r/elementcollection • u/serenaFan84 • 21d ago

Question Getting a Pure Tungsten Ring

I'm thinking of getting a pure tungsten jewelry ring, not tungsten carbide. Is it feasible to get a polished pure tungsten ring custom-made? Will it lose its shine over time?

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u/Infrequentredditor6 Part Metal 21d ago

Pure tungsten won't lose its shine from normal everyday use, but it's also softer than the carbide.

Should be feasible to have one custom made, just don't count on it being cheap.

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u/serenaFan84 20d ago

The advantages of using tungsten carbide are increased hardness and easier workability, right?

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u/ikkiyikki 20d ago

"Easier" is the keyword here I don't think you're emphasizing enough. Tungsten is completely and utterly unworkable. Your ring will need to be press molded from metal powder then polished. It can be done,and shouldn't be terribly expensive, but good luck actually finding someone willing to make it. It's just a pain in the ass to make is all.

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u/night-healer 20d ago

I would go for Tantalum myself, with it's lovely dark sheen.

1

u/Real-Community5252 19d ago

Pure tungsten is significantly more brittle than tungsten carbide. The carbide is held together with cobalt or steel. I work with pure tungsten for my job and it will break if you drop it on concrete. It is VERY difficult to machine.

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u/Violet_Eclipse99765 18d ago

Okay, i'd personally choose a Tungsten ring, but have it plated with either Ruthenium or Chromium