What is Tungsten?
Tungsten comes from the Swedish language meaning heavy metal. And yup - tungsten is heavy. Unlike white or yellow gold, tungsten is never going to scratch nor tarnish. Companies use tungsten in metal working, mining and oil exploration. Nuff said. Tungsten is about ten times harder than 18k gold. Because tungsten rings are so tough, it makes it difficult for jewelers to use it.
Pure tungsten is not typically used in wedding rings, but rather tungsten carbide. This is because elemental tungsten rings have been known to crack when dropped and are far less durable than tungsten carbide. Unfortunately, even tungsten carbide rings are not indestructible.
What you see is what you get
Tungsten can't be resized if you gain 30 pounds during married life and can't be engraved on. You'll also have to do a little maintenance work to maintain
its shine.
The scoop on Tungsten Rings
Perhaps the best part about tungsten wedding rings, aside from the
perma-shine and their potential for highly unique wedding band styles,
is the price. Tungsten rings often come with an inlay - that is to say - a strip of yellow gold in the middle of the ring. Look for them at your local jewelry store or online.
While your bride isn't going to want to have a tungsten wedding ring to match yours, nor are you going to be able to find a decent looking tungsten and diamond engagement ring, it still makes for a great alternative to metals like platinum and gold.
via GG