Colored titanium ring with diamond
When buying
titanium rings there are a number of things to consider. There is a lot of misinformation and misconception about this fantastic metal. And I say fantastic because it is a remarkable metal. Discovered in the 18th century, it was way too hard for anyone to do anything with. The very high melting temperature also made impossible to work in that age.
Today it is used in thousands of products and applications but mainly the areospace industry.
As a metal for jewelry it has it’s limitations, but none the less many jewelers have created some exceptional pieces.
Some things you should know about titanium Jewelry:
- Titanium rings cannot be resized.
- Titanium does scratch – no matter what the makers of titanium rings say.
- Titanium does discolor – not by much – but with age it darkens – especially grade 2 – which is pure titanium. Grade 5 titanium is lighter in color, harder, but it is not pure titanium. It is an alloy of Titanium and vandium.
- Titanium can be cut off a finger – difficult – YES, impossible – NO
- Titanium coloring is a surface treatment (oxidising process) and therefore will scratch off if mistreated.
- True Black Titanium does NOT exist – some technology is able to create black surface titanium that does handle some wear and tear – but is not permanent.
- Titanium can bend. If enough pressure is put on a titanium ring or a titanium bangle or titanium jewelry – IT WILL BEND.
- Tension Set Diamond titanium rings are MUCH stronger than platinum or white gold. But they can still open a little and your diamond or gemstone can come loose.
- Titanium is hard, very hard. But it is not the same as hardened steel alloys for instance. These alloys are usually used for tool steel and dies – much harder but also very brittle. Titanium is not brittle.
- Titanium and Platinum are not the same – be careful as sometimes people mix them up – Platinum costs a fortune, titanium is cheap. Platinum jewelry is unbelievable expensive, titanium jewelry is relatively cheap. Quality titanium jewelry and custom made titanium rings do carry a price tag – you are paying for labour.
- Titanium Jewelry is generally not an investment buy. Platinum, gold and silver in their raw form are – but once you add the markups that are charged it is not an investment any more. In fact while the precious metals will wear, thin, and slowly loose weight – Titanium jewelry will not – it is forever.
