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Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.
Titanium has been a popular wedding ring metal since the 1990s—and its demand only continues to grow. Frequently used by cutting-edge jewelers like Arunashi, titanium is a durable metal to consider for your very own wedding band.
What Is Titanium?
Titanium is a very strong metal that is resistant to corrosion. It is light to medium grey when it has its natural color, but titanium is often given a black finish.
There’s no denying that titanium is a jeweler’s dream in several ways, but this requires an investment and a willingness to learn the ins and outs of working with this metal. Jeweler Christian Tse says, “Most designer jewelers need specialized equipment to work with titanium. It has a high melting point and cannot be soldered like traditional metals, such as gold, that are used in jewelry. Titanium must be welded with lasers or worked as a single piece.”
Meet the Expert
Christian Tse is an accomplished jewelry designer and the CEO of Christian Tse Design & Manufacturing. He has worked extensively with titanium to create beautiful, original wedding rings.
Ahead, everything to know about the titanium wedding bands, from pros and cons to care advice.
The Pros and Cons of Titanium Rings
One of the initial selling points of a titanium ring for couples on a budget is that it’s more economical than platinum or gold. Tse reports that titanium rings are also strong yet lightweight, making them easy to handle and durable. These rings resist corrosion, making them mostly maintenance-free. They’re hypoallergenic, so these rings are safe for most people even if they are prone to jewelry allergies.
Unfortunately, there are several cons to titanium rings, too. For one thing, Tse explains that it is a non-precious metal. Therefore, it does not have the same value as a wedding ring that’s made of platinum or gold. Also, titanium isn’t carried in many jewelry stores, so it can be challenging to do comparison shopping because your choices will be more limited than you would have with bands made of precious metals. Additionally, titanium rings cannot be resized or altered if your ring size changes over time, and these rings cannot be soldered.
What to Look for in a Titanium Ring
When buying a Titanium wedding band, Tse cautions that you need to examine it to make sure there are no visual pits. If you notice any surface impurities or inconsistent discoloration, think twice before getting the ring. To be sure that you are buying a ring that’s made of genuine titanium, look for the hallmark of “TI”—the chemical sign—or the word titanium.
How Titanium Differs From Other Ring Metals
“Titanium differs from silver, gold, and platinum in many ways,” shares Tse. Although titanium, silver, and platinum can be manufactured to look similar, titanium is considerably stronger than silver and platinum.
A titanium ring will stay truly round throughout its life. That can’t be said for silver, gold, or platinum rings.
Unlike silver, platinum, or gold, a titanium ring will not show any wear such as scratches or dents after a year of use. Titanium rings are also lighter and less expensive than gold and platinum. According to Tse, titanium melts at 3038 degrees Fahrenheit, which is much higher than gold (1700 degrees Fahrenheit), yet similar to platinum (3215 degrees Fahrenheit).
How to Care for a Titanium Ring
Titanium rings require very little care and upkeep compared to precious metals. It’s important to avoid scratching it and always handle the ring with care. However, according to Tse, there aren’t any special care instructions for titanium rings because they are very durable. Minter + Richter, a Boston-baed jewelry company that specializes in handcrafted titanium rings, sells a special lifetime care option that allows you to leave the cleaning of your wedding ring to professionals.
If a titanium wedding band sounds right for your union, consider these 15 stand-out, stylish titanium rings below.
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