Despite its popularity, there is still a lot that needs to be known about tungsten rings. Because of the myths and misconceptions that surround tungsten rings, one can say that shopping for one is not as straightforward as buying a traditional ring!
Tungsten rings are quite popular mainly because of their outstanding hardness and durability superior over rings made of traditional metals like gold and silver. They are also scratch-resistant, allowing them to retain their shine and lustre even after regular wear. Plus, high-quality tungsten carbide rings are a lot more affordable than ones from precious metals.
Because tungsten rings are relatively new to most people’s ears, buyers usually have a lot of questions on their mind. A common question many buyers tend to ask has a lot to do with the maintenance and repair of tungsten rings.
Cleaning and maintaining tungsten rings
Tungsten, being one of the toughest substances out there, creates a rather low maintenance ring that requires very little upkeep. A genuine tungsten carbide ring is waterproof and won’t corrode or rust even after being exposed to the elements. This means that if your tungsten ring has become dirty or grimy, you can simply wash it with warm water and mild liquid soap.
Your tungsten ring won’t be easily scratched, too, which means you can polish it using a soft cloth or a toothbrush if dirt has gathered in its grooves. However, even though tungsten is tough, it reacts poorly to harsh chemicals, so avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals.
Also, it is important to note that while tungsten carbide is one of the hardest substances out there, diamond is still harder and can scratch your tungsten ring. With this in mind, keep your tungsten ring away from diamonds. Conversely, it is also a good idea to keep your tungsten ring in a pouch separate from your other jewellery pieces to keep it from scratching the latter.
Can tungsten rings be repaired?
Tungsten rings are very durable and are ideal for people involved in heavy labour or daily physical work. But even if your tungsten wedding ring is almost impossible to scratch, it is brittle, which means it can chip or break if it falls from a height. If your tungsten ring falls to a hard floor, then it may certainly shatter into pieces.
What should you do if your tungsten ring breaks and shatters? The one drawback with tungsten rings is they cannot be resized or repaired. Unlike malleable metals, upon application of force, a tungsten ring will not bend but will, instead, simply shatter. If your tungsten ring breaks, the most practical course of action is to just buy a new one.
However, if you had bought your tungsten ring from a reputable retailer or manufacturer that offers a lifetime warranty, there’s a good chance that you can send them your broken ring and they will replace it with a new one for no or a minimal added charge.