When searching through the large available market for tungsten rings and other tungsten jewelry, it’s easy to get caught up in the glamor and forget to be cautious. Any web vendor you go to will make all the claims in the world that their stuff is best and that you have no need to worry, but are they telling the truth, or is it all an elaborate show to trick you into buying a sub-par piece? Here’s a list of 5 things I like to keep in mind when I go hunting for quality merchandise:
1. Pure Tungsten or Tungsten Carbide?
There’s a huge difference between a tungsten alloy ring and a tungsten carbide ring. How huge? If you’re expecting a hard as diamond tough as nails piece of jewelry, make sure it’s tungsten carbide. Tungsten alloys are softer and will scratch much more easily, meaning you’ll lose your polish much sooner. If you find yourself at a vendor that either doesn’t know the difference or won’t tell you, play it on the safe side and get out. There are lot’s of quality places out there who will.
2. Make Sure There’s No Cobalt
Cobalt is a common additive for many metal alloys, and there are plenty of manufacturer’s that try to cut corners by adding it to tungsten jewelry. In this case, that’s an extremely bad thing. If there’s any cobalt in the ring your skin will develop this greenish rash that will be very unsightly and really uncomfortable. That’s because cobalt will react with the oils in your skin. If the manufacturer isn’t upfront about their cobalt policy, hit the road and get yourself to someplace better at once!
3. The Problem With Nickel
Nickel is another common additive that people like to bring to the mix in order to reduce cost. Nickel isn’t nearly as bad as cobalt - it won’t react with your skin at all. However, it does weaken the tungsten a bit, meaning that your indestructible ring really isn’t so tough any more. Will it hold up to most stresses? Most likely yes. It is a risk I’d take when purchasing an item known for its lifelong endurance? Definitely not.
4. Know Your Ring Size
Because they’re so tough, tungsten rings are pretty impossible to resize in the same way that gold or silver jewelry is. Most websites and vendors will allow you to trade in your ring for a new one if your finger size changes, or if you guessed your partners’ size wrong, but don’t assume that this is the case. In addition, there’s generally a charge involved in getting a new one of the right size. Knowing your ring size before you go will save you a lot of grief.
5. It’s Pretty, But is it Permanent?
I tend to approach tungsten jewelry the same way that I’d approach a tattoo. Sure it may look good now, but is it something that I’d be happy with for the rest of my life? One of the strongest selling points of tungsten rings is its longevity. Don’t let some smooth talking salesperson talk you into a purchase you’re not 100% on board with.
Let the Buyer Beware
A tungsten ring can be one of the best, longest lasting purchases of your life. Keep these key things in mind when searching around, and you’re sure to find a happy solution to your jewelry needs.
