Side by side: Tungsten carbide vs gold wedding bands
Choosing a wedding ring is one of the most important decisions you'll make—it's a symbol you'll wear every single day for the rest of your life. But with so many metal options available, how do you decide between tradition and innovation?
The two most common questions we hear at Foundoria: "Should I get tungsten or gold?" and "Which one actually lasts longer?"
If you're torn between the time-honored elegance of gold wedding bands and the modern durability of tungsten carbide rings, you're in the right place.
This comprehensive comparison covers everything: durability, scratch resistance, weight, maintenance, cost, and long-term value. By the end, you'll know exactly which metal suits your lifestyle, budget, and commitment.
Quick Comparison: Tungsten vs Gold at a Glance
| Factor | Tungsten Carbide | Gold (14K-18K) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 8.5-9.5 (Mohs) | 2.5-3 (Mohs) | TUNGSTEN |
| Scratch Resistance | Excellent | Poor | TUNGSTEN |
| Weight | Heavy, substantial | Light to moderate | Preference |
| Maintenance | Minimal (soap & water) | High (frequent polishing) | TUNGSTEN |
| Longevity | 20-30+ years pristine | 10-15 years visible wear | TUNGSTEN |
| Can Be Resized? | No | Yes | GOLD |
| Tarnish/Fade | Never | Can tarnish | TUNGSTEN |
| Price Range | £80-250 | £800-3,000+ | TUNGSTEN |
| Traditional Appeal | Modern | Classic | GOLD |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes (nickel-free) | Depends on alloy | TUNGSTEN |
Round 1: Durability & Scratch Resistance
Here's where tungsten's superpower becomes immediately clear: hardness translates directly to longevity.
- 8.5-9.5 Mohs hardness
- 4x harder than titanium
- 10x harder than gold
- Resists everyday scratches
- Maintains mirror polish
- Looks new for decades
- 2.5-3 Mohs hardness
- Soft, precious metal
- Scratches from daily contact
- Shows wear within months
- Requires frequent polishing
- Can bend/warp over time
Tungsten carbide's exceptional hardness means your TUNGRA black tungsten ring will look the same in 10 years as it does on day one—no visible scratches, no loss of polish, no degradation.
Gold, while beautiful and traditional, is a soft metal that scratches easily from typing, opening doors, household tasks, and daily wear. Most gold wedding bands require professional polishing every 6-12 months to restore their appearance.
Round 2: Price & Long-Term Value
The price difference is stark: you could buy 10-15 tungsten rings for the price of one gold band. And that's before considering maintenance costs.
Maintenance Cost Breakdown
Gold Ring Annual Costs:
- Professional polishing 2x/year: £60-100
- Rhodium replating for white gold (every 1-2 years): £50-100
- Repairs for warping or damage: £30-100+
- Total: £60-150+ per year
Tungsten Ring Annual Costs:
- Mild soap and water: £0
- Professional servicing: £0
- Total: £0 per year
Round 3: Best for Your Lifestyle
Your choice between tungsten and gold often comes down to how you live your daily life.
- Construction workers
- Mechanics & engineers
- Gym enthusiasts
- Outdoor adventurers
- First responders
- Anyone who works with hands
- Traditional office environments
- Finance, law, medical fields
- Heritage & tradition valued
- Pairing with gold jewelry
- Lower-impact daily wear
- Classic aesthetic preference
For active lifestyles, tungsten is the clear winner. Our CERVUS collection withstands the abuse of daily manual work without showing wear. Scratches from tools, equipment, weights, and rough surfaces won't affect its appearance.
Bonus: We include a complimentary ENDURA silicone band with every tungsten purchase—perfect for gym, extreme sports, or situations where you want to keep your tungsten ring safe.
The Deciding Factors: Which Should YOU Choose?
💎 Choose Tungsten If:
- You want maximum durability and scratch resistance
- You prefer low-maintenance jewelry
- You have an active lifestyle or work with your hands
- You value modern, contemporary aesthetics
- You want exceptional value (10-15x cheaper than gold)
- You like substantial weight on your finger
- You have sensitive skin or nickel allergies
- You want unique designs with natural inlays
- You're confident in your ring size
- You appreciate modern symbolism over traditional
🥇 Choose Gold If:
- You value traditional symbolism and heritage
- You need resizing flexibility
- You prefer lightweight rings
- You want classic, timeless aesthetic
- You plan to pair with other gold jewelry
- You work in traditional professional environments
- Budget isn't a primary concern
- You don't mind regular maintenance
- You want intrinsic metal value
- Your family expects traditional gold bands
Recommended Tungsten Rings from Foundoria
The Final Verdict: Tungsten vs Gold
For Most Modern Men: Tungsten Wins
If you value durability over tradition, practicality over prestige, low-maintenance over classic symbolism, and value over intrinsic metal content—tungsten is the clear winner.
It will look better, longer, for a fraction of the cost, with essentially zero maintenance. For active lifestyles, modern aesthetics, and practical daily wear, tungsten carbide outperforms gold in nearly every category.
Ultimately, your wedding ring should reflect your values, your lifestyle, and your commitment—not trends or external expectations.
At Foundoria, we believe modern commitment deserves modern materials. That's why we've dedicated ourselves to creating tungsten rings that don't compromise on quality, craftsmanship, or character.
Whether you choose tungsten or gold, choose intentionally.
Where to Buy Foundoria Tungsten Rings
🛒 Shop Direct at Foundoria.co.uk
Exclusive Benefits:
- Full collection including limited editions
- Complimentary ENDURA silicone ring (£25 value)
- Premium eco-luxury packaging
- Lifetime warranty included
- Free UK express delivery
- Free worldwide shipping over £100
- Free ring sizer available
- 30-day return/exchange policy
📦 Also Available on Amazon
For Amazon Prime members:
Shop Foundoria UK → | Shop Foundoria US →
Our full collection and exclusive designs are only available at Foundoria.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tungsten stronger than gold?
Yes, tungsten carbide is approximately 10x harder than gold on the Mohs scale. It's far more scratch-resistant and maintains its appearance longer.
Why is tungsten so much cheaper than gold?
Gold is a precious metal with intrinsic commodity value and limited supply. Tungsten carbide is engineered and more abundant. The price reflects material rarity, not quality or durability.
Will a tungsten ring break if I drop it?
Under extreme impact (dropping from height onto hard surfaces like tile or concrete), tungsten can crack. However, this is uncommon in normal daily wear. Gold would dent or warp instead.
Can gold rings scratch tungsten rings?
No. Tungsten is much harder than gold. Gold would scratch if they rubbed together, but tungsten would remain unaffected.
Do tungsten rings turn your finger green?
No. High-quality tungsten carbide (like all Foundoria rings) won't discolor your skin. Some cheaper gold alloys with high copper content can cause green discoloration.
Which feels more like a "real" wedding ring?
This is subjective. Gold feels traditional and lightweight. Tungsten feels modern and substantial. Both are "real" wedding rings—it depends on your personal definition.
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