The robust characteristics of tungsten rings make them a top choice for practical couples who are looking for affordable but stylish and durable jewellery. But what can tungsten rings offer in terms of value? Are tungsten rings worth anything?
Tungsten rings, also called tungsten carbide rings, are extremely tough and hard. In fact, tungsten is one of the hardest substances out there, definitely harder than traditional metals like gold and silver. Tungsten also has the highest melting point of all metals and is resistant to scratches, tarnishing, and fading.
Tungsten wedding rings cost lower than traditional wedding rings. In terms of prestige, a tungsten ring may not hold up to a gold or platinum wedding ring because it is considered a cheap, industrial metal. However, if you are looking for a ring that will last you a very long time, then a tungsten ring is most valuable.
You see, the worth of a tungsten ring lies not in its price but in its quality.
First, not all tungsten rings are made equal. A tungsten carbide ring made with a nickel binder is considered the best in quality and a great choice for wedding bands. Avoid tungsten carbide rings made with cobalt binder because they may cause allergies. They also tend to react with the oils in your skin, which causes staining.
If you value having a piece of jewellery that does not require professional maintenance and cleaning, then a good quality tungsten ring is perfect for you. Aside from the fact that it is resistant to scratches and tarnishing, a tungsten ring is quite easy to clean. Simply wash it using warm water and a mild liquid soap, and your ring will be good as new.
It is also important to do research and shop around for good tungsten rings from reputable shops. Tungsten rings are generally light grey in colour, but there are options for coloured rings to give you a more stylish look. However, if you are planning to use your ring for a long time, it is best to avoid tungsten rings with plating as the plate will eventually flake off.
At the end of the day, a tungsten ring’s value boils down to your preferences and values. Tungsten rings come in a wide range of prices, but as long as it is of high quality and bought from a reputable seller that offers a lifetime warranty, then your tungsten ring is just as valuable – or maybe even more – than traditional rings.
What Makes a Tungsten Ring High Quality?
Not all tungsten rings are created equal. Key quality indicators include:
- Nickel binder: Quality rings use nickel as the binding agent, not cobalt. Cobalt-binder rings can cause skin reactions and discolouration.
- Comfort fit interior: The inside of the ring should be gently rounded, not flat. This allows the ring to slide on and off easily and sit comfortably during extended wear.
- Consistent finish: Look for even polish or brushing with no visible defects, pits, or rough spots.
- Weight: A quality tungsten ring should feel solid and substantial. If it feels surprisingly light, it may not be genuine tungsten carbide.
Value Compared to Precious Metals
A tungsten ring costing $40-80 offers scratch resistance far superior to a gold ring costing $500-2,000. Tungsten never tarnishes, never needs polishing, and maintains its appearance indefinitely. From a purely practical standpoint, tungsten provides better daily performance than any precious metal.
The trade-off is that tungsten has no intrinsic resale value like gold. You cannot melt down a tungsten ring and recover the material value. However, for most people buying a wedding band to wear for life, resale value is irrelevant.
Warning Signs of Low-Quality Tungsten
Be cautious of tungsten rings that:
- Cost less than $15 – these may use inferior materials or cobalt binder
- Feel unusually light for their size
- Have visible defects in the finish
- Come from sellers who do not specify the binder material
- Lack any warranty or return policy
Shop Related Tungsten Rings
Premium quality at affordable prices: