Tungsten wedding bands have become very popular recently because of their beautiful designs and extreme durability. More and more couples are choosing tungsten bands for their weddings since tungsten is extremely hard, scratch-resistant, and stays shiny for a long time. A common question is how long tungsten wedding bands actually last. This article will look at the expected lifespan of tungsten rings, what makes tungsten so durable, and how to care for your tungsten band to make it last even longer. Whether you already have a tungsten wedding ring or are thinking about getting one, keep reading to learn all about how durable tungsten is and how long it lasts.
Do Tungsten Rings Tarnish?
When choosing a wedding ring, you probably want something that will stay shiny and new-looking for many years. Unfortunately, many popular ring metals like silver and gold can become dull and tarnished over time. But what about tungsten rings?
The good news is pure tungsten does not tarnish or lose its shine. The extremely scratch-resistant metal keeps its bright polished look year after year. However, tungsten rings can sometimes appear dull or faded due to:
- Corrosion – Exposure to certain chemicals can damage the surface causing a worn look. Avoid exposing your ring to harsh cleaners, pools, etc.
- Worn Metal Platings – Tungsten rings are sometimes plated with metal coatings that add color. This plating can gradually fade away making the ring look worn out.
While pure tungsten won’t lose its luster, damage and fading to coatings can give the appearance of a dull ring. With occasional professional cleaning and re-polishing, a tungsten wedding band will maintain its luminous shine for decades of everyday wear.
Colored Tungsten and Fading
Tungsten wedding bands come in popular colors like black, blue, gold, and more. However, the colored finish is a plating that will eventually start fading after 1-2 years of wear.
Black tungsten, especially popular for men’s rings, is prone to showing fading soonest. When you notice the color looks worn, a professional re-plating is needed to restore the rich black tone.
To maintain the original vibrant color, be prepared for occasional re-plating every couple of years if you choose a colored tungsten wedding ring. Or opt for natural silver-toned tungsten to avoid this added maintenance
Factors in Tungsten’s Durability
From its hardness rating to its resistance to scratches and corrosion, tungsten is exceptionally durable compared to traditional precious metals. Let’s examine the key factors that contribute to tungsten’s longevity and strength:
1. Strength and Hardness
With a very high hardness rating, tungsten carbide is one of the hardest metals used in jewelry. In fact, it measures between 9 and 9.5 on the Mohs scale, which is nearly as hard as diamond. This extreme hardness makes tungsten highly resistant to scratches from daily wear. Even after years of use, a tungsten wedding band will retain its smooth, polished look.
2. Resistance Qualities
In addition to scratch resistance, tungsten demonstrates excellent resistance to corrosion and chemicals. For example, it can withstand exposure to chlorine much better than metals like silver or copper. Tungsten is also less prone to tarnishing and discoloration when exposed to moisture. However, prolonged contact with harsh chemicals is still not recommended.
3. Compared to Other Metals
Compared to precious metals like gold, platinum, and palladium, tungsten carbide reigns supreme in durability. Its scratch resistance outperforms all of these softer alternatives. While gold and platinum wedding bands will show signs of wear relatively quickly and require frequent polishing, a tungsten band can last for decades with just occasional cleaning.
4. Potential Weaknesses
Despite its many strengths, tungsten does have some potential vulnerabilities to be aware of:
- Brittleness – While incredibly hard, tungsten can be prone to cracking under extreme pressure or impact. Dropping the ring on a hard surface may cause fractures.
- Nickel Content – Some tungsten alloys contain trace amounts of nickel, which can trigger allergic reactions in those with nickel sensitivity. Opting for a nickel-free tungsten band is recommended for those with allergies.
Expected Lifespan and Warranties
With proper care and maintenance, a high-quality tungsten carbide wedding band can realistically last a lifetime. While manufacturers’ estimates vary, most indicate an expected lifespan of 15 to 30 years or more under normal wear. Many jewelers also offer free lifetime polishing and maintenance with the purchase of a tungsten wedding ring.
On average, anticipate needing to re-polish or clean your tungsten ring every 2 to 5 years to keep it looking like new. Some couples report going 10 years or longer without any visible signs of wear on their tungsten bands.
Compared to rings made of precious metals that scratch easily, tungsten’s superior durability makes it a wedding band you can cherish for life. Be sure to inspect any warranty details for limitations and exclusions before purchasing.
How to Care for Your Tungsten Ring
Taking proper care of your tungsten band is simple and will help it last a lifetime. Follow these tips:
1. Safe Storage
- Keep your ring in a secure place like a jewelry box when you take it off. This prevents damage if it’s dropped or hit by objects.
- Never store your ring loose in a pocket, bag, or drawer. The impact from objects can scratch or fracture tungsten.
- If you take your ring off at the gym or work with your hands, use a silicone ring holder to keep it safe.
2. Regular Cleaning
- Clean your ring once a month or anytime it looks dirty. Use warm water and a mild soap. Avoid aggressive scrubbing.
- For thorough cleaning, let the ring soak for 5-10 minutes to loosen dirt and oils. Use a soft toothbrush or cloth to gently clean.
- Make sure to rinse all soap residue off and dry carefully with a lint-free cloth. Remaining soap can cause buildup.
3. Avoid Chemicals
- Avoid exposing your ring to pool or hot tub water, which contains harsh chlorine that can damage the surface. Take your ring off when swimming or soaking.
- Remove your ring before using household cleaners like bleach products. The chemicals can react with the metal.
- Don’t wear your ring in the shower if you use exfoliating soaps or products with chemicals like salicylic acid. These can be abrasive.
4. Professional Polishing
- Have your ring professionally cleaned and re-polished every 2-3 years by a qualified jeweler. This removes scratches and restores the shine.
- Jewelers use high-powered ultrasonic cleaners and polishing tools to make the ring look brand new.
With this simple tungsten ring care, your band should maintain its just-purchased sheen and last a lifetime! Let the jeweler handle any heavy-duty cleaning.
Tungsten Bands: Durable Elegance for a Lifetime
Tungsten bands are crafted to last a lifetime. Designed to withstand the bumps and scratches of daily life, these rings retain their beauty without faltering-just like a devoted partnership. For couples searching for a wedding band that reflects their durable bond, tungsten stands out for its longevity and minimal upkeep. It’s an incredibly practical choice that doesn’t sacrifice aesthetics for resilience. As you navigate the journey of marriage, let a tungsten band be the lasting symbol of your intertwined lives, as constant and unyielding as the love it represents.
