Tungsten is a very hard and dense metal, mined from Wolframite ore and symbolized by a "W" on the periodic table of elements. It melts at an extraordinary 6,100 degrees Fahrenheit–the highest melting point of all metals. On its own, tungsten is vulnerable to scratches and damage just like any other metal, such as titanium and steel. Tungsten does not gain its extreme hardness until it is combined with a carbon alloy, transforming it into tungsten carbide (WC) with a hardness of between 8.5 and 9.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. Tungsten carbide is four times harder than titanium, twice as hard as steel, virtually scratchproof and has been widely used for decades in industrial applications such as cutting tools, mining machinery and rocket engine nozzles.
The unique formula of our tungsten carbide allows these rings to be both visually stunning and durable enough for everyday use. You are no longer required to constantly remove and replace your ring in order to protect its finish. All of our tungsten carbide wedding bands are comfort-fit style, providing optimal comfort while wearing the ring and when putting it on or taking it off. For this reason, tungsten jewelry is an ideal choice for those who want durable jewelry.
We are excited to be offering the finest quality tungsten wedding bands at prices that are surprisingly low - sometimes less than half the price charged in jewelry stores. However, do not confuse our low prices with inferior quality. All of Larson’s Tungsten Carbide Wedding Bands are made with the superior nickel-binder alloy instead of pure tungsten or with cobalt-binder alloy. Nickel-binder alloys are superior for several reasons:
- Tungsten Carbide using Nickel-binder is hypoallergenic, chemically inert and will not oxidize, cause rashes, or irritate the skin.
- We do not use cobalt as it can give the wearer’s skin an allergic reaction, sometimes causing a rash.
- Cobalt bonds with oils in the skin and leeches out of the ring resulting in oxidation. The oxidation appears similar to tarnished sliver, but cannot be removed by polishing or grinding. Nickel, on the other hand, does not bond with oil and therefore does not oxidize.
Many jewelers offer pure tungsten wedding rings which lack the hardness of tungsten carbide and can scratch quite easily. Some offer tungsten rings made with cobalt binder because it is cheaper to produce than nickel-binder carbide. We caution you against buying from a jeweler that does not specify that their tungsten wedding bands are made with the nickel binder alloy. Many retailers do not say which alloy they are selling because they do not know which alloy they are selling. If they do not know, it is most likely cobalt alloy or pure tungsten, which are cheaper and inferior to the nickel binder Tungsten Carbide Wedding Bands that we carry.
Tungsten Carbide Rings are virtually scratchproof
Tungsten Carbide can only be scratched or damaged by extreme measures, like abrasion from diamonds or the mineral corundum. Consequently, activities that would normally require the removal of conventional wedding bands for their protection can be performed without concern by the wearer of a tungsten carbide wedding band. Tungsten Carbide is extremely strong and scratch-resistant; on the other hand, it is a bit more brittle than traditional metals used in wedding bands. Fortunately, our lifetime replacement warranty covers even the unlikely event of your Tungsten Carbide Wedding Ring chipping or breaking. In addition, we warranty the sizing, polish, and texture of our tungsten carbide wedding bands for life. If a Larson Jewelers Tungsten Carbide Wedding Band ever needs to be exchanged for a different size, re-polished, re-textured, or replaced because of chipping or breakage, all that is required is a copy of the original receipt, deductible payment and the ring. Shipping and re-processing is included in the deductible.
Larson Jewelers combines traditional precious metals with tungsten carbide to create a unique piece of jewelry with a style, polish, and texture that will last a lifetime. Men’s and women’s tungsten rings are available. We offer tungsten carbide wedding bands with precious metal inlays of Sterling Silver, 18k yellow Gold, and 950 Platinum. We also offer Tungsten Carbide Wedding Rings with diamond settings. The tungsten carbide portion of the ring will maintain its original polish and luster for life, while the softer inlaid precious metals are not scratch-resistant, as all precious metals are not. Therefore, the inlaid precious metal part is not covered under the lifetime replacement warranty.
Sizing and Engraving
Because of the extreme hardness and durability of tungsten, tungsten wedding bands cannot be sized like gold, silver or platinum rings, so please take extra care in determining the proper size. Also, because of the hardness of tungsten carbide rings, engraving is possible and can be only done with a laser engraving system or a diamond-tipped engraving system. We offer engraving using our diamond-tipped engraving system. For more information about this service, please visit engraving page.
Lifetime Warranty
Our tungsten wedding band and ring warranty includes lifetime ring size exchanges (Tungsten Carbide Wedding Bands cannot be resized conventionally due to their extreme hardness). Also, we warranty the polish and texture of our tungsten carbide wedding bands for life. If a Larson Jewelers Tungsten Carbide Wedding Band ever needs to be re-polished, refinished, exchanged for sizing, or replaced due to fracture or breakage, all that is required is to return the ring with a copy of the original receipt, plus a $49.99 deductible, which includes the cost of reprocessing, handling and return shipping. For inlaid Tungsten Carbide Wedding Bands or with diamond settings, the deductible is slightly higher to cover the cost of re-inlaying or re-setting the stone: Sterling Silver inlays require a deductible of $69.99 per ring, 18K Gold inlays are $99.99 per ring, Diamond settings are $119.99 and 950 Platinum inlays are $149.99 per ring.
Please Note: Tungsten Carbide Rings are not indestructible. Therefore, Larson Jewelers will void the warranty if a ring is altered in any way, including engraving, sizing, drilling, stone setting, polishing, boiling, cleaning with harsh chemicals, soldering, burning or showing evidence of obvious repeated physical abuse, such as striking with a hammer.
If you are not completely satisfied with any of our Tungsten Carbide Wedding Rings, you may return them for a refund. Please see our warranty page for more details.