Most people are used to wearing rings and wedding bands made of traditional metals like gold, silver, and platinum. This is why with the rise in popularity of alternative and more affordable options like tungsten, many people wonder about tungsten rings’ quality.
It is no mystery why tungsten rings are so popular. Aside from their affordability, tungsten rings are valued due to their superior hardness and durability. Tungsten has the highest melting point and the highest tensile strength out of all metals.
Because tungsten is one of the hardest substances on earth, tungsten rings are virtually scratch-resistant and will still look polished and new even after many years.
Then again, even if they are more affordable, tungsten rings are not dirt-cheap. You will still need to shell out at least $200 for a decent high-quality tungsten ring. With this in mind, are tungsten rings worth their price?
Tungsten Carbide Rings’ Quality
Tungsten carbide rings are made of tungsten and carbon, and they retain many of the characteristics of pure tungsten, including its high melting point and high tensile strength. Tungsten rings are incredibly durable and scratch-resistant, making these the ideal choice for people who are involved in physical work or strenuous activities.
Generally light grey in colour, good quality tungsten rings are resistant to corrosion and tarnish. They also do not require a rhodium plate.
It is good to note that a quality tungsten carbide ring is made of jewellery-grade tungsten carbide with a nickel binder instead of cobalt. Cobalt binders may cause allergic reactions and can react with the oils in your skin, creating permanent stains.
Another thing you should know about tungsten carbide rings is that they are safe to wear and can be readily removed in an emergency. Many hospitals are equipped with vice grip pliers, which is the best tool to use in removing a tungsten ring.
It is not uncommon to see a high-quality tungsten carbide ring with nickel binder priced at $500 or even higher, but the price range for tungsten bands is still generally lower than that of gold or platinum bands.
Tungsten rings are very durable. However, it is not true that tungsten rings are indestructible. While tungsten is, indeed, hardest among metals, it is precisely this hardness that makes it brittle. Unlike other metals like gold, which are malleable and bend upon application of force, tungsten just shatters and breaks.
Then again, this characteristic does not mean that a tungsten ring is low in quality. It takes more than a simple fall or force to break a good tungsten ring. A quality grade tungsten carbide ring will only break once extreme force is applied to it.
Does this put you at a disadvantage? Not really. As a matter of fact, some experts even recommend wearing tungsten rings over malleable rings like gold because in an accident, malleable rings will bend and deform around your finger, causing even more damage.
However, brittleness also means that it is impossible to have your tungsten ring resized. However, if you had bought yours from a reputable seller that offers lifetime warranty, then you can simply send them your ring and they will give you a new one that fits your new ring size.
So are tungsten rings good quality? If you prefer to get a durable, scratch-resistant ring that is safe during emergencies at a lower price than traditional rings, then tungsten rings are the perfect choice for you. Just remember to always choose good quality tungsten rings from a reputable retailer or manufacturer that offers a lifetime warranty.