Different Styles of Tungsten Carbide Rings

Tungsten carbide rings are relative newcomers to the fine jewelry market. For many years it was believed that tungsten would never be proper material for jewelry due to its extreme hardness. However, changes in the manufacturing process led to successful production of tungsten jewelry and now it is one of the most popular choices for men's rings, bracelets and watches. At first the selection of rings was limited to finely polished plain bands in the selection of natural colors of the metal (white to steel gray). Though beautiful in their own right, not all customers wanted simple, plain bands. Luckily, the selection of rings has vastly improved with new decorative features that make tungsten rings more desirable than ever.

One very dramatic decorative effect that jewelers are employing for tungsten carbide rings is inlay. By cutting a channel into the ring, the jeweler makes space for a 'rope' of another type of metal. Gold, silver and platinum all look amazing next to tungsten. The second metal is 'swedged' into the prepared channel using high pressure. The entire ring is then polished using diamond wheels and polishing tools. The result is a striking two-tone ring that will draw comments and compliments for years to come.

Other things Jewelers can do for decoration of tungsten carbide rings include faceting, grooving, beveling, dome shaping, set-in stones and engraving. Each of these techniques significantly increases the production time and generally, the more intricate the decorative touches, the more the ring will cost. There are even rings available that combine two or more of the decorative options. For example a ring with a gold inlay may also have beveled edges, or an engraved ring may have grooved borders. The style options are increasing all the time, as jewelers discover more and more ways to work with this remarkable metal.

One thing is certain, no matter which style you choose, tungsten carbide rings are the most durable rings available today. The unique hardness of the metal makes them virtually scratch-proof, and they will maintain their high-sheen polish for a lifetime. Maintenance involves nothing more complicated than the occasional wash with mild soap and water and drying with a clean, non-abrasive cloth. Although tungsten is a relative newcomer in the fine jewelry world, it has not taken long for it to gain great popularity. The unique depth of color and shine, the quality and durability and the larger range of style choices have all contributed to tungsten's popularity.