An ongoing eWedNews investigation is turning up new facts involving the growing use of contemporary metals for the wedding band application. Our story centers on allegations and claims involving Tungsten wedding bands and the confusion it’s causing in the marketplace.
The history of Tungsten dates back to the 1700’s and has had several milestones along the way to its use in the wedding band application. Currently, the higher cost of precious metals and economic factors has forced fine jewelry manufacturers to find alternatives to gold, platinum and other precious materials that can be sold for lower prices and match the demand of the market. But confusion is now felt to be setting in, as the brittleness and unique properties of Tungsten could be leaving an Achilles heel to its indestructible claims.
Such seems to be the case for Scott Kay and the company that bears his name, Scott Kay jewelry . Mr. Kay, a man of intimidating stature, has been seen on YouTube dramatizing the claims made by manufacturers and supporters about the indestructible material called Tungsten. “Its crap, that’s what it is,” said Kay amid flying pieces of shattering Tungsten wedding bands last month in New Jersey. Kay became infuriated while throwing down rings valued at hundreds of dollars each, sending this reporter running for cover. At one point, Kay’s passionate display cracked a glass curio cabinet fixture, quieting a room full Scott Kay executives gathered for the eWN interview.
“I’m sorry, I just get so annoyed at how there is no accountability to this; a wedding band that is supposed to be forever. It signifies something that should never have to be replaced and should withstand being dropped on a hard surface,” he told eWN. eWedNews continues to investigate the story that is taking new twists and turns daily, leaving retailers that are being interviewed split down the middle. Sources on either side are citing pros and cons involving Tungsten. “It’s not about the product itself; it’s about the lack of accountability, the misleading statements and not being upfront with consumers. We would like to see words like “indestructible” and “scratchproof” omitted from its (tungsten) advertising,” says Kay.
Scott Kay is an intimidating figure, standing over 6 ft 4 inches. Kay's display last this month smashed Tungsten wedding bands before our very eyes, in an effort to prove his point and passion about the brittle properties of Tungsten wedding bands.
Kay also raises questions regarding replacement policies involving Tungsten products. “If it’s indestructible, as they say, why is a replacement policy even required? What good is replacing a ring with another one of “equal value?” when it’s not the ring that was blessed at the ceremony? A wedding band is special and supposed to last a lifetime and beyond. It should be handed down into the next generation and not have a limited life span,” feels a very passionate Kay.
Critics aware of Kay’s opinions call his displays, rants and statements theatrical, alleging the moves are part of the company’s campaign to promote a new product called Cobalt/BioBlu 27. Assertions surrounding the story allege both sides may be spinning the properties of the materials to reflect their negative aspects, designed to raise questions and split the market.
Frederick Goldman, Inc , is said to be a major supporter of Tungsten products. Tom Tanner, an 18 year veteran in marketing and currently the vice president of marketing at Goldman, feels the allegations against Tungsten products are overstated. “Tungsten is a material that is appropriate to a portion of the market and we’re happy to service that customer. Tungsten has certain features that are appealing to them; a slightly darker colorization and a departure from their father’s ring makes tungsten very unique and sought after by that segment of our market. We’re aware of what’s being said and feel is being overdone,” according to discussions with Tanner. Tanner pointed out his company deals with all precious metals, including gold and platinum.
eWedNews continues our investigation into this story that has been receiving growing interest by jewelry sources since we first posted the news this month.
eWedNews
All rights reserved
2010
Posted on 01/28/2010
Comments
Comments are the view of the comment poster, not the view of eWedNews. Please keep all comments relevant to the subject and respectful.
