What Are Tungsten Rings (and how are they made)?

Tungsten rings have gained immense popularity in recent years, especially as wedding bands. Known for their durability, scratch resistance, and affordability, these rings are an excellent choice for those seeking a stylish and long-lasting piece of jewelry. With this exceptional growth in popularity, we put togetehr this informative guide to help anyone interested in what tungsten rings are made of.

This article was created after performing in depth topic research and interviewing subject matter experts in the field of tungsten, and tungsten jewelry. Our experts have have studied tungsten carbide and metals for 35 years and were intrustmental in originating the use of tungsten for rings. This knowledge, coupled with our own personal experiences, provides for an excellent guide for tungsten ring shoppers.

Tungsten rings are made from an alloy called tungsten carbide, which consists of tungsten and other metals such as carbon, nickel, or titanium. This combination of metals gives tungsten carbide its remarkable strength, durability, and scratch resistance. Tungsten carbide is four times harder than titanium and twice as hard as steel, making it an ideal material for everyday wear and wedding bands.

The process of making tungsten carbide rings involves combining tungsten powder with a binder, usually nickel, to form a shape. The mixture is then subjected to high heat and pressure, resulting in a solid, dense, and durable ring. The final product is polished to achieve a lustrous shine that lasts for years without fading

The creation of tungsten rings involves a meticulous and highly advanced process to ensure their exceptional durability, strength, and beauty. It starts with the extraction of tungsten ore from the earth, which is then refined into tungsten powder. This powder is combined with carbon and other elements to form tungsten carbide, a material that is incredibly hard and resistant to wear. The tungsten carbide is subjected to high pressure and temperature to create a solid blank ring. This blank ring is then carefully shaped and polished using diamond tools, resulting in a smooth, scratch-resistant surface. The final step in the manufacturing process involves the application of a protective coating, which enhances the ring's resistance to tarnishing and corrosion.

Now that we know how tungsten rings are made, take an in-depth look at the types of tungsten rings.

Tungsten and tungsten carbide are two materials that are often associated with each other, particularly when it comes to tungsten rings. While they share some similarities, there are key differences between the two materials that make them distinct in terms of their properties and applications in jewelry. Here, we will explore the differences between tungsten and tungsten carbide as they pertain to tungsten rings.

Tungsten is a naturally occurring metallic element. It is characterized by its high melting point, strength, and density. On its own, tungsten is a hard and brittle metal, which makes it difficult to work with in its pure form for jewelry purposes.

Tungsten carbide, on the other hand, is a compound made up of equal parts tungsten and carbon atoms. This combination results in an incredibly strong and durable material that is much more suitable for crafting jewelry, such as rings. Tungsten carbide is typically formed by sintering, a process that involves heating and compressing powdered tungsten and carbon at high temperatures.

One of the most significant differences between tungsten and tungsten carbide is their hardness and durability. Tungsten carbide is significantly harder than pure tungsten, ranking about 8.5 to 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, whereas tungsten ranks around 7.5. This increased hardness makes tungsten carbide more resistant to scratches, dents, and general wear and tear, making it an ideal choice for rings that are meant to be worn daily.

Tungsten carbide is denser than pure tungsten, which means that a tungsten carbide ring will feel heavier on the finger compared to a ring made from pure tungsten. This added weight can be desirable for those who prefer a more substantial feel to their jewelry.

Tungsten and tungsten carbide rings may differ slightly in color and appearance. While both materials exhibit a natural metallic gray hue, tungsten carbide tends to have a darker shade due to the presence of carbon. Additionally, tungsten carbide can be crafted into various colors and finishes, such as black, gold, or even white, by adding different coatings or through various manufacturing processes.

Tungsten carbide rings are generally more expensive than pure tungsten rings due to their increased durability, hardness, and the additional processing required to create the compound. However, the price difference is often justified by the longevity and resilience of tungsten carbide rings

Yes, tungsten wedding bands are an excellent choice due to their affordability, durability, and scratch resistance. They are available in various styles and colors, making it easy to find the perfect ring for any taste.

Tungsten is an ideal material for wedding bands because of its strength, scratch resistance, and ability to maintain its luster over time. It is also more affordable than traditional precious metals like gold and platinum.

Some of the top benefits of wearing a tungsten ring include its durability, strength, and resistance to scratching and tarnishing. Additionally, tungsten rings maintain their shine and luster for years, making them a long-lasting and stylish choice.

For more information on why men get tungsten rings, check out our accompanying article.