If you search around on the Internet for “men’s tungsten rings,” you might be shocked at the large number of online retail stores that sell these durable and dazzling rings. Not more than ten years ago, it would have been nearly impossible to find a ring made out of tungsten carbide, let alone the number of designer tungsten wedding bands now on sale. But men’s tungsten rings are making amazing strides in stealing market share from precious metals like gold.
White gold used to be the only option for men who wanted an alternative to yellow gold, but some men developed allergies to the nickel in white gold alloys. White gold is also rhodium plated and needs to be re-plated from time to time. With the astronomical rise in gold prices and a marketplace ripe for change, it was time for men to find an alternative. There have been other white metals that rivaled white gold in the past, such as sterling silver, palladium and stainless steel, but none of these has captured the attention of jewelry buyers like men’s tungsten rings.
Compared to white gold, tungsten rings are a stronger and denser metal that will never wear down over time. Originally used exclusively for industrial applications, tungsten carbide is an alloy of pure tungsten and carbon that is sturdy enough to stand up to any active lifestyle. Unlike white gold, it will never need re-plating and can easily be polished with a soft cloth. Men who are sensitive to white gold alloys are attracted to tungsten because it is hypoallergenic, and the higher density of men’s tungsten rings means they feel heavier on the hand than other metals. Some men prefer the weight of tungsten over lighter weight metals like titanium and stainless steel.
In some ways, men’s tungsten wedding bands may be less attractive than white gold. For example, if you prefer to wear a “precious metal” to celebrate your marriage, there is no substitute for gold and platinum. Guys are usually less concerned about precious metals than their fiancées, but they are often overruled when shopping for rings together. However, more and more guys are doing their shopping online for wedding bands. The higher price of gold has caused them to compare prices and look for alternatives to traditional wedding rings, a trend that has fueled the growth of men’s tungsten rings.
Men’s tungsten wedding bands are much stronger and more durable than white gold, and they are ten times harder than 18K gold. Tungsten requires very little maintenance, and unlike white gold it will never need re-plating. Some men have an allergic reaction to the nickel that is often alloyed with white gold, but men’s tungsten rings are hypoallergenic. And since tungsten is such a dense and solid metal, it is much more resistant to scratches than white gold. This same density makes tungsten feel heavier on the finger than other metals, which may be perceived as either a positive or a negative, depending on personal preference.
When you look at all the characteristics of men’s tungsten rings and do an honest comparison with white gold, it’s not surprising that men are choosing these durable and affordable rings like never before.
When you look at all the characteristics of men’s tungsten rings and do an honest comparison with white gold, it’s not surprising that men are choosing these durable and affordable rings like never before.
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