10 Facts About Tungsten Rings
Tungsten rings have grown in popularity in the jewelry industry, so we’re here to help you get to know tungsten better. If you're considering a tungsten wedding band for your wedding, then here are 10 facts you need to know.
1. Tungsten's First Discovery Dates Back to 1750
Tungsten was first discovered in the Bipsberg iron mine in the Swedish province Dalecarlia. Its name was derived from the two Swedish words tung meaning “heavy” and sten meaning “stone”. However, scientists did not actually extensively explore the marvels of this newly discovered mineral until 1783, when the publication of Spanish chemists Juan Jose Elhuyar and Fausto Jermin’s research came about. This event had caused a pique in interest amongst scientists all over, and eventually aided in paving the way to the industrialization of tungsten.
Tungsten was first discovered in the Bipsberg iron mine in the Swedish province Dalecarlia. Its name was derived from the two Swedish words tung meaning “heavy” and sten meaning “stone”. However, scientists did not actually extensively explore the marvels of this newly discovered mineral until 1783, when the publication of Spanish chemists Juan Jose Elhuyar and Fausto Jermin’s research came about. This event had caused a pique in interest amongst scientists all over, and eventually aided in paving the way to the industrialization of tungsten.
2. Tungsten Carbide is Not the Same as Tungsten
Not to be confused with the individual element tungsten, tungsten carbide is actually a chemical compound that contains tungsten and carbon! The combination of these two elements enhances the already stellar properties of tungsten, making it even stronger than what it already was. This is the reason why some choose tungsten carbide wedding rings.
3. Tungsten is 10x Harder Than 18K Gold
Gold is commonly known to be one of the most malleable precious metals in the list. The same surely cannot be said for tungsten, one of the hardest metals around, which sits comfortably at a 9 on the mohs hardness scale, whereas gold ranks at a 2.5.
4. Tungsten is Hypoallergenic
Potential allergens are absolutely nothing to worry about with tungsten jewelry. Tungsten is 100% hypoallergenic and safe to wear! Tungsten-carbide is an alloy that contains sometimes nickel or cobalt. These may be the riskier options to take, as cobalt and nickel are known to be skin irritants, may cause rashes and are just a no-no to those with allergies to metal. Patrick Adair Designs utilizes a tungsten-carbide alloy that is free of nickel/cobalt and is completely hypoallergenic.
5. Tungsten is Affordable
One of the many pros to tungsten is that it is a high quality metal that comes at an affordable price, making it a viable option for those who are on a budget! Tungsten wedding rings are definitely not as precious as others like silver, gold and platinum, but their longevity despite its low price is a bargain definitely worth considering.if you're an active person with a lifestyle that involves a lot of hands-on work or adventure, tungsten is right for you.
6. Tungsten has a Gunmetal Gray Color
Tungsten rings exude a handsome natural gun metal grey color. It's color isn’t quite as bright as cobalt chrome, but muted enough to blend with both warm and cool tones.
You may see tungsten rings that sport an elegant gold or black color, and while these may certainly look pretty, we generally would not recommend purchasing tungsten in a color other than its natural gunmetal gray. This is because these rings are plated to be a different color. The plating will rub off over time and need to be reapplied, essentially turning a durable tungsten ring into quite the opposite. Because of this reason, we recommend to beware of plated rings.
Tungsten rings exude a handsome natural gun metal grey color. It's color isn’t quite as bright as cobalt chrome, but muted enough to blend with both warm and cool tones.
You may see tungsten rings that sport an elegant gold or black color, and while these may certainly look pretty, we generally would not recommend purchasing tungsten in a color other than its natural gunmetal gray. This is because these rings are plated to be a different color. The plating will rub off over time and need to be reapplied, essentially turning a durable tungsten ring into quite the opposite. Because of this reason, we recommend to beware of plated rings.
7. Tungsten Rings Cannot be Resized
Due to its hardness, the option to resize tungsten wedding bands may be almost impossible to achieve. However, there are other alternatives should there ever be a need for a ring resizing! Patrick Adair Designs offers ring replacements (sometimes even for free) for rings made out of especially hard metals.
8. Tungsten Rings are Durable
We already know where tungsten lies on the moh's scale of hardness, but did you know that it comes second to only the diamond itself? Tungsten wedding bands have a durability that truly compares to no other alternative metal, and are often used for the toughest of jobs. It is affordable without sacrificing quality, and ensures that your tungsten jewelry will last a lifetime!
9. Tungsten Rings are Scratch-Resistant
Being a scratch resistant metal is another positive quality of a tungsten ring. A tungsten ring will surely be durable enough to withstand a life often spent doing handy work, but taking precautions is still generally recommended, as there is still a small possibility that your ring could get scratched or crack.
10. Tungsten Rings Have a Melting Point of 6,192°C
Tungsten is probably, if not, the most difficult metal to melt. With a melting point that high, it is definitely going to take more than 1 fire breathing dragon to melt something as sturdy as this. Your tungsten ring will most likely remain a tungsten ring forever, as its longevity truly can be passed down from generation to generation.