Known for their robustness and sleek appearance, tungsten rings have seen a surge in popularity. But one question often arises – can these strong rings bend to our will when we need them to fit differently? This blog explores the world of tungsten rings and delves into the nitty-gritty of sizing and adjusting them.
Knowing Basics About Tungsten Rings
Before answering the question, it’s mnecessary to learn some basic knowledge of tungsten rings.
What Goes Into a Tungsten Ring?
Tungsten carbide is the material from which these rings are made, known for its robust properties, is crafted from an equal number of tungsten and carbon atoms. The result is a compound that’s significantly harder than many metals traditionally used in jewelry making, such as gold, silver, or even steel. The journey of a tungsten ring starts with the sintering process, which involves heating powdered tungsten and carbon at high temperatures until they fuse together to form tungsten carbide. This base material might then be combined with other metals like nickel or cobalt, which act as binders to give the final product its shape and added strength.
What a Tungsten Ring Can Offer?
- Exceptional Hardness: They score between 8.5 to 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them second only to diamonds. This high score ensures that tungsten rings are incredibly scratch-resistant.
- Lasting Polish: Thanks to their robustness, these rings maintain a permanent shine. Unlike softer metals, they seldom require repolishing to restore their luster.
- Hefty Weight: Tungsten rings have a satisfying weightiness, feeling more substantial than those made from lighter metals such as aluminum or titanium, which contributes to the sense of wearing something significant and durable.
- Corrosion Resistance: Their resilience against corrosion means they can endure various environmental exposures without tarnishing.
Is It Possible to Resize a Tungsten Ring?
The straightforward answer is no, you cannot resize a tungsten ring in the traditional sense. Due to its exceptional hardness and inflexibility, the material does not allow for the band to be cut and reshaped as you might with gold or silver. Now you’ve got the answer, what should you do with the tungsten ring if your finger size changes? One solution may be to contact your jewelers.
When purchasing a tungsted ring, inquire about the seller’s exchange policy. Some jewelers may offer a service where they replace your existing ring with a new one of the correct size. It’s not resizing in the conventional way, but it ensures that your ring continues to fit perfectly.
How to Get the Right Size of Tungsten Ring?
To avoid the conundrum of resizing, it’s crucial to get the right fit from the start.
Factors to Consider
- Temperature: Finger size can change with hot or cold weather, swelling in heat or shrinking in cold. Measure at room temperature for the most consistent size.
- Salt and Hydration: High salt intake or dehydration can cause your body to retain water, swelling your fingers. Avoid salty foods and stay hydrated when measuring your finger.
- Exercise and Activity: After physical activity, your fingers might swell. Allow time to rest and return to normal before measuring.
- Weight Fluctuations: Consider if your weight tends to fluctuate significantly, as this can affect ring size. Account for these changes or plan for a potential ring replacement.
Easy Tips for Measuring Correctly
- Visit a Jeweler: The best way to get an accurate ring size is to visit a professional jeweller. They have specialized tools and expertise to measure your finger properly.
- Use a Ring Sizer: If visiting a jeweller isn’t an option, you can use a ring sizer. These are often available online or at jewelry stores. Follow the instructions carefully to find your size.
- Measure in the Evening: Your fingers tend to be at their largest later in the day, so to avoid choosing a ring that’s too tight, measure your finger in the evening.
- Triple Check: Measure your finger several times at different parts of the day over a few days to ensure consistency.
- Consider the Width of the Band: Wider bands often require a larger size. Make sure to try on rings with similar widths to the one you’re considering.
- Check for Comfort Fit: Many tungsten rings have a ‘comfort fit,’ meaning the inside of the band is slightly domed, making it more comfortable. This can sometimes allow you to go down half a size for a snugger fit.
What to Do When Your Ring No Longer Fits
Besides turning to jewelers or start fresh to buy a new ring, There are a few handy fixes you can try out:
- Ring Adjuster Strips: These are tiny, almost invisible plastic strips that you wrap snugly around the ring’s band to make it fit better. They’re super simple to put on and take off whenever you need, making them an excellent choice for a quick fix.
- Silicone Padding: Another DIY solution is to use silicone pads. You stick these soft pads inside the ring band, and you can trim them down to get just the right size. It’s comfortable and not permanent, so you can change it up as needed.
- Tape: In a pinch, you can wind a thin strip of tape around the bottom part of your ring to make it tighter. This is really a stopgap measure though because leaving tape on for too long could mess up your ring.
Be Prepared for Your Ring’s Future Fit
Tungsten rings can be tricky when it comes to making size adjustments, but if you know what to expect and think ahead, you can sidestep any issues. Making sure you get the right fit from the get-go, and being clear on your jeweler’s policies, will help ensure that your ring fits well no matter what life throws your way.
FAQs:
1. Can Tungsten Rings Be Cut Off in an Emergency?
Absolutely, tungsten rings can be taken off in a pinch. If there’s ever an urgent situation, a pro can crack the ring right off with some specific tools designed for the job, making sure you’re not harmed in the process.
2. Can Tungsten Rings Be Engraved?
Yep, you can personalize tungsten rings with laser engraving. This nifty method lets you etch in whatever words or designs you want with super accuracy, and it’ll stick around without wearing off as the years pass.
3. How Should You Clean and Maintain Your Tungsten Ring?
Tungsten rings are pretty low-maintenance to keep them shiny. Just grab a soft cloth and some warm, soapy water to clean your band. Dodge any strong cleaners or rough scrubbers that could scratch the shine off. Treat it right, and your tungsten ring is going to keep its polish for a long, long time.
