Tungsten vs. Traditional Metals: Which wedding rings Ring Wins for You?
The classic gold wedding band has symbolized commitment for centuries, but tungsten carbide is rapidly challenging its throne. Gold, platinum, and silver remain timeless, yet matching tungsten rings offers compelling advantages in durability, cost, and modern appeal. Understanding the trade-offs helps couples choose a ring that aligns with lifestyle, budget, and personal taste.
Gold (14K or 18K) is soft and malleable, scoring 2.5–3 on the Mohs hardness scale. It scratches easily, requiring periodic polishing or rhodium plating for white gold to maintain shine. Platinum, at 4–4.5 Mohs, fares better but still dents under pressure and costs $800–$2,000 per band. Tungsten carbide, by contrast, rates 8.5–9, rivaling sapphire. Everyday activities—gardening, weightlifting, even clapping—leave gold marked but tungsten untouched. This scratch resistance means no resale value loss from wear, unlike gold which jewelers deduct for refinish
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Weight tells another story. A 6mm tungsten ring weighs 15–20 grams, noticeably heavier than titanium (4–6g) or gold (10–14g). Some love the substantial feel, associating heft with permanence