Tungsten carbide wedding bands are one of the newest offerings in the wedding jewelry market. The recent interest in non-traditional metals such as titanium and niobium has led jewelers and jewelry designers to manufacture wedding sets in a far wider variety of metals than just the traditional gold and platinum.
One of the newest offerings, tungsten carbide, is a durable and beautiful metal that can be used to create jewelry that is both striking and uniquely sturdy.
Tungsten, also known as wolfram, is a steel-gray metal mined primarily in China as well as some parts of Europe and Russia. Its most familiar use is as the filament in light-bulbs, due to its high melting point and excellent electrical conductivity. Alloyed with carbide, a form of carbon, tungsten makes a strong, durable and extremely dense metal.
Due to its extreme hardness, it is frequently used to manufacture cutting tools such as blades and drill tips. These are just a few of its many industrial uses, and recently this mineral has become popular in jewelry applications as well.
One of the most practical of these applications is the manufacturing of wedding bands. Traditional wedding bands of gold, platinum or gold alloys tend to scratch easily, necessitating frequent re-polishing. One of the hardest metals known, it cannot be scratched, gouged or damaged easily by anything less than a diamond. This extreme hardness enables it to retain its finish virtually indefinitely.
Wedding bands are probably the most practical application of this metal. A tungsten carbide wedding band is virtually indestructible, hypo-allergenic and extremely beautiful. Highly-polished a wedding ring crafted from this exotic alloy gleams with the dark luster of hematite, a color somewhere between black and silver, creating a striking, unusual piece of jewelry.
To accent this subtle metal, wedding bands are also available with various inlays including wood, stone and metal inlays, such as 14k white gold inlay and the more traditional yellow gold inlays. An assortment of finishes complement this metal, ranging from hammered to brushed to high polish. Black finishes are also quite popular with this type of ring.
The rings are sometimes etched or carved with decorative elements and are available in a wide range of profiles for a comfortable fit. For the wearer looking for something with a bit more sparkle than just a metal band, styles are available with precious gems such as diamonds set into the metal. Rings and bands are available in most common sizes and widths from 4mm to 8mm and larger.
These wedding bands are so durable that most retailers offer a lifetime guarantee on the finish. Tungsten carbide bands can be worn whilst performing tasks that would require the removal of rings made from other, softer metals. Its heaviness and molecular density makes it quite suitable for a men’s wedding band, though beautiful women’s weddings rings are also available in this material.
Some individuals who would be wearing their ring in an industrial setting might be concerned that the ring could not be removed in the event of an accident or injury. In fact, these rings are so durable, they cannot be crushed or bend out of round. In the event of instances of extreme pressure, the band will fracture before bending.
Though the material is extremely hard, it can be cut off if the situation warrants. Unfortunately, however, thing rings cannot be resized, so the buyer should be certain of his or her ring size before ordering.
While shopping for a tungsten carbide wedding band, make certain that the jewelry you select does not contain cobalt. Cobalt binders are sometimes used to manufacture the bands more inexpensively, but cobalt can react with the natural oils in your hands and body, causing skin irritations and oxidizing the finish on the ring. Nickel binders, though somewhat more expensive, are less likely to react and are therefore more desirable and will preserve the finish of your ring.
The consumer looking for an unusual, durable wedding band might wish to consider a tungsten carbide band. These wedding bands are an exquisite, resilient and novel addition to the traditional wedding jewelry market. Practical, durable and beautiful, it will be a piece of jewelry that is as unique and as eternal the union it represents.
Also find information on engagement rings.
