Tungsten vs. Titanium Rings: which one should you choose?

Tungsten vs. Titanium Rings: Which one should you choose?

Choosing wedding bands for men is no longer a simple choice between gold, white gold or silver. Newer alternative metals have been added to the mix, offering a range of significant advantages. Two of these options, tungsten and titanium, have become popular choices for men's wedding bands due to their strength, durability and affordability.

While these metals do have similar characteristics, they also each have distinct features that make them unique. The metal you choose for your wedding band needs to look great and last a lifetime. If you’re struggling to choose between tungsten and titanium, here’s what you need to know to help you find the perfect ring that suits you and your lifestyle.

A Closer Look At Tungsten 

Regarded as one of the toughest metals, tungsten rings offer exceptional hardness and are almost scratch-resistant. These features make tungsten carbide rings a great choice for those seeking an option that is highly durable and suited to everyday wear.

Made by combining tungsten with carbon atoms, tungsten carbide scores around 8.5 to 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it one of the hardest materials used in jewellery. Available in a choice of colours such as black, grey and white, tungsten rings offer a sleek, modern aesthetic that suits a variety of personal styles.

Due to its strength and durability, this type of band is ideal for those who work mostly with their hands, like carpenters and mechanics and is also suited to a variety of lifestyles. Whether you're exposed daily to the sun or slaving away under the hood of a car, a tungsten ring is better able to maintain its appearance over time when compared to other metals.

Pros:

• Affordable

• Highly scratch resistant

• Durable and long-lasting

• Will retain its shape

• Hypoallergenic properties

Cons:

• Inflexible and brittle under extreme pressure

• Can tarnish when exposed to chlorine

• Cannot be resized or repaired if damaged

• Emergency removal requires fracturing or shattering the band

Titanium Explained

Titanium is a lighter metal compared to tungsten, but it offers impressive strength and durability. However, resilience-wise, it's not as scratch-resistant as tungsten. While on the Mohs scale, tungsten sits at around 8.5 to 9, titanium sits between 5 and 6. This means that despite still being tougher than traditional metals such as gold and silver, it's not always a great choice for those in hands-on industries or trades.

While it can take some punishment to break or deform it, the metal is somewhat pliable, which allows for minor resizing, often up to one size, provided there are no inlays or stones incorporated. This makes titanium wedding bands a more flexible option as they can be adjusted or more easily repaired if needed over their lifetime.

Like tungsten, titanium is also an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin or metal allergies, as it is generally hypoallergenic and less likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions than some other materials.

Pros:

• Affordable

• Hypoallergenic

• Will not tarnish

• Can potentially be sized up

Cons:

• Extreme pressure can result in the ring bending out of shape

• Cannot be sized down

• Not as scratch-resistant as tungsten

Other Key Differences Between Titanium vs Tungsten Rings

Aside from strength, durability and scratch resistance, there are some other elements worth considering when choosing between these two metals. These include:

Weight and Feel

Tungsten is a notably heavier metal, giving it a substantial feel on the finger, which some associate with quality; however, others may find the extra weight less comfortable for extended daily wear. Titanium, by contrast, is extremely lightweight, making it ideal for those who prefer not to feel the presence of the ring as much.

Appearance

Tungsten and titanium rings come in a wide range of finishes and colours, each offering its own distinct look. Titanium wedding bands tend to have a brighter, warmer silver tone, while tungsten, particularly when untreated, features a deeper, gunmetal grey that appeals to those seeking a more understated look. 

Both metals can be finished to a high-polish shine or a matte texture, allowing you to tailor the ring’s appearance to suit your personal preference.

Design Flexibility

Both tungsten and titanium rings can be personalised with unique design elements like carbon fibre inlays, timber accents or subtle gemstone details. This allows for the creation of a ring that truly reflects the wearer and adds a unique character and meaning to the piece. Just keep in mind that certain inlays may limit resizing options, so finding the right fit from the beginning is particularly important.

Maintenance and Care

Titanium and tungsten rings generally require minimal care or maintenance to remain looking great. Titanium does perform slightly better, though, for anyone who works with chemicals or has an active lifestyle and will be wearing rings to swim in saltwater or chlorinated pools, as it is highly resistant to tarnish and corrosion. A gentle wash with mild soap and water is usually enough to keep it looking cared for.

Tungsten, on the other hand, while a very hard metal, is more vulnerable to certain chemicals, such as chlorine, which can cause tarnishing or discolouration. As such, tungsten rings can require a bit more care to preserve their appearance.

Cost

Depending on factors such as weight or embellishments, titanium rings are generally more affordable than tungsten rings. That said, both titanium and tungsten offer a budget-friendly alternative to precious metals like gold or platinum, with prices sitting fairly close depending on design, weight and any added details.

So Which Is The Right Ring For You?

Much thought and consideration is given to choosing engagement and wedding rings for women, and jewellers recommend paying similar careful attention to wedding bands for men. Both tungsten and titanium rings offer unique properties and benefits, but ultimately, determining which of these is a good ring for you will come down to what works best for your personal preferences and lifestyle needs.

At Bevilles, we have a wide range of spectacular tungsten wedding bands in various elegant designs and with diamond inlays for men. Browse our online catalogue, or visit us in store today to find your perfect ring.