When it comes to jewelry, the most important factor in your choice should be the material that the piece is made of. You need something sturdy, yet still attractive. Tungsten and titanium are two of the most durable options.

There has been much debate over which is the superior metal for jewelry. They are so close in properties that most people don’t understand what the difference between the two could be. Nobody goes in-depth enough about these metals and which might be the best choice for individual consumers.

That won’t last for long. Today, we are going to discuss these differences and what makes one material better than the other depending on what you might need. You will be able to make a more informed choice than you could before; you can even get an idea of what rings of both titanium and tungsten would look like and what they cost on average. Let’s talk about that.

What You Should Know About Tungsten: The Good, The Bad, and In Between

Before we can compare the two metals, you need to know some key facts about each. Their unique properties are just as important as the ones that we can compare and contrast!

• Tungsten by itself is not strong enough to be made into jewelry. Instead, what you get on the market is actually an alloy. This metal is mixed with carbon to make it more durable. The result is tungsten carbide.

• Tungsten carbide is the hardest and most scratch-resistant material that you could find. Gold and silver are easily dented and scuffed. Tungsten stands up to the toughest activities.

• Jewelry made from tungsten is the heaviest. You are going to be aware of its presence on your finger, neck, etc. at all times.

• Tungsten is harder than almost any natural mineral on the planet. It is rated between an 8.5-9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, allowing it to be more durable than nearly anything it can come into contact with.

• Tungsten carbide is incredibly resistant to corrosion and tarnishing. One of the most common things that people are concerned about is how long their jewelry will keep its shine. If you get a tungsten ring, you can rest assured that your piece will stay sparkling for a long time.

• On the other side of things, one drawback of tungsten rings are that they’re hard to resize. Humans fluctuate in weight all the time, and that affects your ring size. Most can be adjusted, but the durability and hardness of tungsten carbide rule out that possibility.

• Tungsten can’t be scratched by other metals, but it can scratch everything else. If you are not careful, anything it comes into contact with can sustain damage.

• Just because a material is hard does not mean that it’s indestructible. Tungsten carbide is actually brittle, meaning that it can shatter if put under too much pressure. It doesn’t bend as other metals do.

What You Should Know About Titanium: The Good, The Bad, and In Between

There are also several pros and cons to having jewelry made of titanium that can make or break your decision to buy some. Let’s talk about that.

• Titanium is hypoallergenic, meaning that wearers should not suffer any allergic reaction. Nickel most often causes these reactions instead.

• This metal is resistant to corrosion and tarnishing when it comes into contact with most elements. Chlorinated water and seawater should not affect the luster and shine as they would with silver, brass, and bronze jewelry.

• Titanium is difficult to resize because of its durability, but it is possible in most cases. There is a strict limit as to how much a ring could be reduced or increased to fit your finger while other metals may allow for more give.

• Titanium is the lightest metal for jewelry that you can find. If you are easily annoyed by weighty necklaces and rings, you’ll like that you can tune out the feeling of titanium against your skin.

• Jewelry made of titanium is generally incredibly resistant to scratching and breaking. Its hardness is much greater than most other metals, so if you need durability, you can still count on it to hold up.

Tungsten vs. Titanium: A Comparison

You may have already been able to piece together some similarities and differences between the two metals. They are more similar than other materials used to make the rings and most other pieces you love, but their differences could sway your purchasing decisions drastically.

• Titanium is the lighter metal of the two. In fact, they are on complete opposite sides of the spectrum!

• Tungsten carbide is more resistant to scratching. If you tend to swing your arms a lot or ding your ring against other surfaces, this is the safer option.

• Those experiencing more dramatic fluctuations in weight should probably consider purchasing rings made of titanium. You can’t resize tungsten, but you can resize the other.

• Both materials can be made up of an alloy, but tungsten carbide is less likely to be mixed with nickel. People with more sensitive skin are better off buying tungsten jewelry.

• Jewelry made of titanium is generally more affordable. Both are accessible to most people, but the average price of a high-quality tungsten men’s ring is about $60 while titanium men’s rings are typically sold for around $30. Remember, prices vary based on the manufacturer you buy from and the extra features you choose.

• Tungsten carbide is harder than titanium. If struck, it isn’t as likely to bend or get dented.

• Titanium is not as brittle as tungsten. It isn’t as likely to shatter under extreme pressure. While it can suffer blunt damage from being struck, it is not as likely to shatter as tungsten carbide jewelry is.

• In emergencies, both can be removed easily. Don’t listen to the myths that claim rings made of either material will be stuck forever in the case of emergencies. The only difference is the way that these rings can be removed.

Tungsten or Titanium: Which is Superior?

The truth is that neither metal is superior to the other when it comes to jewelry and their properties. While the situation or lifestyle of a person can dictate that one metal is better for their individual needs, they are too similar on the whole to be compared to each other in that way. You are the one that decides which is right for you.

Tungsten and Titanium Rings for Sale

Now that your burning questions have been answered, you may be looking for a ring of one type or the other. You’ve come to the right place! Think Engraved has beautiful examples of both that are sure to help in your search for the perfect piece.

Tungsten Rings

• A black tungsten ring with beveled edges is great for the simpler man who wants to elevate his look without being too flashy. It is elegant, but understated and masculine. For more pricing information, click on this link.

• A ring inlaid with wood and deer antlers adds a balanced contrast in color to a ring and provides that masculine charm you’ll love. The ring is still just as durable as it would be without this inlay; the only difference is that people are more likely to notice and admire it! For more pricing information, click on this link.

• So many rings are dark, and that is usually the case with tungsten carbide. There are options for those who want something a little lighter, though! This rose gold tungsten ring with deer antler inlay is perfectly balanced and bright. For more pricing information, click on this link.

Titanium Rings

• Some men prefer gold to grey. Titanium rings don’t have to be one color; this titanium band with gold IP proves that. It’s rugged, yet fashionable. For more pricing information, click on this link.

• Most men’s rings seem to have a stacked effect that makes them thick and bulky. If you are the type of person who prefers less bulk and a simple design, a titanium ring brushed with silver could be the right choice for you. The inner band is rose gold, giving it a romantic touch where only you can see. For more pricing information, click on this link.

• Minimalism is all the rage in this modern era. You can get a titanium ring that follows the trend while still giving you something that isn’t boring. A black and gold band adds a striking contrast while keeping you in style. For more pricing information, click on this link.

Navigating the world of jewelry can be confusing. You get a choice of so many materials and special add ons that you can get lost. Before you buy, do your research. Before, you may not have known that there were any differences between titanium and tungsten at all. Knowing the facts and how one compares to the other allows you to make a much more informed choice without wasting your money.

Your satisfaction is of the utmost importance. No matter which material you prefer, remember that it all depends on your unique situation!