When selecting a wedding ring, many people focus on the gemstone. But what about the metal? After all, it too needs to withstand the strain of everyday wear.
And one metal that is perfectly suitable for this job is none other than tungsten! Wish to know why? Well, let’s take a closer look at this contemporary metal to find out the answer.
What is tungsten?
The name tungsten is actually a combination of two Swedish words, ‘tung’ meaning ‘heavy’ and ‘stun’, which translates to ‘stone’. From the tensile strength point of view, tungsten is the hardest natural metal available on earth; and it cannot be used in its purest form to make rings. Jewellers, therefore, opt for tungsten carbide, which is an alloy of 80-85% tungsten and 15-20% carbon.
Why is it a great metal choice for men’s wedding rings?
- Durability
- Affordability
- Appearance
- Hypoallergenic
1. Durability
Mohs scale is a scientific method used to measure the relative hardness of various minerals. On this tool, tungsten has a rating of 8, whereas tungsten carbide stands at 9. This indicates that the latter is extremely strong and highly scratch-resistant, which makes it one of the most durable metals available and a great option for wedding rings.
2. Affordability
One common belief about metals is that the harder it is, the higher the price. This, however, does not stand true for tungsten. In fact, even after being exceptionally tough, tungsten is actually quite affordable and costs far less than a gold or platinum ring.
3. Appearance
If you think that by choosing tungsten you may have to compromise on looks and style, then you are mistaken. To begin with, this metal comes in a variety of hues like grey, gunmetal, silvery-white and even black. It also has a sleek and contemporary appearance which looks quite attractive. And lastly, its long-lasting lustre, luster, makes it a sought-after option.
4. Hypoallergenic
One of the biggest USPs of this metal is the fact that it is hypoallergenic in nature. This means that a tungsten wedding band won’t trigger any allergic reactions and can be worn for a long period of time. So whether or not you have sensitive skin, you can safely flaunt a tungsten carbide ring without any worries.
Other Options
Tungsten carbide men’s wedding bands are undoubtedly a raging trend in today’s time. But there are other metal options that can be considered too.
- Titanium: This metal falls next in line to tungsten with regards to durability. It has a reputation for being strong, comfortable and lightweight too. Titanium doesn’t tarnish and isn’t extravagantly priced, which definitely makes it a good option.
- Platinum: This lustrous white metal is strong, durable, tarnish-resistant and hypoallergenic in nature. However, it is also the most expensive option. So do take this factor into consideration before making a decision.
Parting Note
Since the metal has to bear the brunt of everyday life, it is important to choose carefully, and weigh all the pros and cons of the options available to you. While tungsten is the most durable, you can also choose from one of the other metals presented above.
