Purchasing wedding rings is no easy feat. Given the number of options out there, there are so many things you should consider, such as price, style, and longevity. One of the factors that you also should not forget about is the material of your wedding ring, making sure that it suits the lifestyles of both you and your partner.
Two of the most popular materials available for wedding rings are tungsten and platinum. Allow us to help you make an informed decision through this post comparing tungsten rings and platinum rings.
Platinum
Platinum is considered a precious metal alongside gold and silver. A high density metal, platinum is one of the heavier metals used to make wedding rings. While it looks like silver, it commands a price as high as gold because it is extremely rare.
Tungsten
Tungsten, on the other hand, is not a precious metal but is the hardest metal used for jewellery. It is a naturally occurring metal found in ores, which explains why it is more affordably priced than traditional precious metals.
Tungsten Rings vs. Platinum Rings
Hardness
Both tungsten and platinum are harder than gold and silver; however, tungsten is a lot harder than platinum. On the Mohs hardness scale, platinum ranks 4 while plain tungsten is at 7.5. However, when combined with carbon, the resulting material is called tungsten carbide, which ranks 9. Only diamond is harder than tungsten carbide.
The hardness of the metal used is important because it explains how resistant to scratch the piece of jewellery is. Because only diamonds beat tungsten carbide in hardness, it means only diamonds can scratch a tungsten ring.
Durability
Aside from hardness, it is also important to choose a durable material when shopping for jewellery. Platinum is one of the most durable metals, beating yellow gold and silver. A platinum ring does not wear, break, or bend easily, which means there is less need to have it fixed.
Tungsten is also up there when it comes to durability. Aside from its scratch-resistant property, a tungsten ring will not bend or deform no matter how much you try. It is also resistant to fading, tarnishing, discolouring, and rusting.
Colour
Platinum looks a lot like silver, achieving a neutral white lustre which complements precious stones like diamonds. Tungsten’s natural colour, on the other hand, is a darker grey-silver hue. However, special processes can be done to help a tungsten ring achieve a platinum-like colour. It can also be plated to achieve a different colour, such as black.
Hypoallergenic Properties
Platinum rings are popular among those looking for hypoallergenic rings. Because platinum jewellery are pure, they can be worn without causing any allergic reaction. Similarly, a high-quality jewellery-grade tungsten ring is also mostly pure, containing only a minimal amount of nickel binder. The minimal amount makes a good quality tungsten ring hypoallergenic.
Maintenance
More people are preferring to buy a low-maintenance ring, and both tungsten and platinum are good choices. Platinum does lose its shine over time, and to maintain its shine and lustre, platinum ring only requires a quick steam at the jeweller. Then again, a tungsten ring requires almost no professional cleaning at all. It retains its lustre quite well, and in the event that it gets dirty and grimy, you can simply clean it in warm water and mild liquid soap.
Price
Tungsten rings and platinum rings both exhibit exemplary characteristics, making them perfect choices for wedding bands. The difference now boils down to price. Platinum is much rarer than tungsten, which is why it is much more expensive. Tungsten carbide, on the other hand, is a good alternative to precious metals because it can be produced on demand, which means tungsten jewellery can be bought at a lower price.
There are many options for wedding rings in the market, and it is wise to do some research to look for the perfect choice that works for you and your partner.