Tungsten Wedding Bands

Tungsten wedding bands are new on the wedding ring market and they did not become widely known until around 2004. Since that time, tungsten wedding rings have continued to experience a rise in popularity due to this metal's unique, new age, glossy gray, metallic color.

What is Tungsten?

• Tungsten, also known as wolfram, is a chemical element classified as a transition metal on the periodic table. This metal is only second to platinum when it comes to density, and as a result tungsten wedding rings are quite heavy.
• Tungsten is an extremely strong metal. It has the highest melting point of any known pure metal (3,422 degrees Celsius), and it has one of the highest tensile strengths of all metals.

• Tungsten is alloyed (mixed) with other metals to increase it's strength and durability before it is formed into rings.
• The first process of alloying tungsten involves adding carbon to the tungsten through a chemical process; this form of tungsten is called tungsten carbide and it is used to create tungsten carbide rings.
• Tungsten carbide is then alloyed with another metal such as nickel or cobalt to act as a binder *Note - Tungsten carbide alloyed with nickel is hypoallergenic. Tungsten carbide rings which contain cobalt binders can cause severe allergic reactions. Couples interested in tungsten wedding rings should avoid tungsten rings that contain cobalt.

• Tungsten wedding rings are extremely durable. These rings are scratch proof, and they can be permanently polished.
• It is a wide misconception that tungsten rings cannot be easily removed in an emergency, but due to the unique properties of tungsten the rings can be 'cracked' off using vice-grip locking pliers or regular jeweler's tools.
• Tungsten wedding rings are very affordable, even inlaid pieces come with a low price tag.
• Tungsten nickel alloys are hypoallergenic because the tungsten bonds so tightly to the nickel that the nickel cannot react with the skin

Cons of Tungsten Wedding Rings:

• Tungsten wedding rings cannot be resized or repaired, however many companies offer free ring exchanges or lifetime size exchange warranties.
• Currently most tungsten wedding bands come in men's styles; women's styles are also available but they are limited. With increased popularity, tungsten wedding rings are predicted to be available in more styles in the future. (Some companies offer customization of certain designs).
• It is difficult to engrave tungsten wedding bands using ordinary tools; the only type of engraving that shows up well on tungsten rings is through a laser engraving method.
• Tungsten cobalt alloys are not hypoallergenic; the cobalt can cause a rash on the skin, and the cobalt may also react with the oils in the skin and cause the ring to tarnish

What are Black Tungsten Rings?

• Black tungsten is tungsten that has been treated with a black coating.
• Black tungsten is often used to produce gray and black wedding ring styles.
• Phrases that advertisers use can mislead shoppers. Words like "Genuine Black Tungsten", "100% Black Tungsten Carbide" and "Solid Black Tungsten" may give the wrong impression that black tungsten is a separate metal.
• The only form of tungsten is the gray metallic colored tungsten, it is given a black coating to color it black; there is really no such thing as 'pure' black tungsten because it is just regular tungsten that has a coating over it.
• The coating on black tungsten wedding bands will wear and fade with time, especially on the areas where the ring is in contact with the skin.

Shopping Tips for Tungsten Wedding Bands:

• Make sure that you know what type of metal the tungsten has been alloyed with. Avoid tungsten engagement rings or wedding rings made with cobalt.
• As tungsten rings cannot be resized or repaired, check to see if the company has any warranties on the ring in case you need a different size or if damage occurs to the ring in the future.

Recommendations for Tungsten Wedding Bands:

Please note, you may also find listings for black tungsten rings through these recommendations - but for the purposes of a daily wear wedding ring, black tungsten is not recommended because the plating will eventually wear off.

Buy.com: One of the largest collections of tungsten wedding rings. Sizes for most of the bands range from a 6 - 13, so the bands can be suitable as either men's or women's rings depending on the style. Designs include hammered, two-tone, etched (many with etched Celtic patterns), inlay and comfort fit.

Tungsten Carbide Bands by Titanium Kay: Quality tungsten rings in contemporary and classic styles including two-tone, inlay, etched, hammered, ribbed and Mokume Gane tungsten. Most of the tungsten rings through Titanium Kay are for men, but a few are available in sizes starting at 5.5 which are suitable for women. The company also offers a laser engraving service so the bands can be engraved at the time of the order.

Overstock.com: A selection of men's tungsten rings including laser etched, beveled, brushed and domed (most of the rings here are available in sizes starting at 9.5).

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