tungsten it is one of the few metals with qualities that allow it to last a lifetime. So it is not surprising that its use in jewelry has become very popular in recent years, especially in Europe and the United States. It is an exotic material that was not available on the market, but its introduction to jewelry is just beginning.
Therefore, it is estimated that its use is increasing, so if you are a jewelry lover and you still do not know it, it is time for you to discover some interesting facts about it.
What is tungsten?
Tungsten, also known as tungsten, is a chemical element found on the periodic table. And it gets its name from the Swedish words “Tung” meaning heavy and “Sten” for stone, which is indicative of the weight and strength of the metal.
Tungsten vs Tungsten Carbide
Although often used interchangeably, there are differences between these two terms. Tungsten in its pure form cannot be used in jewelry. Instead, it forms into a metal, consisting of about 85% tungsten and 15% carbon, nickel, or cobalt, known as tungsten carbide.
Because tungsten is very brittle, mixing it with carbon reduces this characteristic, making the metal more durable and easier to work with. The nickel or cobalt acts as a binder, binding the metal together and allowing it to be shaped.
Nickel-bonded tungsten carbide is considered high quality and ideal for wedding bands. However, tungsten carbide with cobalt as a binder is not recommended for jewelry, as cobalt, which tends to react with body oils, can cause skin irritation and staining.
As just mentioned, tungsten carbide contains carbon. Carbonless tungsten is just a ring of steel, with a Mohs of 7.5. It can still be scratched and damaged. However, when carbon is added to the mix to create carbide, the resulting metal becomes extremely strong and durable.
Some suppliers sell tungsten rings but call them tungsten carbide. So be careful as not all tungsten carbide rings on the market are actually carbide.
Advantages of tungsten
In the world of modern jewelry, industrial metals such as tungsten, titanium, and stainless steel are all the rage, especially used in men’s jewelry, wedding bands, and costume jewelry. These are the benefits of tungsten:
affordability
Tungsten is a very affordable metal, and unlike precious metals, it is easy on your pocket. There are different grades of tungsten carbide used in jewelry that can affect the price. For example, high quality tungsten with carbon and nickel included can cost more than other lower grade tungsten carbide combinations.
Compare this comfort fit white gold wedding band with this comfort fit tungsten wedding band. The two rings look very similar, but the price difference is considerable!
Some people find that tungsten’s lack of monetary value makes it cheap and therefore not a good choice for wedding bands. This comes down to personal preferences and values.
Durability
In the durability department, tungsten carbide outperforms all other metals. Here’s how tungsten compares to other metals:
Gold (3 Mohs)
Platinum (4.5 Mohs)
Palladium (4.5 Mohs)
Rhodium (6 Mohs)
Titanium (6 Mohs)
Tungsten (9)
In fact, it is the hardest metal used in jewelry and the most scratch resistant. Since an object can only be scratched by another object that is harder than it, tungsten cannot be scratched by most materials. Some substances that can cause scratches in tungsten are diamonds and moissanites. This means that no matter what exposure your tungsten ring is subjected to, it remains scratch free.
Gloss
Tungsten rings are highly resistant to tarnishing and corrosion. Over time they do not change color or lose shine.
Because they don’t scratch easily, tungsten stays lustrous and shiny. As a result, this metal has earned the nickname «forever polished.»
Color
Tungsten is found in several popular colors. Gunmetal gray is a popular color for tungsten and makes for very beautiful and unique wedding bands, while white offers an elegant and contemporary option. White Tungsten Carbide is very similar in appearance to the popular platinum and white gold metals, giving a modern and elegant look to the band.
You may be considering a black tungsten ring as it offers a striking and unconventional look, ideal for someone looking to be different. However, black tungsten is made by coating the metal with a layer of black material. While tungsten plating allows the metal to take on different and attractive tones, it also means that over time the plating will come off and the piece will need to be reseated.
There are also options for your tungsten ring to be plated in other colors, such as rose gold or yellow gold.
Weight
Most men like the feel of a solid ring on their fingers. Tungsten are the heaviest rings on the market, giving your jewelry weight. It is somewhat heavier than 14 karat gold and much heavier than metals like titanium and stainless steel.
Tungsten Disadvantages
Although tungsten is a durable and affordable metal, there are some obvious drawbacks to owning tungsten jewelry.
resize
Your fingers don’t stay the same size as the years go by. They will change and your ring will have to change with them. Because tungsten rings cannot be resized, you will need to change the ring entirely.
While this is a practical and affordable step, for some it undermines the purpose of a wedding ring as a symbol of long-term love and commitment. There is an emotional tug if you have to get rid of the ring you exchanged on your wedding day, no matter the reason. If it’s any consolation, some providers often offer a lifetime guarantee that they’ll provide you with a ring that fits.
scratches
Metal hardness is a double-edged sword. For one thing, your tungsten jewelry does not scratch easily. But on the other hand, it does the scratching. Tungsten is extremely hard, rating 8 to 9 on the Mohs scale.
How does this affect?
It means that your tungsten ring can scuff and scratch every object it comes in contact with, if it’s harder than it. Some people find that household objects, such as refrigerator handles and drinking glasses, get scratched when they come into contact with their ring.
tungsten breaks
Because tungsten carbide is so hard and brittle, it does not bend or lose shape. Instead, it can crack or shatter if it takes an extremely hard hit, like a diamond.
If your ring is exposed to rough wear and tear, there is a chance it could crack and fall apart. A reputable supplier should offer a lifetime warranty on breakage and replacement of your tungsten ring.
Tungsten is not valuable
Tungsten is not a precious metal and does not have the prestige or value of gold, silver or platinum. It is considered a cheap metal. Most people like their wedding bands to be made from precious metals to give it more value. Also, it is a fairly recent addition to wedding band metals and it remains to be seen if tungsten can stand the test of time as a wedding ring metal or if it will go out of style in the future.
Tungsten and allergies
Most high-quality tungsten carbide is hypoallergenic. However, tungsten carbide can sometimes cause skin reactions and irritations.
This occurs if cobalt has been included in the metal, which is a common allergen for people with metal allergies. Nickel is a common allergen for people with metal allergies, but the amount of nickel used in tungsten is negligible and it rarely causes reactions.
limited options
Although tungsten is popular, the jewelry on the market is very limited when it comes to design. There are not many styles of men’s and women’s wedding bands in tungsten, and most are contemporary and shiny designs of similar appearance.
This is because tungsten is not a very flexible metal and is difficult to work with. If you are looking for something more elaborate or full of character, you may have to choose from other metals.