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If you've been reading tungsten ring reviews online, you may think it's some kind of mythical substance from another world. The truth is less theatrical but still thrilling.
So, what is tungsten carbide? The experts at Aydins Jewelry - Tungsten Carbide Rings are here to clear up the myths, lay out the facts and clue you into the pros and cons of tungsten rings.
Facts Let's start with some facts:
Tungsten metal is rated at about a nine on the Mohs scale of hardness. A diamond, which is the hardest substance on earth and the only thing that can scratch tungsten, is rated at a 10. Tungsten carbide is two to three times harder than titanium and cobalt chrome. The word tungsten comes from a Swedish term meaning "heavy stone." Tungsten's chemical symbol "W" comes from its earlier name, wolfram, which comes from the mineral wolframite, in which tungsten was discovered. Wolframite means "the devourer of tin" because the mineral interferes with the smelting of tin. Tungsten has the highest melting point of all metals at an astounding 6,191.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Tungsten wedding bands and other tungsten rings are composed of 85% tungsten and 15% nickel, which is optimal for scratch resistance and durability. A higher percentage makes the metal too brittle, and a lower percentage makes it too soft for jewelry applications. Tungsten wedding bands for men, pros and cons aside, are the top selling metal for men's wedding rings in America today.
Myths Next, let's examine some myths:
You might have picked up some less-than-accurate information from retailers and tungsten rings reviews, so here's some real information about this popular metal: Myth: Tungsten rings are indestructible. Truth: This is not true. For some reason, many people associate tungsten's ability to withstand scratching as proof that it is indestructible. There are dishonest companies posting videos online showing tungsten rings being hit by a hammer and not breaking. Either these videos are speciously edited, or they are not really hitting the rings that hard. Tungsten's hardness is what makes it so resistant to scratching. That same level of hardness also means that it won't bend, but it will break or crack if enough force is applied to it, similar a diamond. Myth: The best tungsten carbide rings are 100% pure tungsten. Truth: Pure tungsten carbide rings are not possible. Tungsten carbide by itself is a powder. It requires a binder, like nickel, to hold it all together to form a shape. Think of it like a granola bar: the sugar or honey makes all the grains stick together to form the shape of a bar. As shown above, the ideal amount of tungsten carbide to make jewelry is about 85%.
While you're shopping for tungsten wedding rings for men or women, facts and myths come in handy for making your decision. Here are the main pros and cons of tungsten rings for weddings and other occasions:
Pros Aydins Jewelry - Tungsten Carbide Rings can offer a range of benefits with tungsten rings: Tungsten carbide is the most scratch-resistant metal known to man. Tungsten carbide jewelry is affordable and has a nice weight to it, similar to gold and platinum. Tungsten rings are quick and easy to remove from your finger in case of medical emergency - easier than gold. Tungsten does not bend out of shape due to its hardness, so in an accident the ring will not become deformed and injure your finger further.
If you're considering a tungsten ring for your wedding, it's important to understand the pros and cons of this metal. One of the biggest pros of tungsten carbide rings is their incredible durability and scratch resistance. They're also very affordable and come in a wide range of styles, colors, and inlays. However, they cannot be resized, and while they are not indestructible, reputable jewelers and manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty to cover accidental breakage.
Another thing to consider when it comes to tungsten rings is their hardness. While their scratch resistance is a huge advantage, it also means that they can break or crack if enough force is applied to them. It's important to keep this in mind and be careful not to subject your ring to excessive force or pressure. Additionally, while tungsten is hypoallergenic and safe for people with allergies to gold, it is not easily traded or valued like gold, which could make it difficult to pawn if you need to do so in the future.
When shopping for tungsten rings, it's also important to be aware of some common myths about the metal. For example, while some retailers claim that tungsten rings are indestructible, this is not true. Additionally, pure tungsten carbide rings are not possible as the metal requires a binder, like nickel, to hold it all together to form a shape.
Ultimately, whether or not a tungsten ring is the right choice for your wedding will depend on your personal preferences and priorities. It's important to weigh the pros and cons carefully and choose a reputable jeweler or manufacturer that offers a lifetime warranty and sizing policy to ensure that your ring lasts for years to come.
