Tungsten rings are extremely durable and resist degradation over time far better than traditional ring materials. With proper care and a little maintenance, they can look new for years to come.
Tungsten is incredibly hard and ranks high on the Mohs scale of hardness, tungsten rings are good options for travelers. It can, however, be scratched by softer metals like silver or gold. To avoid this, remove your ring when working with chemicals or other harsh substances.
Hypoallergenic
Tungsten rings are known for being scratch-resistant and corrosion-resistant. They also tend to look much better over time compared to other band metals. This is due to their non-reactivity and hardness which makes it difficult for anything to change the color or appearance of your tungsten wedding band or engagement ring. Many rings made of other metals have a higher chance of fading and will require more maintenance to keep them looking shiny and new-looking. These include metal alloys such as yellow gold which will eventually tarnish and need to be re-plated by a jeweler and metals like white gold and platinum which have softer properties that allow them to fade more quickly than tungsten.
Tungsten carbide has a high melting point and rates a 9-9.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. These are the highest ratings for any band metal. This is what makes tungsten so durable and why it will not fade easily. Many tungsten bands are coated with rhodium or zirconium which increases their longevity and provides them with a shiny, new-looking sheen.
This does not mean that you cannot use a jewelry cleaner with your tungsten ring, but you should avoid ultrasonic jewelry cleaners because they are often designed for other types of metals and can cause damage to your ring. Instead, we recommend a clean cotton towel and mild hand soap for cleaning your tungsten ring as needed. This is the best way to ensure your tungsten ring stays shiny and new-looking.
Extremely Durable
Tungsten has a high rating on the Mohs scale, ranking between 9 and 9.5 – meaning it is one of the hardest metals for jewelry. It resists scratching and damage much more than softer metals, such as gold. It’s also five times harder than steel and four times harder than titanium, making it exceptionally durable. This durability makes tungsten rings an ideal choice for men who work with their hands or lead active lifestyles.
Tungsten is also resistant to corrosion and chemicals, making it a great choice for travel. It’s less prone to rusting or tarnishing than other metals, and can withstand contact with bleach or chlorine far better than precious metals like silver. However, it’s still a good idea to remove your ring before showering or using harsh cleaning products.
While tungsten is very hard, it’s important to take care of your ring to preserve its appearance and ensure that it lasts a lifetime. The best way to do this is by regularly cleaning it with mild soap and water. This will prevent buildup of grime and other contaminants that could affect the luster of your tungsten ring.
You can also protect your tungsten ring by storing it in a safe, secure location when you’re not wearing it. This will help to prevent it from getting knocked around or hitting other jewelry pieces, which can cause scratches or cracks. You should also avoid storing your ring in places with rough surfaces, like on a countertop or in a drawer.
While tungsten carbide is extremely durable, it can be brittle. A sudden impact or forceful blow can cause it to crack or shatter, which is why it’s a good idea to remove your ring during high-impact activities like weightlifting and rock climbing.
Unlike other metals, tungsten is hypoallergenic and does not react with certain skin conditions. It also does not tarnish or rust easily, which means you can enjoy wearing it for a long time. This is a huge benefit for people with allergies to other types of jewelry, such as nickel.
Scratch-Resistant
Tungsten is incredibly hard, which helps it to resist scratching more than other jewelry metals like gold. This feature is a major selling point for tungsten rings, as it allows them to stand up well to day-to-day wear and handling without suffering the kinds of scratches that can mar other types of ring materials. This makes them an ideal choice for active individuals who regularly use their hands in manual labor or for those who enjoy sporting activities and other physical pursuits that could cause them to come into contact with abrasive surfaces.
However, despite their durability, tungsten rings are not entirely scratch-proof. While tungsten carbide is the hardest material available to consumers, it still isn’t immune to scratches. During the manufacturing process, some pure tungsten powder is combined with a binder like nickel to help it keep its shape and form. This helps make tungsten rings more affordable, but it also means that the metal is less resistant to impact damage.
Because of this, it’s perfectly normal for tungsten rings to develop surface scratches from time to time. However, these are typically minor and will not affect the appearance of a ring in any way. They can also be prevented by removing the ring before engaging in activities that may put it at risk of contact with abrasive or rough surfaces or heavy impacts.
Some unreputable jewelers and marketers have begun to embellish the truth about tungsten, telling customers that the material is “scratch proof.” This can lead to disappointment for those who purchase a ring and later notice a small scratch on it.
Many tungsten rings are designed with an inlay, a decoration that adds visual interest to the ring’s look. This can be done for a variety of reasons, including to enhance the appearance of a ring that might otherwise be a bit too plain or understated. Many men enjoy the contrast of a black inlay against a polished tungsten band, for example.
Black tungsten rings are also an excellent option for those who want to ensure their ring maintains its polish and looks new for a long period of time. The black coating, which can be made from a number of different materials such as diamond-like carbon or physical vapor deposition, helps protect the underlying tungsten, reducing the likelihood that it will sustain damage to its appearance over time.
Lightweight
Tungsten carbide rings are known for their extreme durability, but they’re also incredibly lightweight. This makes them ideal for daily wear, especially for those with demanding jobs or active lifestyles.
Tungsten rings are also less likely to fade or discolor than other metals, ensuring they keep their sleek and modern appearance for years to come. This makes them an excellent choice for those who want to avoid the frustration of having to replace their wedding bands due to wear and tear.
The primary reason behind tungsten’s exceptional durability is its hardness. With a rating of 9-9.5 on the Mohs scale, tungsten is significantly harder than traditional ring materials like gold or titanium. This hardness also contributes to tungsten’s superior scratch-resistance, preventing it from being damaged by everyday wear and tear.
Even so, tungsten isn’t immune to the occasional breakage. While this is rare, it’s important to note that any ring can eventually crack or shatter under certain conditions. This is particularly true for tungsten rings with intricate designs, those designed with a thin profile, or those exposed to significant manual labor or harsh environments.
Another factor contributing to tungsten’s resistance to damage is its high specific gravity and compact structure. Compared to other popular ring materials, tungsten is denser and more tightly packed, making it less susceptible to breakage from impact or pressure.
Additionally, tungsten is highly resistant to corrosion, meaning it will stay shiny and lustrous for longer than other metals. Many tungsten rings are coated with a protective layer of black carbon, which protects the ring from scratches and dulling while also adding to its overall durability.
As a result, tungsten rings are much less likely to show signs of wear and tear over time than other metallic jewelry. Despite this, it’s still important to take good care of your tungsten ring in order to maintain its luster and beauty for as long as possible. This means avoiding contact with harsh chemicals or temperatures, storing it in a safe place when not in use, and regularly cleaning it with warm water and mild soap.