In Case of Emergency...Can Tungsten Rings be Cut Off?

Tungsten rings can be cut off in case of an emergency just about as easy as a ring made with a different type of metal can be. There are tools specially made for cutting tungsten and titanium jewelry. Tungsten rings can also be broken into pieces using a pliers or other similar tool should there be a case for it. Most hospitals in this day and age have all the necessary tools for situations like cutting off a ring. Don't let the rumor that tungsten rings aren't able to be cut off in case of an emergency fool you! Just like any other metal, a tungsten ring can be cut should it need to be.

Tungsten and Tungsten Carbide Rings

Is there a difference between jewelry made just with tungsten when compared to jewelry made with tungsten carbide?

If a piece of jewelry, such as a ring, is sold strictly as tungsten only, then it is basically just a steel ring. Tungsten without carbide can be scratched. Tungsten carbide rings and jewelry should not scratch because the element of carbide is present. If you purchase what you believe to be a tungsten carbide ring but the ring has been carved then it isn't a true tungsten carbide ring.

Styles of Tungsten Rings

Tungsten rings often come in the form of men's wedding bands. There are several different styles of tungsten rings, especially for men that may interest you.

You may find tungsten rings that have layers of polish that differ for a different looking finish. You may find some tungsten rings that have diamonds or other stones embedded or inserted throughout the ring for extra pizazz. Some tungsten rings may have different types of edges such as round edges or ridges for a cool look. You can even choose a tungsten ring in different levels of color ranging from dark gray to light gray.

Caring for Your Tungsten Ring

Your tungsten ring, while very sturdy and strong, needs care too! Yes, a tungsten ring means very little maintenance, but it doesn't mean you should not do routine care to keep it in the best condition.

To care for your tungsten ring you can clean it with a mild cleaner and wiped with a smooth, soft rag. You should not store your tungsten ring next to diamonds, as diamonds are the only thing that can really scratch a tungsten ring. If you sense a problem with your tungsten ring, please see your jeweler for repair.

The History of Tungsten

Tungsten was discovered in the late 1700's and was known back then as wolfram. After a bit of work and some very tedious experiments for several years scientists concluded that this new substance could be used to make a new metal. In 1783 two brothers, Jose and Fausto Elhuyar found an acid in wolframite that was similar to the one found in tungstic acid and were thus able to isolate the tungsten by reducing the acid in it with charcoal. The brothers are recognized as the ones who discovered the element of tungsten.

During the Second World War, tungsten was very important. Portugal had a lot of wolframite ores that were used to make tungsten. Due to these ores Portugal had pressure put on it from both sides of fighting. These ores were beneficial in making tungsten for materials used for weapons.

Why Pick a Tungsten Carbide Ring?

A tungsten carbide ring is pretty spectacular in that it is the only type of ring that will never need to be polished. The polish on the ring can last up to 50 years. This in itself makes a tungsten carbide ring special. A tungsten carbide ring should never dent or scratch; instead you will always have a shiny ring on your finger. You may notice when wearing a tungsten carbide ring that it feels a bit heavier than other types of rings.

Some Facts About Tungsten Carbide

Tungsten carbide rings and jewelry will not show flaws and will resist wear better than other types of metals. Tungsten is ten times harder than the strongest gold, five times harder than steel and four times harder than titanium. These rings and other types of tungsten jewelry should hold its shape for your lifetime. Tungsten is a heavy metal and it will not bend. Prices vary for tungsten rings and jewelry but there are a lot of affordable pieces on the market today.