Today, tungsten wedding rings or tungsten wedding bands are becoming so popular because of they are attractive, modern, extremely strong, comfortable and durable. In fact, tungsten carbide jewelry is quickly becoming the most popular. The rings are casual and comfortable for daily wear and can match any occasion and any person.

As jewelry trends change from year to year, tungsten rings will be the most popular wedding band in 2010. It can be exciting how new things emerge for us to try out. The latest trends in wedding bands have moved towards tungsten.

Tungsten rings come in different styles and sizes. They come in modern designs with the additional feature of being scratch proof. Recent years have shown how tungsten wedding bands have invaded the wedding ring industry because of their exotic, unique, and very exclusive look.

Tungsten carbide and titanium wedding bands are very popular. Due to extreme hardness and durability, couple’s wedding bands will hold their shape and shine longer than any ring available on the market. Selecting a durable tungsten wedding ring is an easy way to check that one more box off on your wedding checklist.

Tungsten rings are perfect for individuals involved with physical activities that risk scratching, nicking, or damaging softer metals. Polished tungsten rings hold their permanent shine and the polish won’t wear off after many years.

Before purchasing your couple’s wedding bands, make sure you find out from the jeweler on the metal used to finish and bind the jewelry. There are manufacturers who use cobalt as a binder due to its cheap cost. The downside with tungsten cobalt wedding bands is that it bonds with oils in the skin and gives the ring spots due to oxidation.

Remember when looking to purchase that perfect ring for your big day that traditional metals such as gold and platinum are not only less durable but also less popular. Every year the percentage of tungsten and titanium wedding bands increase as more and more people come to see the true benefits of having a ring that will last as long as your marriage.

Related posts:

• Related posts on Popular Wedding Rings
• Wedding Ring Heirlooms
• Mens Modern Jewellery on a Budget | Diamond Guide

• Related posts on Selecting a Wedding Band
• Will A Professional Wedding Band Make A Difference?

• Related posts on tungsten wedding bands
• Said by Sandra Today » Shopping for Tungsten Rings Online: Basic …
• Some tips for selecting tungsten wedding bands « Great Tungsten Rings
• Wedding Band Tungsten | Elena’s Wedding Rings & Jewelry Guide

Tungsten Carbide Rings and Wedding Bands- An Emerging Trend

The durability of tungsten carbide wedding rings are attracting modern couples to this miraculous material. Tungsten carbide is resistant to normal the normal wear and tear suffered in traditional wedding bands. Fifty years into your marriage, you can be sure that the tungsten band will look as good as it did the day you put it on your finger.

Tungsten Rings Styles and Designs

Tungsten rings are available in many different styles. Because high polished tungsten bands are comparable to traditional rings, many people select polished finished bands. Tungsten rings are created with great attention to detail so as to eliminate flaws or imperfections. Tungsten carbide rings can be plated with gold or a black finish to provide a one of a kind appeal. Of course, precious stones can be added for an even more striking design in the tungsten ring or wedding band you choose. Tungsten bands will never lose their shape. This is a problem one often encounters with softer traditional metals used to create rings and wedding bands.

Benefits of Tungsten Carbide Rings

The hardness of tungsten can not be beat. Industrial tools are often formed of tungsten carbide as they will outlast stainless steel tools. The combination of tungsten with a nickel binder provides protection to your skin as well as the ring. Often body oils, perspiration, and household chemicals will damage rings and wedding bands. With a tungsten ring you never need to worry about the damage, as they will stand the test of time. The incredible hardness of tungsten carbide also means that your ring will not scratch or fade from daily use and wear. That wonderful finish, whether brushed or polished, is there for the long run.

Cost of Tungsten Rings

Tungsten carbide rings are quite reasonable in cost, especially when you look at the long-term benefits. You do not have to have your ring cleaned or polished after months of wear. You will never have to have a scratch repaired, as tungsten carbide is scratch proof. With tungsten carbide you do not have to replace a ring that has become worn, is misshapen, or bent. In general, tungsten wedding rings are an excellent investment providing years of beauty.

My goal as a well educated jewelry professional is to provide clarity to some muddy questions. Today I will provide you with the answers to the 10 most frequently asked tungsten jewelry questions.

#1. Are tungsten carbide rings really INDESTRUCTIBLE?

The easy answer NO. Take a moment and say to yourself, “Self, do I know anything that is indestructible?” and you quickly come to the conclusion that even superman has his kryptonite. While tungsten carbide is virtually indestructible it can be scratched by one thing, diamonds. That’s right a girls best friend, is a tungsten’s worst nightmare.

When discussing tungsten rings you will often hear and see someone referring to the Mohs Scale of hardness. What exactly is this and what does this have to do with your tungsten ring you might ask. Well fear not, yours truly will break it down for you. The Mohs scale was built to calculate and compare the hardness of minerals. The numbers on the scale run from 1 to 10, 1 being the softest and 10 being the hardest. Right about now you are asking yourself, “Self, what does this have to do with my damn ring?”. Well I will tell you. Tungsten carbide is a 9 on the Mohs scale meaning only a diamond can scratch it, whereas steel is a 4 meaning it can be damaged very easily.

So the final answer is yes a tungsten carbide ring can be scratched, but only by a diamond.*

*On a side note if you purchase a tungsten ring with a precious metal inlay, or gold or black plating these can be scratched. The overall shape and form of the ring will not be affected, however these styles are more likely to show wear over time. This is where you want to make sure the company you are purchasing your ring from has a lifetime warranty.

#2. Can Tungsten Wedding Bands Be Resized?

No, due to their extreme hardness tungsten rings can not be resized.

Traditional rings such as gold, silver, and platinum are resized through a process where the jeweler cuts and reshapes the band. The ring is then solder back together, and finally polished. Tungsten rings can not be cut so therefore they can not be resized.

This may sound like a disadvantage but I assure you it is not. Let’s take a closer look at the true cost associated with having a ring resized, versus having to replace your tungsten carbide ring.

Traditional metals can be easily resized, but the cost is anywhere from $30-$90. Also once a traditional band has been resized it is considerably weaker. What was once a solid band now has 1 or 2 weak points where the ring has been soldered back together.

Tungsten rings can not be resized, however all reputable tungsten ring stores have lifetime warranties and exchange policies. The exchange policies are typically good for 30 days and the lifetime warranties are typically between $35-$70.

All in all if you are concerned that tungsten wedding bands can not be resized these facts should put you mind at ease.

#3. Can Tungsten Rings Be Removed In An Emergency?

Yes tungsten carbide rings can be removed in an emergency.

I know right about now you are saying, “This guy just told me tungsten rings can’t be cut, what am I supposed to do, wish the thing off?”. No there is a much easier, more reliable way to remove a tungsten band then to wish it off. You will need to crack a tungsten band to remove it in an emergency situation.

Below I have outlined the tools, and method for removing a tungsten ring.

Tools:

• Vice grip pliers

Steps for removing a tungsten ring in an emergency:

1. Take the pliers and clamp them snugly around the tungsten band.
2. Remove the vice grips and tighten them 1/2 turn.
3. Clamp the pliers back on the ring in a different area.
4. Repeat steps 2 & 3 until you hear the ring crack.
5. Once the ring cracks continue steps 2 & 3 until the ring can be removed.
6. If you ring has an inlay such as gold, silver, or carbon fiber that will need to be cut off with scissors or shears.

Take care when removing not to rotate the ring on your finger as there may be sharp edges which could potentially injure you.

#4. Can Tungsten Carbide Jewelry Be Engraved?

Yes tungsten carbide rings can be engraved, however the process of engraving a tungsten band is quite different from that of a gold wedding band.

Traditional wedding rings such as platinum, silver, and gold, are engraved with jewelers tool known as a graver. A graver is essentially a mini chisel. Gravers come in many shapes allowing the jewelers to engrave many styles of text and symbols.

Unfortunately due to tungsten carbide’s extreme hardness, they can not be engraved with a hand tool. Tungsten rings are engraved with a machine using a diamond tipped bit. The machine is programmed, your tungsten jewelry or ring is inserted, and once the process is finished you will have a precise engraving unique to you.

Questions to ask prior to having your ring engraved:

1. Ask to see examples of the font styles the engraver offers. This may not seem like a big deal but the font the engraver is using may vary from the one you have in mind.
2. Check with the store from which you originally purchased your tungsten ring to see if having a custom engraving will in any way void your warranty.
3. Ask the engraver if there is a character limit for your engraving. Often engravers will charge an additional fee per character if you go over their set amount.
4. See if the time frame for the engraving is going to interfere with the date by which you need the ring.
5. Make sure the engraver has offers an insurance policy while the ring is in their care. Mistakes happen from time to time and you want to make sure your jewelry is in good hands.

I personally recommend you try on your tungsten ring prior to the engraving to ensure proper fit.

#5. How Is A Tungsten Ring Made?

A tungsten carbide ring goes through 35 steps from start to finish. First pure tungsten powder is combined with carbon and either nickel or cobalt. These powders are then placed in a high pressure dye to form a blank. The blank is fired at 3600 degrees Fahrenheit which allows the carbon and nickel to bind to the tungsten.

The tungsten ring is then cooled, cut, shaped, and polished (the process of shaping a tungsten band is very similar to that of a diamond). From this point the tungsten ring goes through many time intensive steps before the final product is ready. For instance a polished tungsten wedding band will go through quite a different process then a brushed finished tungsten ring.

One of the most appealing aspects of tungsten jewelry is the diversity. Tungsten carbide can be styled be styled many ways to meet your desire. Whether you’re looking for a traditional wedding band, or a fashion forward ring with carbon fiber inlay, tungsten can be designed to meet your needs.

#6. What Is The Difference Between Pure Tungsten And Tungsten Carbide?

Pure tungsten is a relatively soft metal. It can be scratched, bent, and even broken very easily. Pure tungsten is not useful as a jewelry material.

Tungsten carbide is created by combining pure tungsten with carbon and either cobalt or nickel. The carbon and cobalt or nickel act as binding agents, strengthening and stabilizing the tungsten. Once the tungsten carbide is created it is used in industrial settings as well as jewel crafting.

#7. Is It Harmful For My Tungsten Ring To Have A Cobalt Binder?

Yes, using cobalt as a binder for your tungsten carbide ring could potentially be harmful. When tungsten rings use cobalt as a binder allergic reactions may occur to both your skin as well as the ring. Many people develop rashes or find their skin turns green, not very attractive unless you’re the Incredible Hulk. Also rings bound with cobalt will often become tarnished as cobalt negatively reacts with the oils in our skin. This tarnish can not be polished out.

#8. Is It Harmful For My Tungsten Ring To Have A Nickel Binder?

No, using nickel as a binder in tungsten carbide jewelry is not harmful. When tungsten is bound with nickel it is chemically inert, thus it will never negatively react with oils in your skin. Tungsten carbide jewelry with nickel is hypo-allergenic, so when purchasing a tungsten ring make sure it contains only nickel as a binder.

#9. How Do I Care For My Tungsten Carbide Ring?

Tungsten bands require very little care. If you find your ring has become smudged simply wipe it with a soft cloth. If your tungsten ring becomes dirty you may use a gentle cleaning solution and old toothbrush to return it’s shine. You may use a sonic jewelry cleaner if you desire, but leave the ring submerged for no longer then 1 minute and make sure your ring is the only piece of jewelry in the cleaner.

Sometimes rings appear as though they have become scratched. What has actually happened is the metal which brushed against your ring tried to embed itself in your ring. To remove the foreign metal shavings simply take a soft bristled tooth brush and a gentle cleaning solution and work the area until the metal fragments have been removed.

#10. Do Tungsten Rings Fit The Same As Other Rings?

Tungsten rings and wedding bands will typically fit a 1/2 size larger than traditional bands. This is due to the fact they are designed with a comfort fit band. The inner band is rounded and then polished which results in an  extremely comfortable, easy to wear ring.

Related Blogs

• Related Blogs on tungsten carbide ring
• All That Fashion » Blog Archive » Mens Tungsten Carbide Rings Make …
• Wholesale diamonds Now » Blog Archive » diamondsNew Tungsten …
• Tungsten Carbide, The Everlasting Polished Ring, Is The Symbol Of …
• Entertainment With Tungsten Carbide Ring Videos
• Nightlife

• Related Blogs on tungsten engraving
• All That Fashion » Blog Archive » Celtic Tungsten Bands Antique …
• Tungsten Rings are Gaining In Popularity | Plan Your Wedding Today
• Does Anyone Know Where I Can Men’s White Gold Wedding Bands For …
• Tungsten Rings are Gaining In Popularity
• Choose Tungsten Rings For Their Durable Qualities

• Related Blogs on tungsten wedding band
• Mens Tungsten Rings Make A Great Gift For Any Occasion | Plan Your …
• Tungsten Wedding Rings – A Modern Choice | Your One And Only …

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)

• Related posts on tungsten carbide ring
• Tungsten Rings The Most Popular Wedding Band For 2010 | Tungsten …

• Related posts on tungsten engraving
• Carbon Fiber Tungsten Rings – For the Stylish Individual …
• Top 10 Tungsten Jewelry Questions

• Related posts on tungsten wedding band
• Tungsten Rings The Most Popular Wedding Band For 2010 | Tungsten …
• MSX 23 » Blog Archive » How ? – RSS improve my Search Engine Rankings
• Wedding Band Tungsten | Elena’s Wedding Rings & Jewelry Guide