It's not a metal that has been around very long but tungsten's strength and lustre have seen it quickly gain in popularity. Aside from its industrial use, tungsten also makes a great matching rings for couples. Today, some men's best wedding bands, as well as the most durable and beautiful ones, are made with tungsten. But what is tungsten exactly, and would it be right for you to use it? You can learn more about this metal that is becoming increasingly popular, including its history, its uses, and its best characteristics.

 What Is Tungsten couple jewelry?

 In Swedish, tungsten means heavy stone. As its name suggests, tungsten is extremely dense. Other properties make tungsten one of the strongest elements. It has the strongest tensile and melting strength of all metals and is resistant to corrosion.

 This strong, durable chemical element can be used for a variety of purposes in the everyday world. The metal is a grayish-white color with a great shine. Pure tungsten however is very soft. When combined with other materials, it brings out its best features. In modern applications, such as wedding rings, tungsten is usually combined with other alloys.

 What Is Tungsten Carbide matching necklaces?

 Tungsten carbide is composed of tungsten (tungsten carbide) and carbon. This compound is usually combined, with other metals, like cobalt, in order to enhance the strength between the tungsten carbon bonds. This is one the most common tungsten compound because it is hard. Its strength and light grey color make it suitable for many industries including metalworking, mining and jewelry making.

 Tungsten History

 Look back to see when tungsten first appeared and how the metal became what it has become today. Peter Woulfe was the first to discover a brand new type of metal within the mineral wolframite in 1779. This "new" material would later be referred to as both tungsten and wolfram. The metal was discovered in other minerals in 1783, but by Spanish scientists Jose Fausto d’Elhuyar. It is mined in Colorado, California and Colorado in the U.S.

 Though tungsten had been discovered in late 18th-century, it was not until the beginning of the 20th century that the metal became common. One of the first uses of tungsten in commercial products was as a filament for lamps. These lamps were more efficient than those using traditional carbon filaments. The tungsten wire is placed inside the light bulb after it has been drawn at a high temperature into a very fine wire. This led to the birth of the tungsten-based light bulb. Tungsten wires are the only cases where pure, unrefined tungsten is preferred over a tungsten-compound. Since then tungsten compounds are used in various ways.

 Tungsten Uses

 Tungsten has served many purposes in the past century. Because of its incredibly high melting temperature, it can be melted at temperatures that other metals simply cannot, like in spacecraft, furnaces, or welding. The strength of tungsten allows it to be used as a sealant for metals and glass, and also to make bullets and rockets. Tungsten even appears in television tubes as well as in paints and tanning products.

 The only mineral that is harder than diamond is tungsten.

 Tungsten almost always comes in compound form. Tungsten carbide is the most popular. Tungsten carbide is used for drill bits, to sharpen saws, and to create durable, life-proof wedding rings. Tungsten carbide is a gray to dark grey color. However, it can be polished or crafted in various metallic finishes, as is common when used in jewelry. Diamond Nexus offers a huge selection of tungsten carbide rings in various colors.

 Tungsten in Jewelry

 In spite of its widespread use, tungsten's popularity has grown most in the jewelry industry, specifically for men's wedding rings. The wedding band made of tungsten is durable and beautiful. These are some of the advantages to choosing a metal wedding ring made from tungsten.

 Tungsten Rings Offer Many Benefits

 Usually, men are looking for a ring that can be worn without any worries. This is a ring men can wear while working out, swimming or cleaning. This benefit can be achieved by wearing a tungsten carbide wedding band. Ideal for active people or those with any lifestyle.

 Strength is a key characteristic of tungsten, and of tungsten carbide in particular. A tungsten carbide ring won't bend, or be easily scratched or chipped. In everyday jewelry for men, it's essential that it can handle the bumps, knicks and scrapes. Tungsten passes the test with flying colors.

 We mentioned earlier as well that tungsten is highly resistant to corrosion. This means it will never tarnish nor lose its finish. The low maintenance is an important selling point of tungsten for guys. You won't have to send it back for a new coating or for even a simple clean or polish.

 Lastly, the tungsten-carbide is more affordable than both platinum and gold. After paying a lot for an engagement ring couples will often try to save on the groom's wedding ring. Insert tungsten. Our article "Can tungsten Rings be Resized?" will answer your question about the ring.

 Tungsten compared to Other Metals

 What are the benefits that a tungsten ring offers over other metals? Let's see how tungsten compares to the other metals commonly used for men's wedding rings.

 Tungsten vs. Silver and Gold

 Wedding bands in the past were often made from silver or even gold. These metals look nice and are traditional, but they may not work for men who do manual labor, sports, or need a less-maintenance band. Silver is the most cost-effective metal but can easily tarnish or be scratched.

 Gold is more pricey than tungsten despite being beautiful. Gold is softer than tungsten and can scratch easily, unlike tungsten. In fact, tungsten carbide is 10x stronger than 18K Gold. However, tungsten cannot achieve the look of yellow, rose, or white gold. If you are still considering a wedding band made of gold, make sure to compare the differences between white gold and yellow gold as well as 14k and 18k rose.

 Tungsten vs. Platinum

 With tungsten's added strength, it also adds weight. It's a downside for some, but not noticeable to others. Tungsten carbide jewelry has the same weight of platinum jewelry. Platinum is more scratch-resistant than tungsten.

 Price is by far the largest difference. Platinum is much more expensive than any other precious metal. The platinum rings also have a whiter, brighter color. This is in contrast to the tungsten-carbide rings which are greyish. The sheen of both metals is beautiful.

 Tungsten vs. Titanium

 The wedding band industry is seeing a rise in popularity of titanium, which is similar to tungsten. The strength of a titanium band is similar to that of tungsten. But unlike tungsten the ring is light. Like tungsten, titanium has a low scratch resistance. Titanium jewelry is also a great alternative to tungsten because it will not break. A tungsten ring is so hard that it may crack when dropped or struck on surfaces as hard as marble or cement. This is something that most people are not concerned with, but it is still important to keep in mind so you don't come into contact.

 Find out more about alternative metals used for wedding bands by comparing titanium with platinum.

 Tungsten vs. Nickel

 Nickel is used to make jewelry of lower quality. It can also be seen in wedding bands. Nickel is actually an allergen that can cause skin redness and rashes. Tungsten is affordable but hypoallergenic. It is a better option for a wedding ring.

 Do You Need a Tungsten ring?

 Every metal is different and has its own pros and con. So, it's crucial to think about whether the metal you choose will suit your lifestyle. If you're searching for a durable, affordable band with a lingering silvery-grey finish, tungsten might be your best option. Find a timeless, unique or classic style in our tungsten carbide collection that will suit you and last a life time.