10 Tungsten Rings Pros and Cons to Consider

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Gold and silver are all well and good, but many people want something a little different from their wedding band. Something a little tougher, a little more rugged, a little more modern! That’s exactly why you’ll see so many people today — and guys, in particular — choosing tungsten wedding rings to celebrate their love and commitment.

Tungsten carbide is a seriously cool metal that makes an awesome ring, but it’s also worth knowing about the tungsten wedding band pros and cons before you make your choice. Here’s a quick guide to the most important facts on both the plus and minus sides when it comes to tungsten rings.

Need an intro to tungsten rings? Check out our guide on tungsten carbide durability to learn about tungsten carbide and why it’s so incredibly sturdy.

Pros of Tungsten Rings

1. Tungsten rings are low-maintenance and highly resistant to scratches.

Lots of guys don’t want to spend a lot of time polishing their ring or trying to buff scratches out of it. Tungsten is an excellent choice for anybody who wants a low-maintenance ring that also, frankly, looks badass.

Traditional ring metals, especially gold and silver, are often vulnerable to scratches and dings because of their softness. Tungsten carbide, on the other hand, is one of the hardest metal alloys on the consumer market. It stands up incredibly well to day-to-day wear and is almost impervious to minor scratches. And their scratch-resistant nature ensures that tungsten wedding bands and other rings made from this material retain their beauty and luster for decades. 

Naturally, no ring is truly zero-maintenance. It’s still a good idea to store your tungsten ring in a soft case when you’re not wearing it and occasionally give it a wipe-down with a soft cloth and mild soap. All in all, though, tungsten carbide is definitely a superior choice for anybody who wants a ring that doesn’t need to be babied.

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2. Modern Gents’ tungsten carbide rings are hypoallergenic.

Tungsten carbide is also a fantastic choice for folks with metal allergies. Other types of rings from mainstream jewelry suppliers often have metals like nickel used as binders in their construction. These metals are among the most common allergenic metals, which means that even your 18k gold ring could end up giving you a nasty rash because it’s full of nickel.

Fortunately, all Modern Gents’ rings are 100 percent nickel-free! Our process uses high-quality hypoallergenic binders to ensure your ring doesn’t irritate your finger. If you or the person you are shopping for has sensitive skin, tungsten carbide rings are a perfect hypoallergenic alternative to other metals. 

3. Tungsten rings have a sleek and powerful vibe.

In search of a non-traditional wedding ring that still keeps a dignified, distinguished look? Tungsten carbide, with its typical gunmetal gray appearance and unconventional swagger, or black tungsten is the ideal choice for a modern wedding band that’s worth treasuring. What’s more, the weight of tungsten carbide gives the rings a relatively heavy and solid feeling that lots of guys like. 

As if that weren’t cool enough, tungsten is also a great medium for jewelry artists to do what they do best. Our tungsten rings include a variety of gorgeous inlays, including unique materials like elk horn, abalone shell and even meteor dust! 

4. Tungsten rings are affordable.

Compared to precious metals like gold, silver and platinum, tungsten is extremely affordable. Wedding bands made from tungsten cost a fraction of what their precious metal counterparts cost making them ideal for anyone who wants to buy stylish jewelry on a limited budget. 

5. Tungsten rings come in a variety of styles.

Move over, plain wedding bands… Tungsten rings come in a wide variety of styles to suit any taste. Whether you prefer a simple band or a trendy modern design, there’s something to suit your taste. It even comes in multiple colors. From traditional gold and silver hues to black, there is something for everyone in the world of tungsten jewelry. 

6. These rings do not tarnish.

High-quality tungsten does not tarnish because it is chemically inert. If, however, you buy a lower quality piece of tungsten jewelry from somewhere other than Modern Gents, it could contain other metals that do tarnish. Protect your investment by only purchasing from trusted retailers when shopping for alternative metals like tungsten. 

Cons of Tungsten Rings

1. Tungsten rings can’t be resized.

If you plan on resizing your jewelry after you receive it, tungsten may not be the right metal for you. For most people, one of the biggest cons of tungsten wedding bands is that they’re basically impossible to resize. Typical yellow and white gold and silver rings are easy to resize because they’re soft. Tungsten is anything but soft — so once a tungsten carbide ring is cast and machined, it’s the size it will always be.

Modern Gents makes it easy to get a ring that fits just right. First, check out our sizing chart and other ring sizing resources before ordering for crucial information that will help you pick the right size. Plus, if the size you choose ends up not being quite right, remember that we offer free exchanges on all rings for the first 30 days! This is just one of the many perks of purchasing men’s wedding rings (and other jewelry) from us. We stand behind our products and want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. After all, what good is a ring that doesn’t fit?

2. Tungsten rings can cause damage to fragile materials.

That thick, heavy feeling that some guys love about tungsten also requires you to be a little careful. It’s possible to scratch or crack fragile materials like glass or porcelain with a tungsten ring. That doesn’t mean you’ll go around shattering stuff left and right, of course, but it’s a good idea to be aware of your ring when you’re handling easily breakable objects.

While tungsten is extremely hard, it can also be brittle. So in addition to potentially breaking glass and other fragile materials, the ring itself could break if you strike it on a hard surface. For this reason, it may not be the best option if you work with your hands or are active in sports. 

3. Some tungsten rings contain nickel and other non-hypoallergenic binders.

Despite tungsten’s reputation as a hypoallergenic metal, jewelers who make tungsten rings still sometimes use allergenic metals like nickel as binders. Of course, for many people, that defeats the whole purpose of buying a tungsten ring! That’s another part of why our customers with metal allergies love Modern Gents’ rings: because our nickel-free creations are built to play nice with your skin. If you want to guarantee that you won’t have an allergic reaction while wearing tungsten jewelry, buy it from us! 

4. Customization of tungsten rings is limited.

Because tungsten is such a hard material, it’s not easy to engrave or customize. If you would like to have your ring personalized with a name or other inscription, you may want to stick with gold jewelry because it is much easier to work with. 

Tungsten vs. Titanium vs. Platinum

Thinking of something other than tungsten? Titanium and platinum are other high-quality materials you can slip around your finger. Here’s how they compare:

 

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Closing Thoughts

Whether you are shopping for men’s wedding bands, engagement rings or something else, consider tungsten if you are in the market for an alternative metal. This metal is as durable as it is beautiful, and it is a popular choice among men of all ages. Check out our pure tungsten rings today!

Shop Our Collection of Tungsten Rings

Frequently Asked Questions

Do tungsten rings break or shatter?

Tungsten rings are incredibly hard and known for their scratch resistance, but that same hardness makes them less flexible than softer metals. They won’t bend or warp under pressure, but if hit with extreme force, they can crack or shatter. It’s rare, but it can happen, so handle yours with care when doing heavy work.

Are tungsten rings hypoallergenic and nickel-free?

Yes! All Modern Gents tungsten rings are completely hypoallergenic and nickel-free, making them safe for anyone with sensitive skin or metal allergies. We use high-quality binders instead of nickel, so your ring looks great and feels comfortable.

Can tungsten be resized?

Unfortunately, tungsten ring resizing isn’t possible. Tungsten is one of the hardest metals on Earth, which makes it ultra-durable, but also impossible to resize once it’s made. Fortunately,  Modern Gents offers free size exchanges, so you’ll always end up with the perfect fit without the hassle of resizing.

Are tungsten rings heavy rings?

Yes, a tungsten ring’s weight is part of what makes them so popular. Tungsten has a solid, substantial feel that many people love because it gives the ring a sense of quality and permanence. It’s heavier than titanium or gold, but not uncomfortable.

What are some tungsten ring care and cleaning tips?

Keeping your tungsten ring looking brand-new is easy. For simple care and cleaning, just use warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. They’re unnecessary and can dull the finish. When you’re not wearing it, store your ring in a soft pouch to protect its shine.