The Myths and Fact about Tungsten Rings

There are many myths regarding tungsten rings which people take as facts. These myths often obscure the true benefits of the rings and cause people to make decisions without the proper information. By understanding what the myths are and whether or not they are true you can determine whether tungsten rings are right for you.

Tungsten rings are not actually made of tungsten

This myth is only partially true as tungsten rings are made out of tungsten carbide. This alloy is a mixture of the rare metal tungsten and carbon. An alloy is used instead of the pure metal because tungsten in its raw form is too hard to shape into rings or any other kind of jewellery. The fact is that while the rings are not made from pure tungsten they do contain the metal but the two metals are not actually interchangeable.

Tungsten rings are not considered metal

As the rings are made from tungsten carbide and not a pure metal this is partially true. Many people class tungsten rings as ceramic jewellery but this is incorrect. The correct classification of these rings is cermetal, which is the class that any compounds made of metallic and non-metallic elements, should be in. However, due to the obscure nature of this term confusion has been caused as to whether tungsten rings are metal or not.

Tungsten rings are brittle and crack easily

This myth is not actually true and seems to be based on the fact that these rings are made from tungsten carbide and not pure tungsten. While the creation of the alloy does remove some of the strength from the metal it does not make it easy to crack. This does not mean that tungsten rings are completely crack resistant but the force needed is more than you will regularly encounter. Of course the higher the quality of the tungsten rings the more crack resistant it will be.

You cannot remove tungsten rings during emergencies

A common myth about rings made from strong metals is that they cannot be removed during an emergency. This myth is false as any standard emergency room equipment will be able to remove tungsten rings without having to take a finger with it.

There is no difference between cheap and expensive tungsten rings

This myth is false as there is a difference in quality of cheap and expensive tungsten. When creating tungsten rings nickel is used as a binding agent. In cheaper tungsten rings cobalt is used instead of nickel. This change in binding agent can actually remove many of the positive properties of tungsten rings such as its strength and inability to stain.

Tungsten rings only come in one colour

A common myth regarding these rings is that you can only get one colour. While the metal itself is a specific darker gunmetal grey, the tone of the colour can be changed by applying a satin or brushed finish, as well as different forms of plating like IPB (black) or IPG (gold).

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