Titanium Rings – Pros, Cons and Buying Tips | Wedding KnowHow | CHURINGA WEDDING RINGS

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Contents

• What is
  Titanium?
• Titanium Alloys
• Titanium Ring
  Designs
• Pros of
  Titanium
• Cons of
  Titanium
• How to Clean
  Titanium Rings
• Where to Buy
  Titanium
  • James Allen
  • Blue Nile
  • Amazon
  • Etsy

One of the most durable
metals for engagement and wedding bands, titanium is an alternative metal
that’s gaining popularity. It’s comfortable to wear, very affordable and
versatile.

Here’s a look at the pros
and cons of titanium and how to buy a titanium ring.

What is
Titanium?

Satin finished titanium wedding ring. Check price here.

Titanium was discovered in 1791 and because of its extreme
strength and durability, was named after the Titans of Greek Mythology.
Titanium is abundantly found and is ranked at 9^th on the list of
most commonly found metals in the Earth’s crust. Although the metal has been
around for over 200 years, its use in jewelry is quite recent.

Since the recent interest in alternative metals for wedding
bands, titanium is becoming increasingly popular. Visually, it can be used as a
substitute for more expensive white metals like platinum or white gold.

Titanium’s affordability shouldn’t be taken as an indication
of its benefits as a wedding ring metal. It has a very high strength-to-density
which makes it exceptionally durable. It’s resistant to corrosion,
hypoallergenic and is extremely tough, meaning it doesn’t easily crack or
fracture. All these factors make titanium highly desirable as a ring metal.

Titanium Alloys

For use in jewelry, titanium is typically alloyed with 90%
titanium and 10% aluminum and vanadium. The aluminum and vanadium are what
makes titanium malleable and suitable for jewelry, as titanium in its pure
state is rather soft and unworkable.

Additionally, this hardness is what makes titanium so
difficult to resize, which can be seen as a disadvantage. On the flip side,
it’s less prone to damage and scratches, making it easier to maintain.

Titanium Ring
Designs

Titanium ring designs have increased in the last
decade as the metal continues to become more popular. However, there’s a limit
to what jewelers can do with this metal because of how hard it is. Titanium
can’t be easily (if at all) crafted into delicate filigree, pave or channel
designs due to its hardness.

However, titanium rings can be finished with most
popular ring finishes, like matte, satin, hammered or high polish. In addition
to this, they can be used in inlay designs with other materials. The ring below
is an example of a titanium band combined with rose gold.

Titanium with Rose Gold Plating by Aladdins Cave. Check price here.

Here are some other popular ring designs featuring
titanium:

1- Hammered titanium ring paired with old whiskey barrel wood 

2- Couple’s titanium rings with actual fingerprint engraved onto the inner side of the ring

Check Price Here

3- Men’s titanium band with flush set diamonds

4- Stylish stone finish black titanium ring with a one of a kind, rustic look

5- Sandblasted finish titanium ring with rough external surface

6- Tension set titanium engagement ring with meteorite inlay and alexandrite center stone

Pros of
Titanium

There are many advantages of titanium which makes it
an excellent choice as a wedding or engagement band. We’ve discussed these
briefly already, but here’s a more detailed look.

1- Titanium is affordable, and you could pick up a high-quality ring for around $100 or less. However, this of course depends on what other materials are combined with the titanium. Other materials like gold, platinum or precious gemstones will add to the final price of the ring. Having said that, titanium on its own, like this stepped-edge comfort fit titanium wedding band, is comparatively inexpensive. 

2- Titanium’s durability is the stuff of legend, with the word titanium being a synonym for strength. It ranks at 6 on the Mohs scale, which is much more than gold (2.4 Mohs) or platinum (4 Mohs).

3- It’s 100% biocompatible, meaning that it’s perfectly safe for anyone to wear, including those with metal allergies. Titanium is frequently used for surgical implants and piercing jewelry because of this hypoallergenic nature.

4- Titanium comes in a variety of colors. It’s natural color ranges from gray to silver in hue and is very similar in appearance to platinum, but the finish of the ring can also alter the appearance of the titanium ring. For example, a high polish titanium ring looks very silver-like whereas a sandblasted titanium ring will show off a gray gunmetal color. Titanium can also be plated and anodized to exhibit various colors.

5- Maintaining titanium is very easy. It doesn’t require re-plating like white gold or frequent polishing like platinum. The metal will acquire scratches over time but can be easily polished.

6- Titanium is extremely light which is ideal if you don’t like the feeling of a heavy, substantial ring on your finger. Depending on your view, this can be an advantage or a disadvantage.

7- Titanium rings can be engraved using traditional engraving methods.

8- Cutting off a titanium ring in an emergency is possible but sometimes special equipment may be required. In general, it can be sewn off but may require a few more passes with the saw than other softer metals.

Cons of
Titanium

1- Design options are limited with titanium rings. It’ll be difficult to find titanium prong settings for example as the metal is much too difficult to craft into intricate and delicate styles.

2- Titanium is very difficult to resize and most jewelers will not accept the job. Some jewelers will resize a titanium ring up but won’t resize it down. It can cost more than its worth to resize a titanium ring, so most people just have their ring replaced if it doesn’t fit. It’s worth checking this out with your retailer, as some retailers may offer a replacement policy.

How to Clean
Titanium Rings

Titanium rings will get dirty and scratched with daily
exposure so periodical cleaning is important. Over time, titanium rings can
develop a patina,
much like platinum, but it can be buffed to look lustrous.

In general, a mild soap and a brush or cloth is perfect for cleaning dirt and grime out of your ring. For scratches on a high polish titanium ring, use a metal polish like this one.

Where to Buy
Titanium

If you’re looking to buy one
at your local shop, you might find your options extremely limited. We recommend
searching online for the best prices and variety.

James Allen

James Allen is known for their diamond and engagement rings, but they carry a collection of high-quality alternative metal wedding bands for men.

Blue Nile

Blue Nile has a small but
selective collection of men’s alternative wedding bands, often combined with
precious metals for classy, stylish and durable looks.

Amazon

Amazon is an excellent
source for titanium wedding bands and feature designs from a variety of top
titanium ring retailers. This is a one stop spot where you’re sure to find the
ring you’re looking for.

Etsy

For handcrafted,
high-quality titanium bands Etsy’s wide collection of men’s and women’s rings
is an excellent option. There’s a wider range of unique, one-off designs here
to suit all tastes and budgets. 

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