What’s stronger than steel, sleeker than silk, and won’t buckle under pressure? That’s right, Tungsten! Tungsten rings have become increasingly popular for their durability, unique appearance, and affordability. Are you a man on the move committed to your bride but not yet to a Tungsten wedding band? Here are ten essential things you need to know before you say I do.

1. What is Tungsten?

Tungsten is a rare and incredibly robust metal that is known for its remarkable hardness and durability. It’s often used in various industrial applications, from aerospace engineering to manufacturing. However, when used in jewelry, Tungsten is typically combined with carbon to form Tungsten carbide.

 

So, Is Tungsten Carbide the Same as Tungsten?

While the terms “tungsten” and “tungsten carbide” are sometimes used interchangeably, they refer to different materials. In its pure state, Tungsten is just an exotic metal that does not have the same hardness as Tungsten carbide and can scratch quite easily. It is only when Tungsten is processed with carbon and other elements and compressed with high pressure and temperature it is transformed into Tungsten Carbide (WC) – the hardest metal used for making jewelry.

2. What Color Are Tungsten Rings?

Tungsten rings typically have a gunmetal gray or silver color, which gives them a sleek and modern appearance. However, they can also be found in various finishes, such as polished or brushed. The choice of finish can significantly impact the ring’s appearance. But they maintain their lustrous appearance over time and are an excellent option if you prefer a classic and timeless look for your wedding band.

3. Are Tungsten Rings an Affordable Alternative?

One of the significant advantages of choosing a Tungsten ring is its affordability. Tungsten carbide rings are often more budget-friendly than traditional precious metals. For instance, at Avant-Garde Titanium, you can find a high-quality Tungsten ring for around $100, while gold and platinum bands cost $500 or more. But what is the best part about Tungsten as an alternative metal? You’re not sacrificing quality.

Another positive about Tungsten carbide is the potential creativity behind these rings. We offer ring customizations, including precious metal inlays and unique bevels to truly personalize your ring.

Our Tungsten wedding bands are beautifully beveled with a comfortable fit. Our high-quality Tungsten rings will always have a beautifully polished finish and never scratch. Once you get a Tungsten carbide wedding ring, you can wear it for years without having to shine or buff.

4. How Strong is Tungsten?

Tungsten carbide is an extremely strong and durable material known for its hardness and toughness. Perfect for those who lead active lifestyles or like the security of having a long-lasting wedding band without worry.

Unlike other precious or alternative metals, Tungsten is among the hardest materials available, ranking just below diamond on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. The Mohs scale measures a material’s resistance to scratching, and Tungsten carbide typically has a hardness rating of about 8.5-9 on this scale, while diamond is rated as 10.

5. Can Tungsten Rings Scratch?

Tungsten rings are known for their durability and resistance to scratches, but they are not completely scratch-proof. Due to this extreme hardness, Tungsten Rings are less likely to scratch in everyday wear than softer metals like gold or silver. Tungsten carbide can only be scratched by diamonds and corundum family stones or abrasive materials containing corundum or diamond. Consequently, these rings can be called scratch-proof or permanently polished.

6. Can Tungsten Rings Be Cut Off?

Tungsten carbide rings are extremely hard and durable, but they can be removed in emergency situations. You can crack the ring into pieces using standard vice grip locking pliers. The same technique is used for removing ceramic and natural stone bands.

Gently clamp the vice grip locking pliers over the ring and adjust the tightener one-third turn. Repeat until a crack is heard, then continue to clamp in different positions until the ring breaks away. Take care not to slide or rotate the cracked ring on the finger to avoid any injury.

Please visit our emergency ring removal page for more info and a video demonstration.

7. Can Tungsten Rings Be Resized?

Tungsten carbide rings are incredibly durable and scratch-resistant, which makes them a popular choice for wedding bands and other types of jewelry. But, unlike traditional metals like gold or silver, Tungsten carbide rings are not easily resizable.

However, at Avant-Garde Titanium, we offer a lifetime size replacement guarantee for our Tungsten rings. If your Tungsten carbide ring is too large or tight, you can exchange it for a different size. Simply e-mail us to obtain an exchange authorization number.

8. Are Tungsten Rings Hypoallergenic?

While Tungsten rings are generally considered hypoallergenic, some people may have allergic reactions to the other metals used in the alloy. Tungsten is often combined with other metals, typically cobalt, to create a durable and scratch-resistant material for jewelry.

However, our Tungsten carbide rings are cobalt-free. This is very important as cobalt can cause an adverse reaction with the human body, causing a skin rash or discoloration of the ring. Skin oils can bond with cobalt, bringing it to the surface of the ring and resulting in discoloration similar to tarnishing, which cannot be removed by cleaning or even polishing.

9. Can Tungsten Rings Be Engraved?

Yes, Tungsten carbide rings can be engraved, but the process is different from engraving softer metals like gold or silver. Tungsten carbide is an extremely hard and durable material, which makes it resistant to scratches and wear. However, its hardness makes it more challenging to engrave than softer metals.

Engraving on Tungsten carbide rings typically uses diamond or laser engraving techniques. But they cannot be easily changed, and the engraving cannot be removed without reworking the entire ring.

For this reason, at Avant-Garde Titanium, We highly suggest that you buy an un-customized ring initially to ensure that it fits correctly and that you like how it looks. Then return the ring to us for the engravement.

Is a Tungsten Ring Right For You?

Choosing a wedding ring is a deeply personal decision. Tungsten rings offer a compelling combination of affordability, durability, and timeless elegance, making them an excellent choice for many couples. However, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and preferences when selecting a ring for your special day. Whether you opt for a Tungsten ring or Titanium, what matters most is the love and commitment it symbolizes as you embark on this exciting journey together.

Check out the Avant-Garde Titanium Tungsten collection. We sincerely hope we become your source for Tungsten and Titanium jewelry.

For assistance or inquiries, contact us. We’d love to help customize the perfect Tungsten wedding band for your special day.

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