Selecting the ideal ring, whether for an engagement ring, wedding band, or statement piece, involves an important decision about which metal is best. While gold, silver, and platinum have been long-standing favorites, tungsten is a new rising star in the jewelry world.
Tungsten wedding bands are becoming increasingly popular men’s wedding band choice due to their exceptional strength, durability, and contemporary style. Learn about this rare metal and its jewelry potential to see if a tungsten ring may be right for you!
What is Tungsten, and How Is It Used?
The element tungsten is a metal found in the mineral wolframite. Tungsten is known for its incredible toughness and resistance to corrosion. With a 9-9.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, it’s the closest jewelry metal to a diamond, which is rated at a 10.
Tungsten has the highest melting point and highest tensile strength, meaning it can withstand a high amount of stress before it breaks. Historically, it has been used in applications such as:
- Light bulb filaments
- Military projects
- Medical devices
- Automotive engine components
- Golf clubs
Why is Tungsten a Popular Wedding Band Material?
While the metal has a long history of uses, more recently, it has been used in jewelry making to create sleek yet durable tungsten rings. Tungsten wedding bands provide incredible strength, durability, and longevity, which are qualities you want to consider when shopping for a forever ring.
As it is the hardest metal used in jewelry, these rings are highly resistant to scratches and can maintain their polished finish even with daily wear. This makes the metal ideal for men with active lifestyles, as it provides both functionality and elegance. Whether they want a wedding band that can keep up with their hobbies or if they have a job that requires a band that can handle some wear and tear, tungsten can be a great choice.
Tungsten Is Strong, Just Like Your Love
Beyond its hardness, durability is another reason why tungsten wedding bands have become a favored option in recent years. Unlike softer metals that may bend or deform over time, tungsten retains its shape, ensuring any ring you buy today will remain stunning, even decades later. As these rings are virtually indestructible, they are an ideal symbol of commitment and eternal love and a perfect choice for a modern men’s black wedding band.
What Are Other Advantages of Tungsten Rings?
Tungsten rings are an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin or who have allergies to certain metals, as they are hypoallergenic. Pure tungsten is biocompatible, meaning it is not toxic and will not produce an unwanted effect. However, when selecting a ring in this metal, you should ensure the ring is made from high-quality tungsten carbide and free from cobalt, as cobalt can cause skin irritation.
If you are concerned with the environmental impact of your purchases, tungsten wedding bands are a great option. The sourcing of the metal is more environmentally friendly than traditional gold mining, which can involve harmful chemicals and extensive land disruption.
Tungsten rings are also some of the most affordable wedding bands on the market. This cost-effectiveness allows buyers to invest in high-quality, durable jewelry within their budget. Note that the prices may increase when you create a custom jewelry design, adding items like diamonds or gold to the ring.
Favorite Tungsten Wedding Band Designs
Tungsten rings are available in various finishes, such as polished, brushed, satin, and matte, and can be found in a classic silver-grey color or feature black, gold, or even blue plating.
With their sleek and contemporary designs, tungsten wedding bands appeal to a wide range of tastes and styles. Some popular design options include:
Classic Bands: Simple yet sophisticated, classic bands such as a Triton Gunmetal Crystalline Center Step Edge band offer a timeless look that complements any style.
Inlay Designs: Inlay designs can include wood, carbon fiber, meteorite, or precious metals to provide a unique contrast. Our Tungsten Wedding Band with Zebra Wood Inlay is an excellent option for a personal touch.
Engraved Patterns: For those seeking additional personalization in their tungsten wedding band, engraved patterns and textures add a layer of complexity and individuality. The Comfort Fit Tungsten Carbide Domed Wedding Band would be an ideal ring choice to have engraved. You can work with your jeweler to have any design engraved onto your ring.
Gold Plated: Gold plated tungsten rings like our Step Edge Wedding Band combine the durability of tungsten with the elegance and classic appeal of gold. These rings are perfect for someone who wants the look of gold without the high cost.
How Do I Care for My Tungsten Ring?
Due to their resilient nature, tungsten rings require little to no maintenance Daily wear can change its look, but a polish and professional jewelry cleaning can bring it back to its original beauty.
We recommend maintenance like polishing and a professional cleaning by a jeweler every 2-5 years, depending on its wear. Focusing on these three key areas will ensure your band’s longevity:
At-Home Cleaning: Clean your ring with mild soap and warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage inlays or plating.
Storage: Store your ring separately from any other jewelry to prevent it from scratching softer metals.
Avoiding impact: While tungsten is extremely hard, it can become brittle under extreme impact. Avoid dropping your ring on hard surfaces.
What Are the Disadvantages of Tungsten Rings?
The most important thing to note is that these rings cannot be resized. The hardness of the metal means that once the ring is set, there is no going back. If you are using a tungsten ring as a wedding band, it is essential to work with a jeweler and get the correct men’s wedding ring width and size before purchasing.
Another quality to consider is the weight of tungsten. Due to the density and hardness of the metal, these rings tend to be heavier than others. We recommend visiting your local jewelry store or Fink’s and trying the ring on to get a feel for the weight.
Even with these considerations, tungsten wedding bands have emerged as a modern favorite. The combination of strength, durability, low maintenance, and style provides a ring that stands the test of time.
