tungsten that has been ion-plated with other metals that are not quite as durable and scratch-proof as tungsten, so be sure to choose your tungsten colour wisely and take your lifestyle into consideration. If you want to play it safe, go with a natural grey tungsten wedding band.

Tungsten is low-maintenance

Tungsten is a naturally forming, rare metal found on Earth. It is hard, dense, and has a high melting point, making it an excellent choice for durability and long wear.

Tungsten wedding bands are low-maintenance. They are scratch-resistant and can withstand a lot of wear without tarnishing. Their polish can last for years without becoming dull, unlike other metals such as gold or silver. The shape of the ring will also stay the same, as tungsten is strong enough to withstand warping. This means less money spent on reshaping or cleaning with a jeweller.

If your tungsten ring gets dirty, you can simply soak it in warm soapy water and wipe it with a dry cloth. This is all the maintenance the ring will likely ever need.

In addition, tungsten is hypoallergenic, so it won't trigger an allergic reaction in anyone.

Frequently asked questions