It is surprising how such contrasting characteristics can be combined in one material. But don’t think this is a typo, it’s absolutely true. Tungsten is indeed brittle and hard at the same time. The source of tungsten is tungsten ore. Raw tungsten is very similar to platinum. But in this form, it is not used in the jewelry industry. To turn tungsten into a jewelry metal, carbon must be added to it. After such a fusion, tungsten carbide is born. It is used in jewelry production, and it is precisely this material that is second only to diamond in terms of hardness. And this, as we know, is the strongest of the precious stones.

Most often, tungsten carbide is used as a material for making bracelets and rings. Sometimes even wedding rings. After some time, such jewelry does not lose its original appearance and looks as if it has just been brought from the store. And this is despite the fact that in reality, more than a year may have passed since the moment of purchase. It should be noted that tungsten jewelry is more popular among men. There are no superstitions involved: it’s just the way it is in the jewelry industry. However, from time to time, tungsten carbide is also used in the production of very unusual women’s accessories — for strong women who know their worth and are free at heart.

isually, tungsten jewelry (especially rings) looks exactly the same as items made of rhodium-plated silver, platinum, or stainless steel. An ordinary person with little connection to the jewelry industry would be unlikely to tell the difference between them. Only later, if they have three rings made of three different materials at their disposal, will they be able to visually see the difference and recognize tungsten. The fact is that accessories made of this material are not susceptible to mechanical damage — at all. No scratches remain on their surface, and no signs of wear appear. On the first day after purchase and on the 1000th day, a tungsten ring will look exactly the same. And this is the most important advantage of this jewelry metal.

By the way, a little etymology: the name of the metal “tungsten” is of German origin and translated into Ukrainian means “wolf foam.” In the United States and many other countries, the metal is called Tungsten, which literally means “heavy metal.” These facts became the basis for the use of tungsten as a conventionally masculine jewelry material. Another fact is that tungsten is used to make sub-caliber shells. But all this is nothing more than convention. Therefore, if you like a piece of jewelry, feel free to buy it, regardless of strange postulates that have no meaning in the modern world.

When buying a tungsten ring or any other accessory made of this metal, remember:

• Due to the high hardness of the material, it is impossible to change the size (especially when it comes to rings).
• Engraving is also not so simple: the hardness of tungsten carbide is unbeatable, and in order to apply the desired inscription to the accessory, you need to find a jeweler with specialized equipment (and believe me, not every professional has it).
• There is a possibility (minimal, but still) of an allergy to tungsten jewelry: it contains nickel, as does white gold, and nickel is a fairly allergenic material.

If you feel discomfort when wearing a tungsten accessory and if (even worse) you see irritation on your skin, know that jewelry made from this metal is probably not for you. The likelihood of an allergy is extremely low. But we are obliged to warn you. And one more thing: if you ever need to remove a tungsten ring and you are physically unable to do so (you can’t cut tungsten with pliers — it’s not fragile like gold), clamp the jewelry together with your finger in a vice and gradually squeeze the metal. At some point, it will break. And don’t worry about your finger: this procedure, including the moment when the ring breaks, is completely safe and painless for it.