When it comes to durability, few metals match tungsten’s toughness. This is what makes it a popular choice for wedding rings and other jewelry that’s meant to stand up to everyday wear and tear. But how is tungsten made, exactly? And what are its pros and cons compared to other jewelry-making metals? Keep reading to learn more about this remarkable, long-lasting material.
Tungsten is an extremely dense metal, found in the Earth’s crust in a variety of forms. It ranks 8 to 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, beating even diamonds. Tungsten is also exceptionally strong, making it ideal for use in cutting tools and other industrial applications. Thin wires made of tungsten are used in electric light bulbs, and it’s often coated with carbon to make tungsten carbide—a high-performance compound that’s used in a wide range of high-tech equipment.
The tungsten that’s used in jewelry is typically white to light gray in color, but some jewelers also use it to create black rings and other pieces. The dark color is achieved through a process called physical vapor deposition (PVD). This technique applies a layer of black powder to the surface of the ring, which then hardens into place. Some designers also incorporate tungsten’s natural silvery gray color into their designs by using a traditional Japanese metalworking technique called mokume gane, which layers different shades of the metal together.
Aside from its strength and durability, tungsten’s beauty is what really sets it apart from other jewelry-making metals. The material has a superior shine, and it’s virtually scratchproof. It’s also a lot more malleable than titanium, which means it can be easily resized if needed. Tungsten also resists corrosion and oxidation, and it can withstand extreme temperatures.
While the advantages of tungsten over other jewelry-making metals are clear, there are some drawbacks to the metal, too. Tungsten is more difficult to work with than titanium, and it can be difficult to polish to achieve a mirror-like finish. It’s also brittle, meaning it can shatter if struck hard enough, unlike titanium, which will bend instead of crack or break. While these drawbacks are minor, they do make tungsten a less practical choice for everyday wear than titanium. Tungsten can also be a bit more expensive than other jewelry-making metals, although prices are slowly coming down. This is due in part to the rising popularity of the metal, and in part to increased production. Tungsten’s price tag is still lower than gold, though, so it’s still an affordable option for most buyers. tungsten rings wholesale supplier
