Tungsten or stainless steel: which band is right?
4 min read · True Vow Rings
Tungsten and stainless steel are the two most popular modern ring metals. Both cost far less than gold. Here is how they differ.
Hardness and scratches
Tungsten carbide scores about 9 on the Mohs scale, stainless steel about 5.5 to 6. Tungsten keeps a polished finish for longer. Steel picks up fine marks sooner, which can soften into a lived-in look.
Weight and feel
Tungsten feels heavy and solid. Stainless steel feels light. Men who like a ring they can feel often pick tungsten. First-time ring wearers often prefer steel.
Colours and widths
Our tungsten bands come in polished and brushed finishes: the Polished Dome Tungsten Band in 2, 3 and 8 mm and the Brushed Tungsten Band. Our steel 3 mm Stacking Band comes in silver tone, gold tone, rose gold tone, black and blue.
Resizing
Neither metal is easy to resize, and tungsten cannot be resized at all. Measure first with our ring size guide.
The quick verdict
Want weight and lasting shine? Choose tungsten from our men's tungsten wedding bands. Want something light, slim or colourful? Choose steel from women's wedding bands.
Shop the rings in this guide
Questions and answers
Which is more scratch resistant, tungsten or steel?
Tungsten carbide is much harder than stainless steel, so it resists everyday scratches better.
Which is lighter?
Stainless steel is much lighter than tungsten.
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