Which is Better for a Wedding Band, Tungsten or Titanium?
When shopping for a wedding band, tungsten, and titanium are both fantastic options due to their affordability, durability, and range of available styles. While the two materials have similar features, they do possess distinct differences.
The right choice for you depends on your own preferences, but let’s go through the pros and cons of both tungsten and titanium to help make your decision a bit easier.
What is Tungsten?
For those seeking durability and style, tungsten is a great option for a wedding band. Renowned for its robustness and dependability in industrial applications, jewelry-grade tungsten (tungsten carbide) is also available in an array of attractive hues and designs for wedding bands, including silver, gold, black, and a host of decorative inlays. It’s no surprise this hardy metal is a popular go-to option for couples all around the world.
Pros of Tungsten Carbide Wedding Bands
Durability: Tungsten is one of the hardest materials on earth, making it highly resistant to scratches and wear.
Affordability: Tungsten wedding bands are generally more affordable than other materials like platinum or gold.
Low Maintenance: Tungsten is easy to care for and doesn't require much upkeep.
Hypoallergenic: Jewelry-grade tungsten (tungsten carbide) is a great choice for people with metal allergies, as it is hypoallergenic and won't cause irritation in most people.
Cons of Tungsten Wedding Bands
Brittleness: While tungsten is extremely durable, it can also be brittle and can crack if dropped or hit hard enough. However, high-quality tungsten rings will be more shatter resistant.
Hardness and Weight: Tungsten is heavy and very hard. The weight can be uncomfortable for some people, and the hardness of the ring can damage softer surfaces if not careful, such as the door handles on a car.
Lack of Resizing Options: Tungsten cannot be resized like other metals, which can be a problem years down the road if your ring size changes. However, many reputable jewelers will offer free size exchanges when you buy from them.
Design Limitations: Tungsten can not be cast or formed like softer metals, and instead must be machined, so there are limitations on what designs are available.
No Inherent Value: Tungsten is an abundant metal, so the material itself is not valuable. Unlike a gold, silver, or platinum ring, it is difficult to sell or pawn a used tungsten ring.
What is Titanium?
Titanium is another popular material for wedding bands, known for its lightweight and hypoallergenic properties. It is highly resistant to corrosion and is great for daily wear.
Pros of Titanium Wedding Bands
Lightweight: Titanium is much lighter than other popular ring metals like gold, platinum, or tungsten, making it more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
Hypoallergenic: Like tungsten, titanium is also hypoallergenic and won't cause irritation for those with metal allergies.
Corrosion-Resistant: Titanium is highly resistant to corrosion, which means it won't tarnish or rust over time, especially in chlorine and salt-water environments
Cons of Titanium Wedding Bands
Scratch-Prone: While titanium is a strong and durable material, it develops an oxidation layer that is prone to scratching over time, making it look dull and worn. Fortunately, titanium rings can be polished to improve their appearance.
Limited Color Options: Titanium wedding bands are usually only available in limited colors, typically silver, black, and/or with inlays, although it is possible to find rings with other coatings.
Design Limitations: Similar to Tungsten, titanium rings must be machined, so design options are more limited, unlike gold, silver, and platinum wedding bands which can be cast and formed.
Resizing Options: While titanium can be resized, it is rather difficult. If you outgrow your titanium ring, chances are you will need to buy a new one, although reputable jewelers will often offer free size replacements when you buy from them.
No Inherent Value: Titanium is a relatively abundant material and is not inherently valuable. Unlike a gold, silver, or platinum ring, a titanium ring can be difficult to sell or pawn.
Which one, then, is Better for a Wedding Band, Tungsten or Titanium?
The answer ultimately depends on your individual needs and tastes. Maybe not the definitive answer you came looking for, but it really does come down to you.
Quality rings in both materials will hold up well over time, and both are affordable.
Sizing does not have to be a problem either, as long as you purchase from a reputable jeweler with a reasonable size exchange policy.
Still on the fence? Here is how we would sum it up:
Tungsten may be the better choice for you if you:
- Want minimal maintenance
- Prefer more style options
- Are comfortable wearing a heavier ring.
Titanium may be the better choice for you if you:
- Prefer a lightweight band
- You spend a lot of time in salt water or swimming pools and need superior corrosion resistance
- Don’t mind investing in some occasional maintenance, such as polishing and cleaning your ring.
Need assistance deciding which material is best for you? Please reach out to us at questions@liamandavery.com or give us a call at 888-991-5656. We’re always glad to help.