When Tungsten wedding bands and rings first hit the market, many jewelers quickly appreciated the affordability, durability, and long-lasting beauty that Tungsten offered over rings of precious metals such as silver, gold and platinum. And yet tungsten rings did not take-off right away. On the contrary, the unusual qualities that set the new metal apart gave rise to a number of rumors and false assumptions that caused brides and grooms to shun tungsten for more traditional options. But times have changed and tungsten rings are in high demand among those who are saying “I do” these days. Here’s a look at 7 common myths and misconceptions about tungsten wedding rings and bands, all of which have been dispelled.

1. Tungsten is a man’s metal: When tungsten rings first made the scene the buzz  was all about this new metal that was amazingly scratch-resistant, had the look of polished steel and was pretty much indestructible. No wonder brides quickly labeled tungsten as a manly metal meant solely for the groom. However, through customization, today’s  tungsten carbide rings feature sleek and elegant one-of-a-kind designs that make them a perfect fit for the female hand as well.

2. Tungsten color options are limited: When tungsten was first introduced you could choose any color option you wanted, as long as it was steel grey. Now, thanks to new manufacturing methods, tungsten rings and bands come in two other very striking color options, namely black and white. White tungsten rings and bands have the elegant appearance of platinum, while being far less expensive and way more durable and scratch resistant. And if you want your ring to make a truly unique statement, not just on your special day but throughout your life, few metals can match the deep luxurious luster of black tungsten.

3. Tungsten’s too tough for engraving: Another common misconception from the get go was that tungsten rings could not be engraved upon. This falsehood is mainly due to the highly promoted fact that tungsten is the hardest metal on the planet. However, through the advent of sophisticated laser engraving machines, tungsten rings may be personalized with engraved inscriptions or delicately etched designs, making them even more desirable for women to wear.

4. Tungsten is all the same: Many brides and grooms shopping for tungsten rings and bands may be under the impression that, when it comes to quality, all tungsten is the same. However, the reality is that nothing could be further from the truth. In its most basic form, tungsten is an ore which in and of itself is unsuitable for making any kind of ring. The most desirable rings are made of tungsten carbide, a metal formed by combining powdered tungsten ore with carbon and nickel at extremely high temperatures and pressure. Unfortunately, lesser grades of tungsten have made it to jewelry counters. Therefore, when  shopping for a tungsten ring, it’s critical to specify tungsten carbide with a nickel binder. Failure to do so may result in the purchase of a ring that will scratch and  discolor with wear. Only true tungsten carbide boasts the lasting beauty and near indestructability you want your wedding ring to have.

5. Tungsten rings cause skin rashes: Tungsten carbide rings are proven to be 100% hypoallergenic, meaning that they will never cause skin rashes. However, being that it’s already been established that all tungsten rings are not the same, it should be noted that some tungsten rings of lesser quality contain cobalt. Cobalt has been shown to react negatively to skin and skin oils, often causing rashes and discoloration of the ring itself. Therefore, you’ll want to make sure that the ring your considering does not contain cobalt.

6. Tungsten styles are limited: Again, due to its legendary hardness, it’s assumed that rings made from tungsten come in limited styles. However, being that each ring or band begins with a blank, skilled jewelers using special diamond tools can cut and create a custom ring with a style all its own. Among the more popular band styles are beveled, brushed, flat, faceted, domed or concave. Inlays of gold, silver and platinum are also very popular, and black tungsten provides a spectacular background for diamonds.

7. Tungsten rings don’t cost an arm and a leg, but they could cost a finger: One of the major myths that kept many people from considering tungsten is that,  due to tungsten’s reputation for being indestructible, the only way to remove the ring in a medical emergency would be to remove your finger. Although special tools are required, tungsten rings can be safely removed without damaging your finger. However, it cannot be overemphasized that, due to the difficulty involved in removing a tungsten carbide ring, it is critical that the ring be properly sized by a jeweler before ever slipping it on.

Leon Dalton is a freelance writer who specializes in jewelry.