Cobalt Chrome Rings compared to Tungsten Rings
August 30, 2011
How do Cobalt Chrome rings compare to Tungsten rings?
Cobalt rings, or Cobalt Chrome rings as known by many jewelers, are becoming very popular choices for men’s wedding bands now, especially for guys who like the contemporary metals. The past few years Tungsten rings and Titanium rings were probably the most popular choice for contemporary metals wedding bands. But now with another option (Cobalt rings) many shoppers are wondering how Cobalt rings compare to Tungsten rings.
Color
Cobalt Chrome rings are very white – as white, or some folks claim, even a brighter white color than platinum rings. The bright white color is not a plating that will wear off, and a cobalt ring will not tarnish. Therefore, the bright white color is permanent.
Tungsten rings are a darker color than cobalt rings. Kind of a steel color, a bit darkish gray.
Scratch Resistance
Cobalt Chrome rings are scratch resistant, but they will scratch. A Tungsten ring will most likely never show a scratch on it as very few things can scratch the surface of tungsten carbide. Although a cobalt ring will scratch, it is harder and more scratch resistant than titanium. In fact it is 4 X harder than Platinum, 5 X harder than Gold and a whopping 7 X harder than silver!
Weight
Tungsten rings are very heavy. Some guys really like the weightiness of tungsten, but most women find the weight makes a tungsten ring uncomfortable to wear. Cobalt rings are much lighter and therefore, in most cases, more comfortable to wear than a Tungsten ring.
Durability
Although incredibly hard, Tungsten rings can chip or even possibly shatter when dropped upon a hard surface such as a sidewalk. Although hundreds of thousands of folks have worn their Tungsten ring for years with no problems at all, chipping is still a possibility.
In closing, you have to personally weigh the pros and cons of each material to decide which is the best wedding band for you and your lifestyle. Have fun shopping!