Titanium and Tungsten Carbide are hugely popular when it comes to men’s jewellery, and rightly so. Affordable, durable, and up to 10 times stronger than the gold and silver alternatives, these modern precious metals are ideal for crafting wedding bands and other pieces of jewellery, but they are both very different, and so you should consider these key points before deciding which metal is right for your next jewellery purchase.
Titanium vs. Tungsten Carbide
Price:When compared to gold and platinum, both Tungsten and Titanium are extremely affordable. While prices vary from manufacturer to manufacture, you can expect to pay a similar price for both of these modern precious metals, depending on the overall quality and grade.
Composition:The main difference in composition between Tungsten and Titanium, is that titanium is usually combined with other elements such as aluminium, whereas tungsten is usually combined with carbon atoms.
Hardness & Strength: One of the reasons that titanium and tungsten carbide are so popular in jewellery making, is that the are both extremely hard metals, particularly when compared to other precious metals such as platinum and gold. On the Mohs Scale (mineral hardness classification), Tungsten Carbide measures 9 out of 10 for hardness, while Titanium measures 6 out of 10, and so ultimately, tungsten in the hardest metal.
Scratch Resistance: Tungsten rings are indeed extremely durable and high scratch-resistant. When you consider purchasing a tungsten ring, it’s important to account for colour. Silver tungsten rings are the most durable tungsten rings, and are almost scratch-proof. Colour Tungsten rings, such as black, red, or blue, are still extremely durable, but they are not as scratch-resistant as tungsten itself.
Some of our Titanium are also scratch-resistant, but it cannot compete with tungsten in this category.
Crack Resistance: Titanium comes out top in the crack resistance category, quite simply because it is much less brittle than tungsten. The preferred wedding band metal for men who work with their hands, titanium works well under pressure, while a tungsten carbide ring could crack if struck against a particularly hard surface.
Weight: The most significant difference between a titanium wedding band and a tungsten carbide wedding band would have to be the weight. Titanium rings are extremely lightweight, despite their durability, and so you hardly know that you are wearing them. This makes them popular with men who are not keen on wearing jewellery. Tungsten carbide rings, on the other hand, have a weighty feel, much heavier than gold and platinum, and so they have a real masculine feel.
Colour:The natural colour of both tungsten carbide and titanium is gunmetal grey, although both metals are offered in black, and tungsten carbide rings are available in white. Many modern jewellery designers colour titanium and tungsten rings with yellow gold, rose gold, and even ion blue, and so both traditional and contemporary options are available.
Hypoallergenic Properties:Tungsten carbide rings often contain cobalt, which is not suitable for all skin types.
Resizing: Due to their strength, neither Titanium or Tungsten Carbide Rings can be resized, but this shouldn’t put you off. Both precious metals are inexpensive, and so replacing them is a viable option, and any rings with sentimental value can be worn on a chain.
Removal in the Event of an Emergency: It is widely believed that titanium and tungsten carbide rings cannot be removed in the event of an emergency. This simply isn’t true. While they cannot be removed in the same was as a classic gold ring, tungsten carbide rings can be removed using vice-grip pliers, and titanium rings can be removed using a jewellers saw.
