Tungsten vs Stainless Steel: What You Need to Know
Are you in the market for highly durable jewelry? Did you know that tungsten carbide and stainless steel offer high hardness, scratch resistance, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance, to name a few? And now, you can buy everyday wear jewelry made of these durable metals.
Tungsten and stainless steel are gaining popularity, especially among men looking for wedding bands made from a harder material than gold or sterling silver. These materials offer a range of benefits—but they’re not perfect.
Here’s what you need to know about both and, if you’re deciding between the two, how you can choose when weighing tungsten vs. stainless steel.
What You Will Learn
What to Know About Stainless Steel Rings
Before comparing and contrasting stainless steel vs. tungsten, let’s quickly review each material.
While stainless steel has a steep history of usage in medical equipment or household appliances, stainless steel jewelry is a relatively new trend. However, not every stainless steel ring is made from high-quality medical tool steel (for that, you’ll need to look for medical-grade stainless steel specifically). More generally, stainless steel rings come from a variety of stainless steel alloys, with at least 10.5% chromium, but then a blend of other metals, including:
- Manganese
- Nickel
- Niobium
- Titanium
- Molybdenum
Medium-weight stainless steel is neither super heavy on the hand nor exceptionally lightweight. It offers a dark gray shine and a lower price point than what you might find with other metals.
Stainless Steel Pros
So, what makes a stainless steel ring so desirable? These are the factors that attract potential buyers.
- Stainless steel rings are relatively affordable.
- Stainless steel is durable enough for everyday wear.
- Stainless steel is rust and corrosion-resistant.
- Stainless steel requires little maintenance and is easy to clean.
Stainless Steel Cons
As mentioned, though, stainless steel isn’t perfect. These are the potential downsides.
- Stainless steel rings with high nickel content could cause an allergic reaction.
Stainless steel rings can be difficult to resize, requiring special tools and jeweler expertise.
What to Know About Tungsten Carbide Rings
Do note that there is a difference between tungsten steel and tungsten carbide. However, when discussing tungsten rings, the two terms are used interchangeably (kind of like how “silver” and “sterling silver” are often used interchangeably, but sterling silver is a preference for rings over actual, 100% silver).
Tungsten steel is a rigid metal with a high heat resistance that can withstand high temperatures used in industrial settings. Tungsten carbide particles, meanwhile, are technically an alloy, mixing tungsten with carbon and additional metals such as:
- Titanium
- Nickel
- Tantalum
- Chromium
- Niobium
Tungsten carbide is overall more durable than tungsten steel. Tungsten carbide jewelry typically has a silver-grey hue, sometimes called gunmetal grey. However, tungsten carbide can undergo treatment to appear darker or lighter in color.
Tungsten Carbide Pros
Beyond the apparent durability, what other benefits do tungsten wedding bands and other tungsten jewelry offer?
- Tungsten is a relatively heavy metal, so that tungsten rings will be heavier than stainless steel rings. Some appreciate this fact and believe it gives tungsten rings a higher quality, more luxurious feel.
- Tungsten is highly scratch-resistant.
- Tungsten is easy to care for, and maintenance is minimal.
Tungsten Carbide Cons
In contrast, the downsides of tungsten include:
- Tungsten carbide sometimes contains nickel, which can cause allergic reactions in some wearers.
- As mentioned, tungsten carbide rings are heavier than rings made from other metals; you may not like this if you want a lightweight, barely-there ring.
- Tungsten carbide rings are comparatively expensive, and you can expect to pay several hundred dollars for a plain tungsten wedding band.
Tungsten carbide rings are so hard that they can be difficult to resize or remove in an emergency if the ring is stuck on a swollen finger.
Tungsten vs Stainless Steel Rings: The Verdict
So, who wins in the battle of stainless steel vs. tungsten rings?
Both materials are very durable and can withstand a fair amount of wear and tear. They require little maintenance and upkeep and are suitable for active lifestyles. Despite the many similarities, some differentiators exist in the feud of tungsten vs. steel. Here’s how to know if a tungsten vs. stainless steel ring suits you.
Choose a Tungsten Ring If:
Choose a tungsten ring if you want a very durable one and don’t mind paying more. You get what you pay for with tungsten, as it is slightly more scratch-resistant than stainless steel. Additionally, opt for tungsten if you want a ring with a heavier feel due to the metal’s natural density.
Choose a Stainless Steel Ring If:
Choose a stainless steel ring if you want durability and corrosion resistance but want a somewhat cheaper option. Additionally, go with stainless steel if you want a lightweight, can-barely-feel-it piece of jewelry.
Other Alternatives
When choosing a scratch-resistant ring with extreme hardness, you’re not limited to just tungsten vs stainless steel jewelry. Other options include:
Titanium Rings
Titanium rings are a popular alternative to tungsten and stainless steel rings. One of the hardest metals for ring-making, titanium is durable and priced somewhere between tungsten and stainless steel. It is also more lightweight than both stainless steel and tungsten. However, you may find that a titanium ring scratches more easily than a stainless steel or tungsten ring.
Silicone Rings
Silicone rings are growing in popularity due to their flexibility. You can’t scratch, crack, or break a silicone ring very easily; silicon rings are exceptionally lightweight and comfortable. You can wear them in the most adverse conditions, expose them to all sorts of substances without fear, and otherwise not think about jewelry maintenance.
(Some wearers buy a silicone wedding band as a secondary ring when engaging in activities they wouldn’t want to expose their traditional wedding band to, such as rock climbing or hiking.)
Tungsten Steel vs Stainless Steel FAQs
What is tungsten’s density?
The average density of tungsten is approximately 19.3 grams per cubic centimeter, which places it near gold and uranium.
What are the strongest metals?
The strongest metals include tungsten, steel, chromium, titanium, and iron.
Can tungsten rust?
No, tungsten cannot rust unless exposed to ultra-high levels of heat that would kill the wearer.
Do you need to maintain tungsten and stainless steel rings?
While neither of these rings requires extensive maintenance or cleaning, it’s still wise to take all jewelry to a jeweler for professional cleaning and inspection about once per year.
Can you shower with tungsten and stainless steel rings?
Yes, you can safely shower with rings made from both of these metals.
Even the Most Durable Jewelry Needs Extra Protection
Choosing between a stainless steel vs. tungsten ring is a very personal decision. Both harness exceptional durability for any ring wearer, but you should protect it with comprehensive jewelry insurance.
Even if you’re not worried about scratches, dings, and other damage, specialized jewelry insurance can keep you covered in the event of jewelry theft, loss, or mysterious disappearance. Learn more about BriteCo’s policies and get your quick and easy quote now.
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