When it comes to wedding bands, there are a lot of choices to make. Do you want gold or platinum? Should the band be plain or engraved? One of the most important decisions, however, is what type of metal to choose. Tungsten and platinum are two of the most popular materials for wedding bands, but which one is better? This blog post will compare tungsten and platinum and help you decide which material is right for you!
Best materials for wedding rings
Wedding rings come in a variety of materials, with each offering its own unique benefits. Some of the most popular materials for wedding rings are:
- Gold – Gold is one of the most traditional and classic choices for wedding rings. It’s available in many different colors, so you can choose one that best suits your style. Gold is also very durable and won’t tarnish over time.
- Platinum – Platinum is more expensive than gold, but it offers superior durability and strength that make it ideal for everyday wear. This metal is hypoallergenic and will keep its luster even after years of use.
- Titanium – Titanium is lightweight yet incredibly strong, making it a popular choice for wedding bands. It’s also resistant to corrosion and oxidation, so it won’t tarnish over time.
- Palladium – Palladium is similar to platinum but more affordable. It’s durable and hypoallergenic, making it a great option for those who have sensitive skin or allergies to other metals.
- Tungsten Carbide – Tungsten carbide is one of the strongest and most scratch-resistant materials available for wedding rings. This metal will keep its shiny finish even after years of wear and tear.
No matter which material you choose, make sure that your wedding ring symbolizes your love and commitment with a style that you will love for years to come [1].
Main Features of Tungsten for rings
Tungsten rings offer couples many features, including:
- Strength: Tungsten is one of the strongest and hardest metals available, making it an ideal choice for couples who want a ring they can trust to last.
- Durability: Tungsten rings are highly resistant to scratching and other damage caused by everyday wear and tear. This makes them perfect for active lifestyles.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike gold or silver rings, tungsten requires very little maintenance and cleaning to keep its shine.
- Affordability: The cost of tungsten is much lower than that of gold or platinum, making it a great option for those on a budget.
- Variety of Styles: Tungsten is available in a wide range of styles, from traditional to modern. This makes it easy to find the perfect ring for any occasion.
- Unique: Tungsten has a unique grayish hue that sets it apart from other metals, making it a great choice for couples who want something different.
- Hypoallergenic: Tungsten does not contain any nickel, making it hypoallergenic and suitable for those with sensitive skin.
- Environmental Friendliness: Because tungsten is non-toxic and can be recycled easily, it is often considered an eco-friendly metal choice.
These are just some of the reasons why tungsten rings make an excellent choice for couples. With its combination of strength, durability, and affordability, it’s no wonder why tungsten is becoming increasingly popular as an engagement ring option [2].
Main Features of Platinum for rings
Platinum is one of the most popular metals used in jewelry, particularly for engagement and wedding rings. Platinum offers many benefits that make it a desirable choice for rings, including its durability, purity, rarity, and beauty. Here are some of the main features of platinum for rings:
- Durability: Platinum is much more scratch-resistant than gold or silver and does not corrode or tarnish over time. This makes it an excellent choice for an engagement or wedding ring that will last through the years without losing its luster.
- Purity: Platinum is one of the purest precious metals available and doesn’t contain any other elements. It has a natural white color that doesn’t require any plating to maintain its brilliance.
- Rarity: Platinum is one of the rarest metals found in nature. This makes it more valuable than gold or silver and ensures that each piece is unique and has its beauty.
- Beauty: The white color of platinum gives any ring an elegant, timeless look that will never go out of style. It also pairs beautifully with diamonds and other gemstones for a truly stunning result.
- Hypoallergenic: Platinum is hypoallergenic, making it ideal for those who are sensitive to certain metals. It does not contain any nickel which can cause skin irritation, so even people with the most delicate skin can wear platinum jewelry without worry.
- Value: The rarity and durability of platinum make it one of the most valuable metals. This means that you can be sure your ring will retain its value over time and make a great investment piece.
- Customizable: Platinum is highly malleable, making it easy to customize with engraving or other design elements. Whether you choose a classic, timeless look or something more unique and personalized, platinum rings are sure to impress!
- Safe: Platinum is non-toxic, which makes it safe for both humans and the environment. It also doesn’t require any toxic chemicals to keep its shine, so you can be certain that your jewelry is not only beautiful but also safe for wear.
These advantages make platinum an ideal choice for engagement and wedding rings. Its durability, purity, rarity, beauty, and value make it a timeless and valuable addition to any jewelry collection. Whether you are looking for something classic or custom-designed, platinum is sure to impress [3]!
Tungsten Rings vs. Platinum Rings
Hardness
When it comes to hardness, tungsten rings are the clear winner. Tungsten is a naturally occurring metal and its strong bond structure makes it extremely hard and durable. Its hardness ranks 8 out of 10 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the hardest metals available for jewelry.
Cost
In terms of cost, tungsten rings are an affordable alternative to platinum rings. While both types of rings can range in price depending on the quality and design, tungsten rings are typically much less expensive than their platinum counterparts. This makes tungsten rings a great option for those looking to stay within their budget while still getting a high-quality piece of jewelry. On average, tungsten rings can cost up to 70% less than platinum rings.
Style
When it comes to style, both tungsten and platinum rings offer a wide variety of designs and styles to choose from. However, tungsten tends to be more versatile due to its ability to be shaped into intricate designs as well as its darker finish which makes for a sleek look. Platinum rings are also widely available but tend to come in more traditional styles such as simple bands or solitaire settings.
Durability
The extreme hardness of the tungsten metal also means that its rings are incredibly durable and can last longer than other metals used in jewelry.
Color
While both tungsten and platinum rings come in a variety of colors, tungsten is more diverse. This is because tungsten can be anodized or plated with different materials to create a wide range of colors such as black, silver, blue, and even rose gold. Platinum rings tend to come in white or yellow shades and may require special care to keep them looking their best.
Hypoallergenic Properties
Tungsten rings have the added benefit of being hypoallergenic, meaning they won’t cause any skin irritation or rashes. This is because tungsten is a non-porous metal and doesn’t contain any alloys which can irritate sensitive skin. Platinum rings on the other hand may contain alloys such as nickel which can be irritating for those with allergies.
Maintenance
Tungsten rings require little maintenance and can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth.
Platinum rings may require more frequent cleaning as dirt or debris can collect in the crevices of their design [4].
Popular designs of wedding rings
Wedding rings are a symbol of love, commitment, and dedication. They also serve as a reminder of the special bond between two people. With so many different designs, styles, metals, and stones to choose from, it can be hard to decide what kind of wedding ring best suits your style. Here is a look at some popular designs for wedding rings that have been a favorite with couples over the years:
- Solitaire Rings – Simple yet elegant solitaire rings feature one diamond or gemstone set on a thin metal band. These rings are timeless and classic, making them an excellent choice for traditional weddings.
- Pavé Rings – This type of wedding ring features multiple smaller diamonds or gemstones set into a thin metal band. The stones are held in place with tiny beads of metal called prongs, giving the ring a sparkly and glamorous look.
- Cathedral Rings – These unique rings feature an arched setting that supports a solitaire diamond or gemstone on the center of the band. They are usually made from yellow gold or white gold and can be accented with diamonds for extra sparkle.
- Halo Rings – This style features a single large diamond or gemstone surrounded by smaller diamonds or gemstones creating a halo effect around it. The overall effect creates stunning sparkle and glamour to symbolize your eternal love for each other.
- Three-Stone Rings – A three-stone ring is designed with three diamonds or gemstones of equal size, placed side-by-side. It is a traditional style that dates back centuries and it symbolizes the past, present, and future of your relationship.
- Eternity Rings – Also known as infinity rings, eternity rings feature diamonds or gemstones set around the entire circumference of the band in a continuous circle to represent everlasting love.
FAQ
Is tungsten better than platinum for rings?
That depends on what you are looking for. Tungsten is generally more durable and scratch resistant than platinum, so it may be better in that regard. On the other hand, tungsten’s darker color can make it look less lustrous compared to a bright white metal like platinum. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what you think will best suit your needs.
Additionally, some people find tungsten rings to be heavier than other metals, which could also factor into your decision-making process. To ensure you get the best possible ring for your situation, it’s important to consider all of these factors when making a decision.
Does white tungsten look like platinum?
White tungsten does have a similar color to platinum, but it is not quite the same. Tungsten has more of a grayish hue compared to the bright white of platinum. Additionally, tungsten tends to be slightly darker and duller than platinum, which can make it look less lustrous when worn. For these reasons, many people prefer to go with actual platinum or white gold if they are looking for a brighter look and feel. Ultimately, however, it comes down to personal preference as both metals offer different benefits and drawbacks.
Does tungsten scratch easily?
No, tungsten rings are very hard to wear and do not scratch easily. They are one of the most scratch-resistant metals available, which makes them an ideal choice for people who are looking for a durable piece of jewelry. Additionally, tungsten rings need minimal maintenance and upkeep, so they are quite low-maintenance compared to other materials. All in all, if you’re looking for a ring that will keep its shine and last a long time, then tungsten might be the best choice for you.
What metal is better than platinum?
It depends on what you are looking for. Platinum is known for its durability and scratch resistance, so if those are your top priorities then it may be the best choice for you. However, titanium and tungsten can also offer similar levels of durability with a lighter weight. Additionally, some people prefer the look and feel of metals like silver or gold over platinum. In the end, it comes down to personal preference and what features you think will suit your needs best. It’s important to consider all of your options before making any final decisions.
Is platinum ring good for health?
Platinum rings are generally safe for people to wear and do not pose any health risks. The metal itself does not react with the skin, so it should be considered hypoallergenic. Additionally, since platinum is a very dense metal, it will also cause minimal irritation on the finger when worn for long periods. All in all, platinum rings are safe to wear and make an excellent option for anyone looking for a durable piece of jewelry.
However, if you have allergies or other sensitivities to certain metals, then it’s important to speak with your doctor before wearing any type of jewelry.
What are the 3 most expensive metals?
The three most expensive metals are platinum, gold, and palladium.
Useful Video: ULTIMATE Guide To Rings | Gold Vs Silver Vs Platinum Vs Tungsten
Conclusion
Wedding rings can be made of different materials and platinum and tungsten are among them. While both materials have their own unique benefits, platinum wedding rings are the preferred choice among couples due to their durability and everlasting beauty. Tungsten wedding rings also offer a perfect combination of strength and affordability but may not withstand everyday wear and tear as well as platinum does. Ultimately, it is up to the couple to decide which material best meets their needs when selecting a wedding ring. No matter what they choose, both metals will provide lifelong memories of the special day that they exchange rings.
References:
- https://www.diamonds.pro/guides/best-metals-for-wedding-rings/
- https://www.larsonjewelers.com/tungsten-rings-pros-cons-facts-myths
- https://www.brides.com/platinum-wedding-rings-5090041
- https://www.brownsfamilyjewellers.co.uk/advice-and-guides/tungsten-vs-platinum-rings
