Tungsten rings have seen a mighty rise in popularity over the last decade—and for good reason. This brilliant material is one of the hardest metals in existence, bringing with it some pretty unique characteristics. But even the toughest rings still need some care from time to time. So in this blog, we’re going to teach you how to care for your tungsten jewellery while we also share some extra knowledge on this special ring material. 

What Makes Tungsten Jewellery Unique?

Imagine a metal that is almost as hard as diamond, creates its own oxide layer to protect itself against the elements, can be made to look exactly like gold, and costs about one-tenth of the price. You’d think that’s pretty impressive right? That’s tungsten. 

Hardness

With a Mohs hardness rating of between 8 and 9, that’s only just behind diamond (10 on the scale), and way ahead of gold (2.5-3), titanium (6), and platinum (3.5-4.5). This makes it an easy choice for those who work with their hands or in rugged environments.

Oxide Protective Layer

As we mentioned, tungsten creates an oxide layer around itself when exposed to oxygen. This creates an imperceptible barrier between it and the rest of the elements, which is also a large part of the reason tungsten is so durable. 

Range of Finishes

In its natural form, tungsten (or tungsten carbide as is used in tungsten jewellery making) has a steel grey/metallic silver look to it. But the beauty of this material is all of the different finishes that can be created with it. 

Using a process called physical vapour deposition (PVD), we can add gold, silver, black, and a range of other finishes to tungsten rings. This can be done in matte or polished finishes to resemble the perfect gold ring without any of the concern about scratching it during everyday wear. 

Cleaning Your Tungsten Jewellery

With all of that said, tungsten still requires the occasional cleaning—despite its best-in-class toughness. Here’s how it’s done:

Daily Cleaning Routine

For everyday (we don’t necessarily mean every day) cleaning, the process is simple and quick. All you need is warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth. Gently rub the jewellery with a soapy cloth to remove any dirt, oil, or residue that can build up from daily wear. Once cleaned, rinse the piece thoroughly under warm water to remove any leftover soap, and pat it dry with a lint-free cloth.

Deep Cleaning

Over time, tungsten jewellery can accumulate grime, oils, or stubborn dirt that a quick daily clean might not remove. For a deeper clean, start by soaking your tungsten piece in a bowl of warm water mixed with a few drops of mild soap. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes—this helps loosen any built-up dirt or residue.

Once soaked, use a soft cloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the jewellery, focusing on crevices or intricate designs where grime tends to accumulate. Be sure to use light pressure to avoid damaging the finish, especially if your ring has a brushed or matte texture.

After cleaning, rinse the jewellery thoroughly under warm water to remove any soap residue. Dry it with a lint-free cloth, ensuring there’s no moisture left behind—this helps maintain its polished look and prevents water spots.

Polishing Tips

Polishing tungsten jewellery is all about maintaining that lovely shine without doing anything to damage or alter the finish. For polished tungsten rings, use a non-abrasive jewellery polishing cloth designed for hard metals. Gently buff the surface with light, circular motions to restore the original luster. 

If your tungsten jewellery has a brushed or matte finish, skip the polishing cloth altogether. These finishes are designed to have a textured, non-reflective appearance, and over-polishing can ruin that aesthetic by smoothing out the texture. Instead, stick to regular cleaning with soap, water, and a soft cloth to keep it looking fresh.

For rings with coloured or plated coatings (such as gold, silver, or black tungsten), avoid using chemical cleaners, as they can wear down the coating faster. We’d suggest opting for gentle cleaning methods and periodic light polishing with a soft, dry cloth.

What to Avoid When Wearing Tungsten Jewellery

Cleaning your tungsten rings is a rock-solid method of keeping them in good shape. But knowing what to avoid around your tungsten jewellery is arguably just as important. 

Harsh Chemicals

For starters, you’ll want to keep your ring away from harsh chemicals if you can avoid it. Tungsten itself is very resistant to corrosion, but the same can’t always be said for any decorative coatings that have been added to the ring. 

Chlorinated Pools and Hot Tubs

Waterproof and chlorine proof are not the same thing. And over time, the chlorine in pools and hot tubs can damage your ring and its finish. If you’re going for a dip in the tub, give the ring a miss. 

Saltwater

Tungsten handles water super well, better than most materials actually. But saltwater is a different beast. It’s certainly not a cardinal sin to submerge your tungsten ring in saltwater, but we’d definitely recommend giving it a good rinse afterwards—with regular water of course!

Heavy Impacts

Avoiding heavy impacts on your fingers is just solid life advice in general. But in case you ever feel the urge to prove how strong your tungsten ring is by hitting it with a hammer… don’t. Despite its hardness, tungsten can be brittle when heavily impacted, causing it to crack.

FAQ's

Is tungsten hypoallergenic?

Along with all of the other great qualities about tungsten, it’s also hypoallergenic! This is especially good news for those who love the gold look but can’t wear gold on their skin. 

Can tungsten rings be resized?

Resizing a tungsten ring is incredibly difficult. In most cases, it’s easier to send out a new ring than it is to resize it. Check out our lifetime guarantee for more info on this.

Will tungsten rings break if dropped?

Tungsten is highly durable and scratch-resistant but can be brittle. It’s very unlikely that the ring would break from a minor drop—but a hard enough impact could potentially cause cracking or chipping.