If you're a groom after a wedding ring that will permanently maintain its shine and look just like it did on the day your wife first slipped it on your ring finger, tungsten makes for a great - and economical - choice. That said, despite their low price point and cool look, tungsten wedding rings have some drawbacks.

FYI - your bride's diamond engagement ring won't be tungsten

Tungsten is not traditionally used as a material for use in an engagement ring. Nothing prevents the groom, however, from wearing a non-matching tungsten wedding band.

What is Tungsten?

Tungsten comes from the Swedish language meaning heavy metal. And yup - tungsten is heavy. Unlike white or yellow gold, tungsten is never going to scratch nor tarnish. Companies use tungsten in metal working, mining and oil exploration. Nuff said. Tungsten is about ten times harder than 18k gold. Because tungsten rings are so tough, it makes it difficult for jewelers to use it.

Pure tungsten is not typically used in wedding rings, but rather tungsten carbide. This is because elemental tungsten rings have been known to crack when dropped and are far less durable than tungsten carbide. Unfortunately, even tungsten carbide rings are not indestructible.

Tungsten can't be resized if you gain 30 pounds during married life and can't be engraved with an emotionally-charged saying. What you see in the store is what you'll get.

Tungsten rings often come with an inlay - that is to say - a strip of yellow gold in the middle of the ring. Look for them at your local jewelry store or online.

Perhaps the best part about tungsten wedding rings, aside from the perma-shine and their potential for highly unique wedding band styles, is the price. Tungsten wedding rings can be had for less than $200, and even less than $100.

And while you're bride isn't going to want to have a tungsten wedding ring to match yours nor are you going to even be able to find a decent looking tungsten and diamond engagement ring, of the alternative metals to platinum and gold, tungsten is right up there.

Learn more about men's wedding rings from GroomGroove.com:

• Platinum Wedding Rings - the king of rings
• White Gold Wedding Rings - the most popular choice for the groom
• Gold Wedding Rings - the classic ring choice for the groom
• Tungsten Wedding Rings - won't scratch and very inexpensive
• Titanium Wedding Rings - slick, but has some drawbacks

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