Home Product Information & Care

Product Information & Care

Learn about the materials we use, how to care for your ring, and what to expect from your ETRNL piece over time.
9 articles

What materials are ETRNL rings made from?

We offer one of the widest ranges of alternative ring materials available — here's a quick rundown: Tungsten — Extremely hard, dense, and scratch-resistant with a solid, weighty feel. The most durable option we carry. Great for tradespeople and active lifestyles. Browse Tungsten Rings. Titanium — Super lightweight, hypoallergenic, and corrosion resistant. Incredibly comfortable for everyday wear, especially for people not used to wearing rings. Browse Titanium Rings. Tantalum — A rare, dense, blue-grey metal with a premium, high-end look and feel. Naturally hypoallergenic, durable, and shatterproof. One of the most exclusive materials we carry. Browse Tantalum Rings. Black Zirconium — A grey-white metal transformed through heat oxidation into a deep, permanent black finish. Not a coating — the black is part of the metal itself. Lightweight and hypoallergenic. Browse Black Zirconium Rings. Damascus Steel — Layers of different steels folded together to create a one-of-a-kind wavy, woodgrain-like pattern. Every ring is unique. Strong, visually striking, and artisan in feel. Browse Damascus Rings. Stainless Steel — Durable, affordable, and versatile. A reliable everyday metal that holds its finish well. Browse Stainless Steel Rings. Gold (9ct, 14ct, 18ct) — Real gold in three karat weights. 9ct is the most durable and affordable, 14ct balances richness and strength, and 18ct is the most luxurious with the deepest colour. Gold rings can be resized and engraved. Browse Gold Rings. Silicone — Soft, flexible, waterproof, and non-conductive. Not a traditional jewellery material — designed for active lifestyles, tradespeople, gym-goers, and anyone who can't or doesn't want to wear metal at work. Browse Silicone Rings. Wood — A unique, natural option with genuine warmth and character. Browse Wood Rings.

Last updated on May 28, 2026

What's the difference between tungsten & titanium?

Both are durable, alternative metals — but they feel and perform quite differently: Tungsten is the hardest and heaviest. It's virtually scratch-proof and holds its polish for years, making it ideal for people who want a zero-maintenance ring. The trade-off is that it can crack under extreme impact (like a sharp blow to concrete) and cannot be resized. Titanium is the lightest of the two — noticeably so. It's hypoallergenic, extremely comfortable for all-day wear, and great for people not used to wearing rings. It scratches more easily than tungsten but is easier to live with for those who find tungsten too heavy.

Last updated on May 28, 2026

Are ETRNL rings hypoallergenic?

Most of our materials are hypoallergenic or suitable for sensitive skin — here's the breakdown: Hypoallergenic: Titanium, Tantalum, Black Zirconium, Silicone — all naturally hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin. Generally fine for most people: Tungsten, Stainless Steel, Damascus Steel — the vast majority of customers wear these without any issue, though people with very sensitive skin or specific metal allergies should check the material composition. Gold: Depends on the karat. 18ct gold is hypoallergenic for most people due to its high purity (75% gold). 9ct and 14ct contain more alloy metals which can occasionally cause reactions in people with sensitivities. If you have a known gold allergy, 18ct is the safest option. If you're unsure whether a material is right for you, feel free to reach out at support@etrnl.com.au and we'll help you find the right fit.

Last updated on May 28, 2026

How do I clean and care for my ring?

Keeping your ring in great shape is straightforward — here's what we recommend by material: Tungsten, Titanium, Stainless Steel, Black Zirconium, Tantalum: - Wipe down regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth - For a deeper clean, warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap works well - Dry thoroughly after cleaning - Avoid abrasive cloths, harsh chemicals, or ultrasonic cleaners Damascus Steel: - Wipe with a soft cloth after wear - Avoid harsh cleaning agents — they can dull the patterned surface over time - Store separately from harder materials to avoid surface contact Gold (9ct, 14ct, 18ct): - Clean with warm water, a drop of mild soap, and a soft brush - Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth - Remove before swimming, cleaning, or using chemical products - Store in a soft pouch or jewellery box to avoid scratching Silicone: - Wash with warm water and mild soap — silicone is waterproof and easy to clean - Can be worn in the shower, gym, or ocean without issue - Allow to fully dry if storing

Last updated on May 28, 2026

Will my ring scratch, tarnish, or fade?

It depends on the material — here's an honest breakdown: Tungsten — virtually scratch-proof under normal conditions. The hardest material we carry. Gold or black PVD finishes on tungsten can fade over time with heavy daily wear, but the base metal itself will not scratch. Titanium — more scratch-prone than tungsten. Surface marks can appear with daily wear, particularly on polished finishes. Brushed finishes tend to hide wear better. Black Zirconium — the black finish is part of the metal itself (not a coating), so it won't peel or chip. It can still scratch on the surface if exposed to abrasive materials. Damascus Steel — the pattern is in the metal, but the surface can dull or show wear over years of use. Avoid abrasive contact to preserve the look. Stainless Steel — holds its finish well and doesn't tarnish. May show light surface marks over time. Gold — real gold won't tarnish, but it can scratch, especially at higher karats (18ct is the softest). Lower karat gold (9ct) is harder and more resistant to marking. Silicone — doesn't scratch or tarnish, but will wear down gradually over time with heavy use. Still covered under our Lifetime Guarantee. If your ring's finish has faded or worn in a way you're not happy with, our Lifetime Guarantee covers fading and plating issues — just get in touch.

Last updated on May 28, 2026

Are the gold and black finishes on tungsten rings permanent?

The gold and black finishes on our tungsten rings are applied using a process called PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) — one of the most durable coating methods available in the jewellery industry. It's significantly more hard-wearing than traditional plating. That said, no surface finish is completely permanent under daily wear, and over time — particularly with exposure to chemicals, abrasive surfaces, or heavy manual work — the finish can show wear. To get the longest life from your finish: - Remove your ring before swimming in chlorinated pools or the ocean - Avoid prolonged contact with cleaning products, hand sanitiser, and harsh chemicals - Take your ring off during heavy manual work where it's in constant contact with abrasive surfaces - Store it separately from harder materials If your gold or black finish has worn in a way you're not satisfied with, this is covered under our Lifetime Guarantee. Email support@etrnl.com.au with your name, order number, and a photo and we'll sort it out.

Last updated on May 28, 2026

Can I wear my ring in water, at the gym, or at work?

In water: Most of our metal rings handle water just fine for everyday exposure (washing hands, rain, quick dips). For extended swimming — especially in chlorinated pools or saltwater — we'd recommend removing metal rings where possible to protect any surface finishes over the long term. Silicone rings are fully waterproof and ideal for swimming. At the gym: Metal rings are generally fine at the gym for most activities. If you're doing heavy lifting or bar work, a silicone ring is a smarter choice — it's safer (non-conductive, won't catch), more comfortable, and won't get scratched from contact with equipment. Many of our customers wear a silicone ring for training and their metal ring everywhere else. At work: Depends on your job. For tradespeople, electricians, or anyone working with machinery — silicone is the go-to. It's non-conductive, flexible enough to break away if caught, and tough enough for rough conditions. Tungsten and titanium are great for office environments or anyone who wants durability without thinking about it. Browse our Silicone Rings if you're looking for an active lifestyle option.

Last updated on May 28, 2026

Do you offer engraving, and which rings can be engraved?

Yes — we offer laser engraving on most of our metal rings, letting you add a personal message, date, name, or symbol to the inside of your ring. Engravings can include up to 25 characters (text or symbols). Please allow an additional business day of processing time for engraved orders before dispatch. Important things to know before ordering an engraved ring: - Engraved rings cannot be exchanged or returned for a refund - If your engraved ring doesn't fit, our Lifetime Replacement Policy applies — we'll engrave and send a new ring for $50 AUD (metal) or $20 AUD (silicone) - Make sure you're confident in your size before ordering — our Ring Sizing Kit is the most accurate way to confirm To add engraving to your order, select the engraving option on the product page and enter your message at checkout. For more information visit our Engraving Services page.

Last updated on May 28, 2026

Which ring material is right for me?

Not sure where to start? Here's a simple guide based on lifestyle: You work with your hands / tradie / outdoors: Tungsten for durability, or silicone if you need something safe and flexible for the job site. Many customers pair both. You go to the gym regularly: Silicone is the safest and most practical choice for training. Pair it with a metal ring for everyday wear. You want something lightweight and comfortable: Titanium. Especially good if you've never worn a ring before. You want a premium, unique look: Tantalum for rarity and prestige, Damascus for a one-of-a-kind pattern, or 18ct Gold for classic luxury. You want a deep, permanent black ring: Black Zirconium — the black is part of the metal, not a coating. You want a traditional ring that can be resized: Gold (9ct, 14ct, or 18ct) is the only material we carry that can be resized. You have sensitive skin: Titanium, Tantalum, Black Zirconium, or Silicone are your safest bets. Still not sure? Email us at support@etrnl.com.au — we're happy to help you find the right match.

Last updated on May 28, 2026