Once known as "Wolfram", tungsten was
discovered in Spain in 1783 by Fausto and Jaun Jose de Elhuyar. Its symbol
is "W", atomic number is 74, with the atomic weight being 183.84
(titanium is 47.9).
Tungsten can legitimately claim several "best of" titles: It is
the hardest metal in existence. The heaviest metal as well as the one with
the highest melting temperature. For these reasons, tungsten has found
applications as light bulb filaments,throwing darts, industrial metal
cutting tools and abrasives, helicopter rotor counter balancers, radiation
shields, artillery projectiles and interesting wedding rings just to name
a few.
Tungsten is as heavy as titanium is light. Tungsten is about 50% heavier
than steel, while titanium is 50% lighter than the same piece of steel.
Tungsten is very resistant to corrosion and as a solid piece, very neutral
to the human body. Tungsten and titanium metals are very similar in both
color and aspect.
Imagine wearing a ring that is permanently polished-
NEVER scratching!
Discover the amazing look and durability of tungsten
rings and wedding bands. In an extraordinary process, Tungsten powder is
forged together at 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit to form rings that are
virtually indestructible and scratch proof. Then they are polished with a
diamond compound, resulting in a polish and shine that will last forever.
Tungsten is the perfect combination of unbelievable strength with style
and comfort.
Why Tungsten?
Tungsten is the only rare and exotic metal that can be permantly polished.
The polish and finish can last as long as your committment to each other -
30, 40 or even 50 years!
With gold, platinum and even titanium rings, you will notice varying
degrees of scratching, denting and surface mars. However, with tungsten
rings, the surface will maintain it's original beautiful shiny finish.
Many people also enjoy the heavy weight of a tungsten ring. The enduring
polish of a tungsten ring together with the solid weight, speak of
committment, security and an everlasting bond.
Hard Facts About Tungsten Rings:
* Tungsten Rings are the most wear resistant rings available on the
planet.
* Tungsten is about 10 times harder than 18K Gold, 5 times harder than
tool steel, and 4 times harder than titanium.
* Tungsten measures between 8 and 9 on the Mohs hardness scale. (Diamonds
are a 10 - the highest.)
* Due to their extreme hardness, Tungsten Rings wil hold their shape and
shine longer than any ring on the market.
* Tungsten rings have been referred to as the "Permantly Polished
Rings".
* Tungsten rings will NOT bend.
* In the event of an emergency, a ring can be removed by a medical
professional.
* Each Tungsten ring is individually hand crafted using assorted diamond
abrasives and poly crystalline diamond tooling.
The Manufacturing Process
Tungsten with carbon and other elements are ground into a powder and then
compressed with high pressure dies to form a ring blank.
The blank is then fired in an oxygen free furnace at 2,400 degrees
fahrenheit to form an extraordinary hard ring.
The ring is then cut and shaped using diamond tools with approximately 30
steps required for completion. The cutting and shaping of a tungsten ring
is similar in many ways to the cutting and polishing of a rough diamond.
Tungsten rings inlaid with gold, silver, platinum or mokume gane are
created by grinding a channel in the center of the ring and precisely
"swedging" the metal into the channel under extreme pressure.
The ring is then skillfully polished with diamond polishing tools and
wheels creating a permanent luster and polish not possible with other
metals.
Emergency Removal of Tungsten Rings
Rings made of extremely hard materials, like tungsten or ceramic, can only
be removed by cracking them into pieces with standard vice grip–style
locking pliers. Standard ring cutters will not work.
Place vice grip–style locking pliers over ring and adjust the jaws to
clamp lightly. Release and adjust tightener one-third turn and then clamp
again. Repeat until a crack is heard, and then continue clamping in
different positions until the hard material breaks away. Take care not to
slide or rotate the cracked ring on the finger. If the ring contains an
inlay of gold, the exposed gold can then be cut or clipped in the usual
fashion.