How Long Will Your Tungsten Wedding Band Last?

Let’s cut to the chase—a wedding ring should last a lifetime. Period. But here’s the thing: not all of them do. Too many rings out there don’t hold up to the daily grind, and that’s exactly what we’re here to solve. Because when you’re choosing something that represents a lifelong commitment, the last thing you want is for it to fall apart.

Men's Tungsten wedding bands are blowing up in popularity for good reason. They’ve got that timeless, understated look and a reputation for being almost indestructible. In fact, more and more men are choosing tungsten because it’s scratch-resistant, durable, and stays looking polished without constant upkeep.

But if you’re reading this, you probably want to know exactly how long your tungsten ring is expected to last? What makes a good Tungsten ring vs what makes a bad one? And what (if anything) you need to do to keep yours looking new? Whether you already own one or are considering grabbing your first, you’re in the right place.

The Problem with Most Men's Wedding Bands

First off, good call on choosing tungsten for your wedding band. But here’s where a lot of guys get caught out—not all tungsten rings are created equal.

Many brands, especially newer ones and even some bigger names, cut corners by selling rings that aren’t made of pure tungsten. Instead, they mix in other metals or design their rings with unusual inlays, like wood, carbon fiber and even dinosaur bone. Yeah, you read that right. These might sound cool at first, but they’re not fit for purpose. Over time, coatings fade, inlays crack, and what seemed like a solid choice starts looking worn out.

At CRAFTD, we don’t deal in gimmicks. No weak coatings, no fragile inlays—just pure tungsten bands built to withstand whatever life throws at you.

Does Tungsten Fade or Tarnish?

The short answer is no—not if you stick to the real deal.

If you’ve ever seen tungsten rings that look dull or faded, it’s not the tungsten itself—it’s the coating. Pure tungsten has that signature gunmetal colour that won’t fade or tarnish, no matter how much you wear it.

But when you see tungsten rings in black, gold, or silver, that’s where things get a little bit trickier. These rings use tungsten as a base, and then use a real layer of gold or silver over the top. If done right, this is a great option. But if the coating is too thin or poorly applied, it will almost certainly wear down over time.

Here’s what to look out for:

• Coating Thickness: If you’re going for a plated tungsten ring, make sure it has a thick, high quality coating (we’re talking at least 2.5 micron layers of pure gold or silver, not flimsy sprays of colour).
  
  
• Protective Coating: Any ring with plating should have an extra layer of protection, like rhodium or a high quality PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating. This protects the metal and keeps the finish looking fresh for life.

At CRAFTD, our tungsten rings are triple coated in pure gold and silver for maximum durability, shine and luster. Plus, we protect that thick coating by combining BOTH rhodium and PVD finishes. This results in a wedding band that has the traditional look you want and the modern durability that you need. 

Does Tungsten Last Longer than Other Wedding Bands? 

Compared to traditional precious metals like gold, platinum, and even palladium, tungsten is a different beast entirely. Here’s just a few reasons why:

• Scratch Resistance: Tungsten carbide is one of the hardest materials on earth, ranking 9 to 9.5 on the Mohs hardness scale (just shy of diamond). Gold and platinum don’t even come close to that. And, while softer metals will pick up scratches and dents pretty quickly, tungsten will stay smooth and polished for decades.
  
  
• Fade Resistance: Tungsten doesn’t tarnish, corrode, fade, or react with moisture, meaning it stays looking sharp whether you’re swimming, working out, or just living your life.
  
  
• Longevity: Precious metals need regular maintenance to keep them looking fresh, whereas Tungsten requires barely any upkeep at all. If you're looking for a wedding band that’s ready for a lifetime of wear without constant polishing or care, tungsten is the way to go.

How to Look After a Tungsten Wedding Band?

One of the best things about tungsten rings is they need almost zero maintenance. That being said, all nice things need a little TLC. 

Here’s a few quick tips:

• Take it Off: Tungsten is tough, but no ring is invincible. If you’re lifting weights, working with heavy tools, or in a job where your hands take a beating, consider taking it off. If you do prefer to keep it on, a men’s silicone band can protect it from unnecessary impact. And, for guys who need to remove their ring a lot, such as athletes, doctors, or mechanics, the CRAFTD Pendant Necklace is a solid option. It lets you keep your ring safe, close and protected without leaving it behind.
  
  
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Tungsten is resistant to almost everything, but household cleaners, bleach, and other harsh chemicals can still do damage. If you’re handling anything corrosive, it’s best to take your ring off first. But when you do, put it somewhere safe as we mentioned earlier. Nearly 50% of men lose their wedding rings just by misplacing them.
  
  
• Give It a Quick Clean Now and Then: A little rinse under warm water and a quick scrub will keep your ring looking fresh. This isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about keeping your finger clean and free of any trapped bacteria.

Why Choose a CRAFTD Tungsten Ring?

A wedding band should be as solid and reliable as the commitment it represents. With CRAFTD tungsten rings, that’s exactly what you get. Here's the ones you'll want: