If you have been window shopping and browsing the internet for wedding ring options, there’s a high chance that you have come across tungsten rings.
Tungsten rings, or tungsten carbide rings, are made of a tungsten carbide, which is a combination of tungsten and carbon atoms. Pure tungsten ranks 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, but when combined with carbon to form tungsten carbide, it now ranks 8-9 on the scale. With this ranking as reference, only diamond beats tungsten carbide in terms of hardness.
Tungsten rings also boast of superior durability. Unlike traditional rings made of precious metal, they are resistant to scratches and similar damages. They don’t fade, tarnish, or discolour over time. Tungsten doesn’t oxidise, too, which means tungsten rings won’t rust or corrode.
Given these excellent qualities, you might be wondering why tungsten rings are so cheap. There are different reasons that explain the affordability of tungsten rings, so keep reading!
Why are tungsten rings cheap?
1. Tungsten is not an expensive metal.
First and foremost, tungsten rings are cheap because tungsten itself is not an expensive metal. Unlike precious metals which are rare, tungsten is almost readily found in many ores, especially in China. An ounce of premium tungsten just retails for $1!
2. It is not as expensive to manufacture tungsten rings.
Next, unlike commercial traditional rings, it is not as expensive to manufacture tungsten rings because they are usually made in Asian countries like China and South Korea. Taxes are lower in these countries, which explains the price difference. However, the quality of tungsten rings remains superb because they still undergo many factory audits and quality tests.
3. The tungsten ring market has become more competitive.
Because of the popularity of tungsten rings, the market for it has become more competitive. There are many sellers of tungsten rings, from online stores in China to jewellery shops in the country to accommodate the high demand of buyers.
However, even though there are a lot of cheap tungsten rings sold online worldwide, it is still best to buy your tungsten ring from a reputable retailer or manufacturer. There is less risk that you’ll be given a low-quality ring, which is less durable and can even harm your skin.
Also, reputable retailers often give their customers a lifetime guarantee for their tungsten ring. This often covers resizing and replacement in case of accidental breakage. You just have to return your old ring and they will send you a new one, free of charge!
The Real Reason Tungsten Rings Are Affordable
Tungsten is the 18th most abundant element in the earth’s crust. Compare this to gold, which is one of the rarest elements. The sheer abundance of tungsten ore keeps raw material costs low.
The manufacturing process for tungsten carbide rings is also highly efficient. Powder metallurgy (pressing and sintering) is faster and less labour-intensive than the casting and hand-finishing required for gold or platinum rings.
Does Cheap Mean Low Quality?
Absolutely not. A tungsten ring costing $40 uses the same jewellery-grade tungsten carbide as one costing $200. The material is identical. Price differences typically come from branding, marketing, and retail markup rather than material quality.
In fact, tungsten carbide is technically superior to gold in most practical measures: harder, more scratch-resistant, and more chemically stable. The low price reflects material abundance, not inferior quality.
How to Get the Best Value
- Shop directly from specialist tungsten ring retailers rather than high-street jewellers who mark up significantly
- A plain polished tungsten band should cost $30-60 – anything over $100 is likely overpriced unless it has special inlays
- Rings with wood, carbon fibre, or gemstone inlays reasonably cost $60-150
- Always check the warranty and return policy before buying
- Avoid the cheapest options (under $15), as these may use cobalt binder rather than nickel
Shop Related Tungsten Rings
Great quality at unbeatable prices:
- 8mm Mens Black Brushed Tungsten Ring with Polished Green Interior
- Black Hammered Tungsten Rings in 6 or 8mm
- 4mm Men s Silver Brushed Tungsten Ring With Cubic Zirconia