Jewelry has always had strong emotional symbolism attached to it. A ring for instance, is a timeless symbol of love, fidelity and attachment. A bracelet can have several meanings attached to it, like a sign of trust, friendship and familial bonds. A set of earrings have always been the gift of choice for a special lady.
In today’s day and age jewelry is more about a style statement. Personal stylist Chanel Adelman says, “Even wedding bands today, are all about the traditional values ascribed to them, in addition to a style statement.” It is only fair though, that jewelry be perceived as such. For the past decade or so, the change in the very base metals used in creating jewelry is the forebears of this change.
Foremost among these new metals is tungsten. Symbolizing both practicality and style, tungsten rings are the new must haves in the world of fashion. An increasing demand for unique styles in tungsten jewelry, have seen the evolution of fascinating styles the world over. This post will try and catalogue a few of these styles and trends and try to list the best among these innumerable styles.
While tungsten rings have quickly surpassed traditional metals such as gold, silver, and platinum as the preferred wedding band and fashion ring, this is not a passing fad. The benefits of tungsten carbide rings are numerous.
First and foremost is durability. Tungsten carbide is second to none in terms of strength and durability. That shiny gold ring you see in the display case isn't built to stay that way for long. Tungsten on the other hand will retain it's shape and shine forever.
Second is cost. Tungsten wedding bands cost a fraction of the alternatives. Gold prices are at record highs and those costs are passed on to jewelers and then on to you the consumer.
Lastly tungsten rings are available in sizes and styles you just won't find in the traditional gold and platinum rings. Why blend in when you can stand out.
Gold, platinum, stainless steel, titanium and tungsten carbide are some of the most popular materials used to create wedding bands. Tungsten carbide, a synthetic material, is one of the world's hardest materials. There are many advantages that tungsten carbide rings offer over rings made out of other materials. Tungsten carbide is formed when certain levels of carbon and tungsten are combined. Tungsten carbide rings can be associated with higher price tags simply because of high production costs. Tungsten carbide must be heated to temperatures exceeding 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit to be able to form the metal into ring form.
Tungsten rings and stainless steel rings are both cost-effective alternatives to the more expensive gold and platinum selections. However, there are differences between them to keep in mind depending on your needs and budget.
Durability
Tungsten and stainless steel rings both resist fading, rust and corrosion. Neither metal will stain the body. Tungsten is a much heavier metal than stainless steel, and is therefore stronger and harder to scratch. However, stainless steel is durable enough to hold up to daily wear with proper care.
Style and Finish
Both types of rings can be given a variety of styles and finishes. Due to its superior strength, a tungsten ring's polish and finish will outlast that of a stainless steel ring.
Sizing Options
Neither type of ring can be resized. Tungsten rings are readily available in most sizes, even in hard-to-find half sizes. It can be more difficult to find the right size in the desired style of stainless steel ring.
Financial Considerations
Costs for both types of rings can vary widely, but stainless steel is less expensive. A 2010 search on Amazon.com found an 8mm flat band tungsten ring for $29.95 and a comparable sterling silver ring for $5.22. At the national jewelry retailer Zales, a sterling ring went for $119, and a comparable tungsten ring was just under $280.
Conclusion
While a tungsten ring is the better choice if you need a virtually indestructible band, stainless steel is a more economical option that will still last.
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.
