Wedding bands celebrate a bond that lasts forever. Meant to last a lifetime, these rings should be as durable and high-quality as possible. At the same time, they should match the wearer’s personal style and personality. Tungsten and wood wedding bands are a great combination of strength and natural beauty.
But buying a wood and metal ring is not as straightforward as it may seem. There are many types of wood inlays, colors, finishes, and designs that can change the way rings look. Read this guide to find out more about tungsten and wood wedding bands, from the woods you can find to designs and shopping tips.
Wood Inlaid Tungsten Rings
Perfect for men who love the outdoors and nature, tungsten and wood wedding bands also offer a good opportunity to make a style statement. These rings are more creative than simple gold or platinum bands as well as more affordable than precious metals.
Crafted with one of the hardest materials in the world, tungsten carbide and wood are incredibly durable and long-lasting. Tungsten is almost indestructible and has the highest melting point and tensile strength among all metals. It also has a scratch-resistant surface, so it can handle just about anything.
While not as tough or scratch-resistant as just plain Tungsten rings, wood inlays are protected by a layer of jewelry epoxy. This coating makes the rings waterproof as well as more durable.
How to Spot a Fake from an Authentic Wood Ring
Genuine tungsten and wood wedding bands have a grain pattern that goes from side to side. As real wood doesn’t bend against the grain, any wedding band that features a grain pattern going around the ring has a fake wood inlay.
To make sure your wedding rings are genuine, simply look at the grain textures. If the lines go from side to side between the edges of the ring, your ring is made with an authentic wood inlay.
Types of Wood Inlays
There are many types of wood used in the jewelry industry, and every one of them has unique features. If you’re looking to buy tungsten and wood wedding bands, you should know more about your options and the available styles.
Koa wood is a precious type of wood with rich brown colors. The Koa tree grows only on the Hawaiian islands and it’s a protected species. As a result, jewelers can only use wood sourced from trees that have fallen naturally. This makes Koa wood inlays more rare and exclusive than other woods. Apart from its rarity, Koa wood also gives wedding bands a beautiful meaning, as this wood is a symbol of integrity and strength.
Rosewood has beautiful colors that range from light to darker brown. This wood comes in two varieties: Brazilian, which is more popular but more expensive due to its scarcity, and Indian rosewood, which is more accessible. Rosewood is also used for musical instruments and to make luxury furniture and flooring.
Mahogany has a dark, reddish-brown color. It features a fine grain with minimal variations. The patterns usually run all the way through the wood. Mahogany wood is a popular material for fine furniture and cabinets, musical instruments, and boats.
Like its name suggests, Zebra wood features eye-catching stripes that resemble the patterns on a zebra. This wood boasts dark stripes on a light blonde backdrop. As a result, zebra wood inlays are more striking than other types of wood.
Padauk wood has a bright reddish color, which makes it stand out among other woods. Thanks to its warm, bold color, this wood is popular for decorative items and fine furniture.
Sapele wood resembles mahogany, as it features a fine grain. This hardwood has a light brown or darker brown color. It’s a protected species in several countries, so it can’t be cut down. Sapele wood is used to make musical instruments, boats, and luxury flooring.
Other types of inlays used to make tungsten and wood wedding bands include ash, black walnut, bubinga, black cherry, and olive, to name a few. Some rings even feature whiskey barrel wood to make the wedding ring extra special.
Elegant Designs for Every Preference
Tungsten and wood wedding bands are as varied as the woods themselves. From simple to intricate, form plated to colored, these rings offer something for every need and preference.
Some of the most popular styles feature silver gray tungsten rings with slightly domed shape, straight edges and Koa wood inlays. Other rings have two bands of inlay for a more creative look. Rings with beveled edges provide an elegant frame for luxurious brown wood inlays.
Grooms-to-be can also choose a bolder ring design with a black exterior and wood sleeve. Turquoise inlays, bright opal stripes, and abalone shell add a vibrant contrast to wood inlays. Likewise, a rose gold tungsten finish can make hardwoods look more elegant, while a diamond setting can give any wedding band a sophisticated accent.
Other tungsten and wood wedding bands feature intricate patterns. In this category, you can find rings with diamond cut shapes on the edges and romantic scroll designs.
Tips for Buying Tungsten and Wood Wedding Bands
Grooms who have decided to go with a wood and tungsten ring should keep these handy tips in mind before making a purchase:
Find a jeweler who uses real hardwoods and exotic woods to ensure you get the best quality.
Remember that authentic wood rings have the grain going from side to side, not around the ring. Genuine wood can’t bend around a ring against the grain patterns, which means that these rings are made with fake wood.
Wood is a natural material and has unique features, color variations, and textures. Small imperfections can give wood and tungsten rings more character.
Some types of wood have a deeper significance, offering a chance to infuse wedding rings with more meaning. For example, Koa wood is a symbol of strength, while sapele, mahogany and rosewood are also used to make musical instruments.
