Many rings and wedding bands are constructed out of platinum, which is also a precious metal. While platinum is harder than silver and gold, tungsten carbide is much harder than platinum. Platinum only offers a maximum hardness rating of around "4" on the Moh's hardness scale. Platinum is also very ductile; a ring made out of platinum will bend under high pressures. Platinum rings are some of the most expensive rings on the market, they are usually much more expensive than tungsten carbide rings.

Tungsten Jewellery Manufacturer & Supplier: Chinatungsten Online - http://www.tungsten-jewellery.com
Tel.: 86 592 5129696; Fax: 86 592 5129797
Email: sales@chinatungsten.com
Tungsten & Molybdenum Information Bank: http://i.chinatungsten.com
Tungsten News & Tungsten Prices, 3G Version: http://3g.chinatungsten.com
Molybdenum News & Molybdenum Price: http://news.molybdenum.com.cn

Gold is a very popular precious metal used in the creation of rings and wedding bands. Tungsten carbide is harder than gold. While gold offers a hardness rating of "3" on the Moh's metal hardness scale, tungsten carbide offers a "9" hardness rating out of 10. Gold is more ductile than tungsten carbide. Ductility refers to a material's ability to bend under pressure. Gold will bend and warp under pressure, unlike tungsten carbide, which does not bend under pressure. Tungsten carbide rings shatter under pressure. This property might be very attractive to a consumer who is concerned with a ring holding its shape. Tungsten carbide rings are generally cheaper than gold rings.

Tungsten Jewellery Manufacturer & Supplier: Chinatungsten Online - http://www.tungsten-jewellery.com
Tel.: 86 592 5129696; Fax: 86 592 5129797
Email: sales@chinatungsten.com
Tungsten & Molybdenum Information Bank: http://i.chinatungsten.com
Tungsten News & Tungsten Prices, 3G Version: http://3g.chinatungsten.com
Molybdenum News & Molybdenum Price: http://news.molybdenum.com.cn

Gold, platinum, stainless steel, titanium and tungsten carbide are some of the most popular materials used to create wedding bands. Tungsten carbide, a synthetic material, is one of the world's hardest materials. There are many advantages that tungsten carbide rings offer over rings made out of other materials. Tungsten carbide is formed when certain levels of carbon and tungsten are combined. Tungsten carbide rings can be associated with higher price tags simply because of high production costs. Tungsten carbide must be heated to temperatures exceeding 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit to be able to form the metal into ring form.

Tungsten Jewellery Manufacturer & Supplier: Chinatungsten Online - http://www.tungsten-jewellery.com
Tel.: 86 592 5129696; Fax: 86 592 5129797
Email: sales@chinatungsten.com
Tungsten & Molybdenum Information Bank: http://i.chinatungsten.com
Tungsten News & Tungsten Prices, 3G Version: http://3g.chinatungsten.com
Molybdenum News & Molybdenum Price: http://news.molybdenum.com.cn
 

An incredibly strong and dense metal, tungsten can be combined with ceramic to make rings and other fine jewelry. Tungsten ceramic rings are becoming a popular choice for many wedding bands due to their durability and beauty.

Identification
Tungsten is a steel-gray metal. When paired with tungsten, ceramic is often polished black for greater contrast.

Strength
When processed with carbon at high temperatures, tungsten forms tungsten carbide, the hardest metallic substance in the world. Tungsten ceramic rings have unmatched strength.

Benefits
Tungsten ceramic polishes to a mirror-like finish. It's also highly resistant to abrasions and scratches. It would take deliberate scratching from diamonds or corundum to inflict any damage whatsoever.

Considerations
Tungsten ceramic rings, while nearly impervious to scratching, are not indestructible. Tungsten ceramic's hardness makes it slightly more brittle than traditional jewelry metals, meaning it can be crushed under severe stress.

Warning
Once manufactured, tungsten ceramic rings can not be resized due to tungsten's remarkable hardness.

Tungsten Jewellery Manufacturer & Supplier: Chinatungsten Online - http://www.tungsten-jewellery.com
Tel.: 86 592 5129696; Fax: 86 592 5129797
Email: sales@chinatungsten.com
Tungsten & Molybdenum Information Bank: http://i.chinatungsten.com
Tungsten News & Tungsten Prices, 3G Version: http://3g.chinatungsten.com
Molybdenum News & Molybdenum Price: http://news.molybdenum.com.cn

When it comes to tungsten versus platinum, the decision usually comes down to a man's personal choice about the weight and cost of the ring.

Platinum
Platinum is a rare, heavy metal that is significantly more expensive than tungsten, it's also more expensive than gold. It can scratch easily, but it never loses its white luster.

Tungsten
A steel-gray metal, tungsten is known for being incredibly lightweight and scratch resistant. It's a popular choice for men's wedding rings because it does not require polishing and it's inexpensive in comparison to platinum.

Other Metals
Besides platinum and tungsten, other common metals used in men's wedding bands are gold, titanium, stainless steel and silver.

Engraving
Tungsten rings cannot be engraved using the traditional engraving method as you can with platinum or gold. It can only be laser engraved. Tungsten rings cannot be resized.

Considerations
Men often lose their rings during activities like swimming and contact sports. Choosing a tungsten ring means less expense in replacement. In an emergency situation, platinum rings can be cut off, while tungsten rings need to be cracked into pieces using vice-like pliers.

Tungsten Jewellery Manufacturer & Supplier: Chinatungsten Online - http://www.tungsten-jewellery.com
Tel.: 86 592 5129696; Fax: 86 592 5129797
Email: sales@chinatungsten.com
Tungsten & Molybdenum Information Bank: http://i.chinatungsten.com
Tungsten News & Tungsten Prices, 3G Version: http://3g.chinatungsten.com
Molybdenum News & Molybdenum Price: http://news.molybdenum.com.cn

Titanium and tungsten carbide are materials that are used in the fabrication of wedding rings. There are benefits and considerations linked with both types of ring materials. Consider all aspects before making a purchase.

Properties
Both materials used in the construction of rings are very hard, but tungsten carbide is harder; only a diamond can scratch a tungsten carbide ring. In terms of weight, titanium is 43 percent lighter than stainless steel, while tungsten carbide is 90 percent heavier, according to Titanium Kay.

Cost
A tungsten carbide ring will cost more than a titanium ring, due to high production costs. Tungsten carbide can only be manipulated to form rings in temperatures exceeding 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Facts
Tungsten carbide is much less ductile than titanium. Under excessive pressure, a tungsten carbide ring will fracture or shatter into several pieces, whereas a titanium ring will bend. Some people may experience allergic reactions while wearing tungsten carbide rings. New Jersey's Department of Health & Senior Services claims that exposure to tungsten carbide can cause lung problems.

Tungsten Jewellery Manufacturer & Supplier: Chinatungsten Online - http://www.tungsten-jewellery.com
Tel.: 86 592 5129696; Fax: 86 592 5129797
Email: sales@chinatungsten.com
Tungsten & Molybdenum Information Bank: http://i.chinatungsten.com
Tungsten News & Tungsten Prices, 3G Version: http://3g.chinatungsten.com
Molybdenum News & Molybdenum Price: http://news.molybdenum.com.cn

Titanium and tungsten carbide are both very hard materials that have numerous practical applications. There are several advantages and disadvantages associated with each of these materials.

Hardness
While both materials are much harder than other metals, such as gold and silver, tungsten carbide is harder than titanium and is much harder to engrave, according to Titanium Kay, a jewelry company.

Ductile
Titanium is more ductile than tungsten carbide. Titanium will bend under high pressure while tungsten carbide will shatter under high pressure.

Weight
Tungsten carbide is much heavier than titanium. Tungsten carbide weighs over 90 percent more than stainless steel while titanium is 43 percent lighter than stainless steel.

Price
Titanium is typically cheaper than tungsten carbide because tungsten carbide has higher production costs. Tungsten is formed in conditions where temperatures exceed 6,000 degrees F.

Applications
Titanium has applications in the aircraft and aircraft missile production industries because it is a very strong but light material, notes the Los Alamos National Labs. Tungsten carbide is used in many applications, including grinding, machining and polishing.

Health
Unlike titanium, some people can have an allergic reaction while coming in contact with tungsten carbide, according to the New Jersey Department of Health & Senior Services. Exposure to the cobalt in tungsten carbide can lead to lung problems.

Tungsten Jewellery Manufacturer & Supplier: Chinatungsten Online - http://www.tungsten-jewellery.com
Tel.: 86 592 5129696; Fax: 86 592 5129797
Email: sales@chinatungsten.com
Tungsten & Molybdenum Information Bank: http://i.chinatungsten.com
Tungsten News & Tungsten Prices, 3G Version: http://3g.chinatungsten.com
Molybdenum News & Molybdenum Price: http://news.molybdenum.com.cn

Until the 1990s, titanium and tungsten were not on the market for general consumers, but since then have gained in popularity. When shopping for wedding bands today, there are many choices including various carats of white and yellow gold, platinum and silver. Titanium and tungsten are often confused since they are both hard metals, but there are many ways in which these two metals are distinct.

Hardness
Though titanium and tungsten are both very hard and durable metals, tungsten alloy is harder. The hardest form of tungsten carbide is harder than titanium alloys and can only be scratched by diamonds. Their different hardness makes a difference in engraving and resizing. Titanium can be resized and engraved, whereas tungsten is too hard for this.

Color
Tungsten carbide is usually offered in a black anodization coat only, but titanium is made in either silver/gray or black.

Durability and Allergic Properties
Many people may believe in the myth that titanium jewelry is indestructible, but though it is durable, it is by no means indestructible, and the same goes for tungsten. If a titanium wedding band should undergo extreme pressure such as being smashed in the door of a car, it could bend out of shape. A tungsten wedding band may not withstand being smashed under extreme pressure either, but instead of bending it would shatter into many pieces, which can make it a hazard.

As far as allergies to these metals, titanium is safe, but cobalt when used in tungsten carbide jewelry can cause allergic reactions in some people.

Pricing and Weight
Tungsten wedding bands are usually more expensive than titanium because of the manufacturing process. The equipment for this process is more expensive because the tungsten carbide needs to be in a vacuum or hydrogen environment that is at least 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

When browsing for wedding bands, keep in mind too that titanium, due to its lower density, is lighter than stainless steel, and tungsten carbide is much heavier than stainless steel.

Origins
According to Gopal S. Uphadhyaya, author of "Cemented Tungsten Carbides: Production, Properties and Testing," cemented carbides (hard metals) were introduced to the market in 1927 in Germany. The majority of the world's tungsten reserves are in China (approximately 85 percent). But there are also some smaller reserves in Korea, Russia and the state of Colorado in the United States. Almost half of the world's titanium comes from South Africa, according to the U.S Geological Survey Mineral Commodity Summaries. The other half comes mostly from Australia, Canada and the Ukraine.

Tungsten Jewellery Manufacturer & Supplier: Chinatungsten Online - http://www.tungsten-jewellery.com
Tel.: 86 592 5129696; Fax: 86 592 5129797
Email: sales@chinatungsten.com
Tungsten & Molybdenum Information Bank: http://i.chinatungsten.com
Tungsten News & Tungsten Prices, 3G Version: http://3g.chinatungsten.com
Molybdenum News & Molybdenum Price: http://news.molybdenum.com.cn

When selecting a wedding band, carefully consider the metal used. Although wedding rings are traditionally made from gold, they can also be made from platinum, titanium, stainless steel and tungsten. A tungsten wedding band offers beauty, durability and affordability.

Identification
Tungsten wedding bands are made from a combination of tungsten metal and Carbide powder, which is heated to more than 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Although it is sturdy, it is also quite heavy.

Strength
According to the Perry Olsen website: “Tungsten jewelry is 4 times harder than titanium jewelry.” The website goes on to explain that a tungsten wedding band is scratch-proof and nearly impossible to destroy.

Appearance
Tungsten carbide naturally displays a smooth, shiny appearance. For added brilliance, it can be plated with gold for a two-tone effect or decorated with gemstones.

Care
Tungsten metal does not react with oxygen, so a tungsten band will never become dull, discolored or tarnished. Smudges can be wiped away with a soft cloth. Tungsten wedding bands should never be cleaned with harsh chemicals.

Cost
Tungsten carbide wedding rings are considerably less expensive than platinum and gold wedding bands. Moreover, they require little care and maintenance.

Tungsten Jewellery Manufacturer & Supplier: Chinatungsten Online - http://www.tungsten-jewellery.com
Tel.: 86 592 5129696; Fax: 86 592 5129797
Email: sales@chinatungsten.com
Tungsten & Molybdenum Information Bank: http://i.chinatungsten.com
Tungsten News & Tungsten Prices, 3G Version: http://3g.chinatungsten.com
Molybdenum News & Molybdenum Price: http://news.molybdenum.com.cn

Wedding bands are traditionally created out of gold of varying purities. Platinum has often been an alternative, albeit a more costly one due to the difficulty in working with the metal, while silver has also been an alternative but not as favorable due to the softness of the metal. Another alternative wedding band material that has emerged is tungsten, but one must consider the pros and cons of this metal before choosing it for a wedding band.

Durability
Tungsten wedding bands are very strong and show a resistance to bending that gold, silver, platinum and titanium can not come close to attaining. Tungsten rings actually do not bend under pressure, instead it takes an extreme amount of pressure to shatter them. For this reason this metal is viewed favorably by those who perform manual labor since the rings do not wear during heavy loads. Scratch resistance is another advantage for tungsten rings as it takes a material with an abrasion capacity near that of a diamond to put a scratch in tungsten.

Resizing
Since wedding bands are intended to be items with a lifetime usable capacity, it is important to be able to re-size these rings as a person's weight can fluctuate throughout his life. It is nearly impossible to re-size a tungsten wedding band which is a disadvantage of the material for this application.

Engraving
Many people elect to have a special sentiment or date engraved on the inside of their wedding band to solidify the sentimental nature of the item. Due to the strength of tungsten engraving is not optional. A jeweler can attempt to engrave the band but these markings will be faint at best.

Maintenance
Tungsten is a popular choice for wedding bands as the metal does not require polishing to keep its original luster. Oils from the skin and outside chemicals do not have an effect on tungsten's sheen so it is a popular choice for those who desire a low maintenance band.

Allergic Reactions
Some jewelers use cobalt in the tungsten alloy for their bands. Many people are allergic to cobalt and experience rashes as a result of exposure. To negate the risk of this happening it is advised to buy a tungsten wedding band that uses nickel in its alloy composition. When nickel is used in tungsten alloys it actually becomes hypoallergenic, even to those who suffer from nickel allergies.

Tungsten Jewellery Manufacturer & Supplier: Chinatungsten Online - http://www.tungsten-jewellery.com
Tel.: 86 592 5129696; Fax: 86 592 5129797
Email: sales@chinatungsten.com
Tungsten & Molybdenum Information Bank: http://i.chinatungsten.com
Tungsten News & Tungsten Prices, 3G Version: http://3g.chinatungsten.com
Molybdenum News & Molybdenum Price: http://news.molybdenum.com.cn