Titanium and tungsten carbide are materials that are used in the fabrication of wedding rings. There are benefits and considerations linked with both types of ring materials. Consider all aspects before making a purchase.
Properties
Both materials used in the construction of rings are very hard, but tungsten carbide is harder; only a diamond can scratch a tungsten carbide ring. In terms of weight, titanium is 43 percent lighter than stainless steel, while tungsten carbide is 90 percent heavier, according to Titanium Kay.
Cost
A tungsten carbide ring will cost more than a titanium ring, due to high production costs. Tungsten carbide can only be manipulated to form rings in temperatures exceeding 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Facts
Tungsten carbide is much less ductile than titanium. Under excessive pressure, a tungsten carbide ring will fracture or shatter into several pieces, whereas a titanium ring will bend. Some people may experience allergic reactions while wearing tungsten carbide rings. New Jersey's Department of Health & Senior Services claims that exposure to tungsten carbide can cause lung problems.
Both tungsten carbide and titanium are harder than gold, silver and platinum. This is because the alloys used in both metals offer strength to these metals that under most circumstances are virtually indestructible. If jewelry made from tungsten carbide and titanium were placed under extremely abrasive conditions, such as the cut of a diamond, a tungsten carbide ring would prove stronger than the titanium.
The most popular materials for ring is tungsten carbide. Tungsten carbide it is famous for its strength and durability, the symbolism of tungsten carbide in wedding rings is undeniable. There are many advantage of tungsten ring such as high density, excellent formability and machinability, outstanding corrosion resistance, high modulus of elasticity, impressive thermal conductivity and low thermal expansion.
Tungsten carbide rings look like steel,but it’s heavier, and more scratch-resistant more than steel。Tungsten carbide and can be combined with other materials, like black or blue carbon fiber or precious metals like gold, to make a special look. Tungsten carbide is a good alternative for various types of jewelery, such as wedding bands or engagement rings. Tungsten carbide is a very strong material, it’s many times harder than soft gold and silver and will never cause the allergic reactions to our skin.
Traditionally used to make equipment and products for the military and aerospace industries, tungsten is a hard metal that is also used to make rings. While most tungsten rings are made for men, tungsten rings for women are becoming more popular. Tungsten rings offer the benefits of being durable, affordable, hypoallergenic and available in different designs. However, tungsten rings are heavy and cannot be resized.
Durability
Tungsten is one of the hardest metals used to make rings. It is much harder than gold and does not scratch or dent as easily. Tungsten rings do not tarnish and are low maintenance. A few drops of soap and warm water are all that are needed to clean them. The durability of tungsten rings make them a good choice for people who work with their hands or are simply clumsy with jewelry. A drawback of tungsten rings are their weight. Tungsten is about twice as heavy as steel. Also, while tungsten is more durable than gold, it can still crack if struck with high force.
Hypoallergenic
Tungsten rings are an alternative for people who suffer allergic reactions from other metals. Tungsten rings are 100 percent hypoallergenic. A metal that is hypoallergenic means that it is not likely to cause an allergic reaction. Many people are allergic to jewelry made from other materials because they contain nickel or cobalt. Even expensive gold jewelry contains a small percentage of nickel, causing some wearers to develop itchy rashes and redness.
Designs
Tungsten is a good choice for consumers who want to personalize their ring or wear something a little more decorative. A tungsten ring can be engraved with initials or various images, such as a cross or Celtic design, with a laser engraving machine. While tungsten is naturally dark gray, it can be polished to a light gray as well as dark-plated so that it looks black.
Many rings and wedding bands are constructed out of platinum, which is also a precious metal. While platinum is harder than silver and gold, tungsten carbide is much harder than platinum. Platinum only offers a maximum hardness rating of around "4" on the Moh's hardness scale. Platinum is also very ductile; a ring made out of platinum will bend under high pressures. Platinum rings are some of the most expensive rings on the market, they are usually much more expensive than tungsten carbide rings.
Buying an engagement ring and wedding band for a woman might seem like a bigger task than choosing a man's wedding ring, but this misconception can lead to a lack of preparation and overall confusion when the decision needs to be made. Knowing a few things about buying a men's wedding band before you go shopping can help you simplify the process and make a smart choice.
Traditional vs. Modern
Before you get overwhelmed by the selection, first consider whether you want a traditional wedding band or something a little more unconventional and modern. If convention is the man's middle name, you'll probably want to stick to plain bands with no adornments or special sheens in customary metals such as yellow gold, white gold, silver or platinum. For a more distinct style, some men opt for unexpected materials like titanium, tungsten and ceramic, or even a band with diamonds, gemstones or other decorative details.
Wear and Tear
Durability and ease of maintenance are high on the list of concerns for ring buyers. While many guys find that a moderately durable metal works fine for their relatively low-impact jobs and hobbies, other men need a ring that will withstand harsh conditions.
Traditional metals like gold and platinum are easily scratched, and silver requires some occasional maintenance, as it can tarnish. However, these are great options if you want a ring that shines and if you don't find yourself participating in extreme sports very often.
Titanium is extremely durable and lightweight, although it doesn't offer the same shine as other metals. Likewise, tungsten is a good choice for a ring that will last a lifetime. It will resist scratches and tarnish, but it is heavier than most options. Some men opt for ceramic instead, since it has a bit of shine, is lightweight and doesn't tend to get scratched. However, it is not as common and is considered less impressive by some.
Budget
Cost is also always a consideration when buying wedding bands. The average cost of a men's wedding ring is around $600, with a range anywhere from $100 to several thousand dollars depending on the style and metal you choose. Plain bands made out of titanium and tungsten tend to be at the lower end of the price range, while platinum rings and those with diamonds and gemstones can often ring in at more than $3,000. A general rule of thumb is that the more decorative details on the ring, the higher the price gets. If budget is your main concern, stick with a solid ring in the metal of your choice.
