Tungsten Carbide Wedding Rings
One of the reasons why gentlemen like to choose tungsten carbide rings is because of the history of this metal. Tungsten was known to be an incredibly strong metal and is even shown to be stronger than steel. This strength was why it was valued as a raw material for weapons, machinery, and more.
Tungsten was used before tungsten carbide was discovered. Tungsten was isolated by a small group of Spanish scientists in 1783. These men were Jose and Fausto d’Elhuyar. They used charcoal and reduced tungsten acid. Tungsten is actually a naturally occurring metal that is found in minerals that are located in the Earth’s crust. For example, it naturally is found in the minerals cheelite, wolframite, huebnerite, and ferberite.
It was first produced in the roaring twenties. Specifically around 1920, a small business that created electric light bulbs was trying to find a cheaper material. They were originally using diamond dies to create tungsten wire. This metal was then used to create weapons for the armies in World War I.
Another name that this material goes by is Wolfram or wolf rahm. Now scientists and professionals often still call this material wolframite. However, when the wolframite was carburized and combined with another substance, like a binder, it is referred to as tungsten carbide. However, some machines and metal workers just shorten the name to carbide when others know the material in question.
Chemically Properties of Tungsten Carbide
This interesting metal actually has equal parts tungsten and carbon atoms. When the material is in its pure form, it is usually a delicate grey powder. Scientists learned how to turn this powder into metal by combining it with other alloys and pressing it into molds. This metal has been shown to be around twice as rigid as steel with twice the density.
What do we use Tungsten Carbide for?
Tungsten carbide is often used to create high tech industrial machines, tools for cutting metals, abrasive materials, bullets that can puncture armor, and pieces of jewelry like wedding bands. When the metal is polished it can shine beautifully for years to come. This is one of the reasons why it will be the perfect choice for a wedding band. If you wear this ring daily for years, it is going to have some wear and tear. Tungsten carbide rings are incredibly hard to scratch. So no matter what you put your wedding ring through it will hold up.
Why Choose a Tungsten Carbide Wedding ring?
One of the reasons people like choosing a tungsten carbide ring is because they are scratch resistant. Since the material is so hard, the only material that can scratch the wedding band is a diamond. So try to remember to place the rings in separate cloth containers when carrying the rings to the wedding ceremony. This will keep both of your rings looking beautiful for the big day.
Another reason why you should consider a tungsten carbide ring is simply because it is incredibly trendy. Tungsten carbide wedding rings have become very popular in certain years after celebrities have been quoted using these rings. The soccer star and husband of Posh Spice (or Victoria Beckham), David Beckham has been photographed wearing his wedding band that is made out of Tungsten carbide.
It is also important to think about how the ring will feel on your hand. A ring made of tungsten carbide has a nice weight to it, which is often rare with more affordable rings. So if you prefer a weightier ring this might be the one for you.
Another great reason why you should consider a tungsten carbide ring is because it can be easily removed. If you have a tendency to end up in the emergency room, you can rest easy knowing that these rings can be easily taken off if you have a medical emergency. They are actually easier to remove than a gold ring. One of the reasons why this is true Is because the hardness of the metal allows the ring to keep its shape. This means if you crush your finger in the ring, the ring will maintain its shape so it does not exacerbate the injury. Tungsten carbide is also naturally hypoallergenic so it is a good alternative for people who suffer from traditional metal allergies to gold or silver.
Things to Remember
Tungsten carbide rings cannot be resized. So, make sure to take multiple measurements of your finger before ordering your ring. And give us a call if you need assistance taking the proper measurements or if you need another opinion on the size. Since these rings are not able to be resized, you might want to consider a different material if you fluctuate in weight more than a couple pounds. This will give you options down the road.