Once you have made the decision to get married, the next most important decision will be which ring to choose. There was a time when gold, silver, and platinum were the only choices. Today, there are many other types of rings to choose from. This makes it easier to select a ring that is more personal. Tungsten carbide wedding band choices are newer to the market, and have become quite popular. This is due to the fact that they are available in many different styles, and reasonably priced.

What Are the Features of Tungsten Carbide?

Pure tungsten is an extremely hard metal. It is also quite dense. Tungsten has the highest melting point of all the metals. By itself, it is similar to other metals, and can be scratched or damaged. Once it is mixed with a carbon alloy, it becomes tungsten carbide. At this point the hardness is increased.

Tungsten carbide has been used for many years in industrial applications. This is because it is harder than both titanium and steel, and is hard to damage. When this metal is used to make wedding bands for men and women, the result is quite impressive. These wedding bands are attractive and durable. They hold up well to daily wear, and are hard to damage.

How To Choose Tungsten Carbide Jewelry

It is important to know which metal was combined with the tungsten in the finishing process. The use of cobalt is quite common, as it is less expensive. Cobalt is the less desirable choice, as it can oxidize when in contact with the oils of the skin. This is similar to silver that tarnishes, yet it cannot be polished away.

Nickel is the better choice, as it does not oxidize and is hypoallergenic. Beware of any jewelry retailer that does not specify what their tungsten rings and bracelets are made. There are times when the jeweler simply does not know the answer. In these cases, it is safe to assume that the bracelet or ring is made of either pure tungsten or is a cobalt mix. Both of these options can be easily scratched.

Due to the hardness of tungsten carbide, a wedding band that is made of this substance cannot be re-sized. When purchasing this item for a man or woman, it is important to choose the proper size. Engraving is possible, but does not show up very well. Though tungsten carbide rings are very strong, they are not indestructible. A warranty should be in place to protect your investment. Under normal circumstances, a warranty will not be needed. However, it is nice to have just in case.