When you invest in a ring, you want to be sure that it can stand up to the strain of your everyday activities. The last thing you want is to scratch the band; it’s unsightly and can decrease the overall longevity of your jewelry.
Fortunately, there are many options on the market made of scratch-resistant metals. These metals offer varying degrees of protection, so it is important to know which is the most durable when it comes to scratches.
Most Scratch Resistant Metal: The Winner
The most scratch-resistant metal for rings is tungsten. While it may break under pressure, it is still more durable overall than any other ring metal that you can buy. You can wear tungsten rings to work, out on the town, at home – you don’t need to take it off unless your job requires you to use a lot of force with your hands.
Today, we are going to compare five ring metals – gold, silver, stainless steel, titanium, and tungsten – to help you make the best decision in the ring buying process.
Gold: Scratch Resistance, Pros and Cons
Gold rings are often chosen because gold has been a status symbol throughout history. This jewelry can be made in several colors, and gold ring bands are undeniably elegant. However, physical appearance is not the only thing to consider when buying a ring.
Gold is very soft. On the Mohs Scale of Hardness, it rates the same as a fingernail, a 2.5 out of 10. It is not very scratch resistant, and it is also prone to warping if put under pressure.
This metal is the least scratch resistant on the list. If you do plan to buy a gold ring and want to avoid scratching the band as much as possible, only wear it when you will not be doing any manual labor or touching anything with hard edges.
- Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy to work with; ring bands can come in many shapes and can easily be resized
- Color and style variety; most common are yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold
Cons
- Easy to scratch; as soft as a fingernail, making it more prone to scratching than any other metal
- Prone to warping/denting; because the metal is so soft, it can easily be bent or dented
- Expensive; gold has a high price tag attached to it, including gold jewelry
Silver: Scratch Resistance, Pros and Cons
Next on the scratch-resistance list is silver. Silver ring bands have been wildly popular for a long time due to their shine and relative affordability. Silver rings are the least expensive precious metal. Affordability is a vital factor while on a tight budget, but you are better off investing in a ring made with more durable materials.
On the Mohs Scale of Hardness, silver rates only slightly higher than gold at a 3 out of 10. It is prone to scratching and warping as well.
Silver rings are beautiful, but they should be reserved for date nights and relaxing to minimize the risk of scratching and denting.
- Pros and Cons
Pros
- More affordable than gold; silver is still a precious metal but is less valuable than gold
- Elegant and shiny; silver goes with any outfit and sparkles when taken care of
- Can be cleaned at home; you are not required to take it to a jeweler for cleaning and polishing, though you still have that option
Cons
- Easy to scratch, warp, and dent; silver is only slightly harder than gold
- Tarnishes and requires more care; you must clean it regularly, avoid certain activities, and store it away from sunlight, heat, moisture, and open air
Stainless Steel: Scratch Resistance, Pros and Cons
Some people may be surprised to find that stainless steel can be used to make jewelry and not just cookware or appliances. In recent years, stainless steel rings have increased substantially in popularity due to their combined durability and beauty.
Stainless steel rates at a 5 out of 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, making it much tougher to scratch, dent, or warp than silver and gold. While it isn’t recommended that you wear your ring to work manual labor jobs without some protection, you can feel comfortable leaving it on your finger for most everyday activities.
- Pros and Cons
Pros
- Durable and fairly scratch-resistant; rating on MSOH is considerably higher than aforementioned metals
- Low maintenance; does not need to be cleaned or polished often
- Easy to clean; doesn’t require all of the rigorous steps followed when cleaning silver rings
- Lightweight and comfortable; stainless steel is lightweight and you may not even notice it on your finger
- Affordable; much less expensive than platinum or gold on average
Cons
- Limited options for styles and colors; stainless steel can’t be worked into very many colors and styles
- Little in-store availability; most stainless steel rings are sold online
- Difficult to resize; the metal is so hard that resizing may ruin the ring
Titanium: Scratch Resistance, Pros and Cons
Platinum is elegant and shiny, but it comes with a high price tag. If you are looking for a more affordable alternative to this metal, titanium is a great dupe. Titanium rings are actually more durable than platinum rings as well.
On the Mohs Scale of Hardness, platinum rates a 4 out of 10 while titanium rates at a solid 6. What it lacks in the whiteness of platinum, it makes up for in durability and specifically scratch-resistance. Wearing a titanium ring to work is no problem in most cases and is fine to wear out and at home as well.
- Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very durable and scratch-resistant; rates a 6 out of 10 on the MSOH, putting it far above the aforementioned metals
- Shiny and white like platinum, but more affordable; you don’t have to sacrifice style even if you are on a tight budget
- High precious metal content; titanium is valuable and hypoallergenic so you won’t have to worry about allergic reactions to nickel in most cases
Cons
- Harder to work with (cast) than other metals; titanium is a very hard metal and will, in turn, be more difficult to cast and shape
- Very difficult to resize if needed; again due to hardness, titanium rings are difficult to resize if needed
- Not as white as platinum; those who prefer the very bright white color of platinum may be disappointed with titanium rings
Tungsten: Scratch Resistance, Pros and Cons
The one metal that stands head and shoulder above the rest on this list is tungsten. It combines the best properties of other rings in physical appearance while being more durable than any of the former options.
On the Mohs Scale of Hardness, tungsten rates a 9 out of 10. The only thing harder than this metal is a diamond.
Tungsten rings come in several colors and styles; you have a ton of variety on the market, and the best part is that this metal is very affordable. You get style, comfort, and scratch-resistance without emptying your wallet.
- Pros and Cons
Pros
- Most scratch-resistant and durable of all ring metals; rates a 9 out of 10 on the MSOH right underneath diamonds
- More options in color and style than rings made of other metals; comes in a wide array of colors including black
- Very affordable; far less expensive than gold or platinum on average
- Hypoallergenic; will not irritate your skin as nickel does
- Easy to remove in emergency situations; no sawing or cutting required to free your finger
Cons
- Will break under too much pressure; tungsten can be more brittle than other metals and will crack if put under too much pressure
- Not as white or shiny as titanium and platinum; those who prefer very white and shiny rings may not prefer tungsten rings
Most Scratch Resistant Metal: The Winner
The most scratch-resistant metal for rings is tungsten. While it may break under pressure, it is still more durable overall than any other ring metal that you can buy. You can wear tungsten rings to work, out on the town, at home – you don’t need to take it off unless your job requires you to use a lot of force with your hands.
Now you know which metal is the most scratch-resistant for rings, but you may be wondering where to find these rings. Below are some examples to help you start your search for the perfect fit!
- This black tungsten wedding band is durable and masculine; it goes with any outfit for any situation. For pricing information, click on this link.
- For those who prefer simpler and more traditional rings, tungsten with brushed steel is subtle and elegant, perfect for any occasion. The silver color is shiny without being too bright and ostentatious. For pricing information, click on this link.
- Anyone who wants a more unique tungsten ring would be happy with a ring featuring an abalone shell inlay. It’s a conversation starter and a beautiful piece. For pricing information, click on this link.
- For a more modern look, a black tungsten ring with a silver inlay is a perfect choice. The matte color in contrast with the shiny silver is minimalist yet sleek and very on-trend. For pricing information, click on this link.
If you are looking for the most scratch-resistant ring available, one made of tungsten is the best choice for you.
What you want from your ring depends on your situation and preference, but buying something durable is important for the longevity of your jewelry. It never hurts to be safe!
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Is Tungsten or Titanium Better? (What’s the Difference?)
FAQs
What kind of ring metal is most durable? ›
“Tungsten is the most durable metal and is four times stronger than titanium,” says Elliott. “It is the most scratch-resistant option with a low price tag.” This pure element revolutionized the world in 1904 when it was used in lightbulbs to replace carbon-filament lamps and it has revolutionized wedding bands as well.
What is the best metal for rings for sensitive skin? ›- Platinum. This metal is free of nickel and is 95% pure. ...
- Titanium. An affordable alternative to platinum, titanium is perfect for sensitive skin. ...
- Cobalt. ...
- High karat yellow gold. ...
- Sterling silver.
Tungsten is 10 times harder than 18K gold and 4 times harder than titanium. Tungsten is the most durable, as well as the heaviest, metal for jewelry. Tungsten and titanium are the only two metals that are scratch resistant.
Is titanium or tungsten better for a ring? ›Being the more solid and durable material, tungsten has a heavier weight and may feel as such when worn. Titanium, on the other hand, is incredibly lightweight even being so durable. If you have an affinity for lightweight materials and don't want the heavier ring on your finger, stick with titanium.
What rings wont scratch? ›Tungsten. Tungsten is four times harder than titanium and the most scratch-resistant metal you'll find for a wedding band. If you're looking for high scratch-resistance with a comfortable price tag, tungsten is your best bet.
What metal ring Cannot be cut off? ›Because they are so hard, Tungsten rings cannot be cut off by standard jewelry cutters, but they can be removed in case of an emergency.
What material is scratch proof? ›...
Comparison chart.
| Scratch Proof | Scratch Resistant | |
|---|---|---|
| Materials Used | Mineral glass or sapphire glass | Scratch resistant chemical coating |
Scratch-resistant acrylic/polycarbonate is a great alternative to standard materials when you are using it in areas where you want to avoid scratches and need to maintain appearance.
What material Cannot be scratched easily? ›Diamond, for example, is a very hard material. It is extremely difficult to dent or scratch a diamond. In contrast, it is very easy to scratch or dent most plastics. As shown in the diagram below, hardness increases from the very soft plastics to the incredibly hard diamond with most other materials ranging between.
Can you shower with a tungsten ring? ›Can I wear my Tungsten ring in the shower? Unlike sterling silver, your tungsten ring won't scratch or tarnish, so it can stay on in the shower or bath.
Why are titanium rings so cheap? ›
Why Are Titanium Rings So Cheap? Because it's a natural metal that's abundant, and also because it's relatively easy to manufacture compared to other metals, titanium is much cheaper than gold, platinum, and similar precious metals.
Does titanium rings scratch easily? ›Titanium is durable but it is not scratch resistant. Titanium will scratch just like any other metals. The difference is: on titanium (hardest grade Ti-6/6/2) scratches will be very shallow, just barely on the surface and can be easily buffed out. Gold and platinum rings will scratch much deeper.
What metals should I avoid in jewelry? ›- Nickel. It's a commonly used metal in fashion jewelry because it's inexpensive. ...
- Stainless Steel. I'm personally not a fan of stainless steel for a couple reasons. ...
- Chromium. ...
- Zinc. ...
- Copper. ...
- Sterling Silver. ...
- Gold. ...
- Platinum (and it's cousin Rhodium)
A metal like stainless steel would be by far the most durable. This can be an appealing move for daily jewelry because you don't want it to get damaged because of wear and tear, which is bound to happen.
What jewelry metal doesn't turn your skin green? ›Always be aware of what materials are present in your rings, in order to avoid the Green Finger. Stainless steel, 925 sterling silver, platinum, rhodium-plated and gold-plated materials are all made from safe materials that are good for sensitive skin, and yet can still cause some staining.
Does stainless steel rings scratch easily? ›Stainless steel appliances require regular cleaning and maintenance to preserve their appearance, and although the material itself is durable and resistant to rust, stainless steel is not impervious and is prone to scratching.
What is the best wedding ring metal for a working man? ›Durability of Tungsten
In fact, it is four times stronger than titanium, making tungsten the most durable metal option for a men's wedding ring. Tungsten bands are particularly appealing for men who work with their hands because they stand up to plenty of metal to metal contact all day.
Tungsten's hardness also has its downsides. In fact, the harder the metal, the more brittle and breakable it is (unlike gold, which is soft and malleable, meaning it will bend rather than break). If you drop a tungsten ring, or if you accidentally smash it against a hard surface, the metal may crack or shatter.
What metal is safe for rings? ›Despite its strength, titanium is very light. It is also a good choice because it's 100% hypo-allergenic, making titanium rings safe to wear for people who may have reactions to other metals.
How hard is it to break a tungsten ring? ›Tungsten rings are not very brittle. If you drop a tungsten ring from a 100 ft, 99% of the time nothing will happen to it. The pressure it takes to crack or shatter a tungsten ring would be about equivalent to inserting a ring in vice grips and squeezing as hard as you could.
What metal jewelry can you wear everyday? ›
Gold, Platinum and Silver can all be worn on a daily basis. Silver is softer than gold and if worn with stones in it, should be worn with some precaution.
Is steel or titanium better for rings? ›Made from titanium sheets, these rings are approximately twice as strong as their stainless steel counterparts which means they last longer. However, titanium can scratch and become dull, if not polished regularly. Stainless steel is almost scratch-resistant, meaning you can go about your daily life – worry-free.
What material is best for everyday rings? ›| Metal Type | Parts Gold/Purity | Best For… |
|---|---|---|
| Titanium | 99% | Low maintenance, modern, and very durable metal. |
| Stainless Steel | 99% | Scratch- resistant, affordable alternative to precious metals. |
| Cobalt | 95% | A radiant, durable yet comfortable metal that will hold up for a lifetime with little maintenance. |
Metals like copper, silver and gold reap some fantastic benefits for our skin and overall health. Since ages, these metals have also been used by medical professionals and traditional healthcare systems for disease treatments and natural skin care practices.
What metal can you wear all the time? ›When it comes to figuring out what kind of jewelry is sweat- and water-resistant (whether it's rings, necklaces, earrings, or even a medical bracelet), check that it's solid gold, gold filled, or sterling silver. These metals are also hypoallergenic, which means it won't make your skin break out, itch, or turn green.
What jewelry lasts the longest? ›Gold-filled jewelry can last decades and are often heirlooms. Plus, they're more durable than 18k pieces. But don't forget to care for your pieces to make them last as long as possible.
Is it good to wear a ring all the time? ›In short, no. Your hands come in contact with plenty of surfaces and substances every day, which can potentially harm your engagement ring. While it's safe to keep it on for most activities, take it off when you know you'll be working heavily with your hands or if you could potentially expose it to harsh chemicals.
Can I wear my 18k ring everyday? ›18k gold will not oxidize or discolor, so you can wear your jewelry every day, everywhere. In order of least expensive to most expensive, and low to high quality, these are your options when buying gold jewelry: Gold-plated jewelry has a base of some other metal, such as brass, covered with a thin layer of gold.
Do titanium rings scratch easy? ›Titanium is durable but it is not scratch resistant. Titanium will scratch just like any other metals. The difference is: on titanium (hardest grade Ti-6/6/2) scratches will be very shallow, just barely on the surface and can be easily buffed out. Gold and platinum rings will scratch much deeper.
Will a titanium ring last forever? ›Titanium rings differ from other rings in the sense that they will stay round for their entire life, unlike rings made out of platinum, gold or silver. Being a more resistant material, titanium won't rust or corrode and is incredibly difficult to scratch.
What metals are safe for rings? ›
- Gold. Gold rings come in a number of gold colors-the most common being yellow, white and rose. ...
- Platinum. Platinum is a white metal and the most expensive and prestigious option for a ring. ...
- Silver. ...
- Tungsten Carbide. ...
- Titanium. ...
- Palladium.
Bezel Setting
Often, bezel settings are one of the most durable and secure settings because of their low profile. Its design provides a smooth surface that is resistant to snagging clothing or scratching the skin. This makes bezel settings a great option for those who work with their hands.
Aluminum is a highly affordable metal. Brass is a golden-colored alloy of copper and zinc. This bright, durable metal is often used as a base for affordable plated jewelry components, as well as costume jewelry.