Facts About Tungsten Jewelry

An example of a tungsten carbide wedding band.

Tungsten jewelry has gained popularity due to both the modern look that the metal provides and its ability to resist scratching and bending.

Characteristics

Tungsten, also known as wolfram, is a gray transition metal that is mined in Europe, North America, South America and Asia. Along with its use in jewelry, the element is also used in electric lamps, X-rays and in the development of spacecraft.

Jewelry

In its raw state, tungsten is a very brittle metal that can be easily cut with a hacksaw. In order to create jewelry such as a ring or bracelet from tungsten, it must be strengthened. This is achieved by combining tungsten powder with carbon and another metal such as nickel or cobalt.

Use

Due to the weight of tungsten jewelry, it is not typically used in earrings and pendants. It is more common to find tungsten carbide in rings, bracelets and watches. Jewelry made from tungsten will resist scratching, bending and stretching better than gold or silver.

Appearance

Tungsten carbide jewelry features a darker hue that can be polished to resemble hematite. When mixed with nickel, the resulting appearance is similar to that of platinum.

Care

Due to the metal's ability to maintain shape and shine over time, very little care is required for tungsten jewelry. Retailers of tungsten carbide jewelry caution against cleaning with chemicals or with ultrasonic cleaners, suggesting soap and water instead.

References

• Azom Materials: Tungsten Carbide -- An Overview
• Periodic Table of the Elements: Tungsten
• Forever Metals: Tungsten Rings and Mens Wedding Bands

Resources

• Titanium-Jewelry: Tungsten Carbide Rings