These are a WAY better deal than any jewelry store!  And yes, it is really Tungsten Carbide, and it is very high quality.  I have to agree that these may run a little bit on the large side, but I didn't need to return mine...I've just been trying to eat a lot of salt to compensate. ;)  I know other reviewers have commented about the product image; and they are right:  it does not have the apparent black bar; it is just the brown pattern all the way around.  I can't recommend it highly enough!