Known as the metal of the gods, titanium is extremely long-lasting and durable. It can be used in jewelry to create gorgeous accessories that will last a lifetime.
The most common use of titanium in jewelry is for men’s wedding bands since it is very difficult to damage a titanium wedding ring.
However, titanium can also be found in earrings, body jewelry, necklaces, bracelets, and watches, thanks to its hypoallergenic and lightweight nature.
Are you planning on getting a titanium piece of jewelry? Here is a comprehensive guide about the metal, how to care for it, and where you can find beautiful pieces made of titanium.
What is titanium?
Discovered in 1791, titanium was named after the Titans of Greek Mythology due to its strength and durability.
This metal is an alternative option for wedding bands and has become increasingly popular. This is because titanium is affordable, durable, and hypoallergenic. Additionally, the metal can come in various colors, achieving the look of more expensive metals.
Where is titanium found?
Titanium is the ninth most common element in the earth’s crust. It is mainly obtained from rutile, ilmenite, and anatase.
The durable metal can also be found in perovskite, sphene, and titanite. These minerals resist tough weather and are concentrated in wind-blown sand deposits. Titanium is mined in Australia, Sierra Leone, Russia, and Japan
How strong is titanium?
Titanium is very durable. The metal is a 6 on the Mohs scale – much higher than other metals. For example, gold is a 2.4, and platinum is a 4 on the Mohs scale.
The metal is also lighter and resistant to corrosion. When compared to other durable metals, titanium is twice as strong as aluminum but only 60 percent heavier.
Is titanium good for jewelry?
Yes, titanium’s durability is great for jewelry you plan on wearing daily.
Titanium is resistant to bending, cracking, and scratches. Its strength makes it possible to create delicate and intricate jewelry with beautiful gemstones.
💡 Take Note: Thanks to its bend resistance, titanium can’t be soldered. Therefore, a ring with a prong setting made of titanium is virtually impossible.
There are many grades of titanium designed for specific uses in various industries. For body jewelry, look for titanium that is certified ASTM F-136, ISO 5832-3, or ASTM F-67.
These titanium grades are safe for piercings and meet the standards set by the American Society for Testing Materials Standards and the International Standards Organization.
What color is titanium?
Titanium is a white metal with a grey hue. Naturally, it is darker than silver or white gold. However, it is available in a variety of colors on the market.
Titanium is a reactive metal whose color can be changed with anodization. This process occurs via an electrochemical process that affects the outer layer of the metal. Titanium can be magenta, purple, blue, teal, green, gold, black, and rose gold.
What is titanium worth?
Pure titanium is $30.00 per pound. The metal is extremely light and strong. It is a great investment because titanium maintains its appearance for a lifetime. Compared to gold, titanium is cheaper. However, it is harder to work with due to its hardness.
Pros of Titanium Jewelry
Deciding to buy titanium jewelry is a great choice because there are many benefits to the metal, making it a perfect metal for jewelry.
Durable
Titanium is one of the strongest metals, so it’s great for wedding rings you will wear daily. Additionally, titanium can handle a lot of stress, and you do not have to worry about titanium rings getting bent.
Lightweight
If you’re bothered by the feel of a ring on your finger, a titanium ring is a great option that will not weigh down on your finger. Not to mention that the metal is available in a variety of colors.
Long-Lasting
Another great aspect of titanium is that it will last you a long time. The metal does not corrode or rust. Additionally, titanium jewelry does not require much maintenance to keep it looking good. All you have to do is keep it clean.
Related Post: See how titanium compares with stainless steel.
Cons of Titanium Jewelry
Although titanium is a great metal for jewelry, the metal has some downsides.
Difficult to Resize
Because titanium is extremely durable, it is more difficult to resize. When purchasing a wedding ring made of titanium, you must know the exact ring size to avoid having to resize it.
No Shine
If you enjoy shiny metal rings, titanium is not for you. The metal’s finish is matte, and it will not catch the light as well as silver or gold does.
Related Post: See how titanium compares with tungsten.
How to Identify Real Titanium
The first characteristic of real titanium is that it is not magnetic. This is one of the simplest tests to determine if your titanium jewelry is real.
Another way of checking the authenticity of titanium is by checking for grade markings and googling them.
Other methods can be more complicated.
If you have a way to measure specific gravity, titanium should be around 4.5 g/cc.
You can also anodize the titanium by getting a bare piece of metal and applying a moist paper towel to the positive side of the metal. A single 9v battery should give the metal a tan tinge. Two 9v batteries will give the metal a dark violet color.
How to Clean Titanium Jewelry
While titanium is generally easy to clean, some titanium jewelry might have other metals, which can get damaged by cleaners.
The best option for cleaning titanium jewelry is with warm soapy water. Simply dip a soft cloth into the mixture and scrub the ring gently. If you need to get into the grooves, use a soft toothbrush. Rinse with water and towel dry.
To keep your titanium pieces in good shape, avoid exposure to harsh substances like bleach, chlorine cleaners, and swimming pools.
FAQs About Titanium Metal and Jewelry
We’ve answered some of the most common questions people have about titanium.
Does titanium jewelry turn skin green?
No, titanium does not tarnish. Therefore, it will not turn skin green.
The green that you often see transferred onto the skin from jewelry is because of your skin’s natural acidity reacting to the chemicals of the jewelry. Since titanium is a high-quality metal, it does not tarnish or react with your skin’s acidity.
Is titanium a good metal for a ring?
Yes, titanium is very strong. This means it is a great option for rings since they will hardly get damaged. Additionally, the metal is very lightweight, making a ring more comfortable.
How long does titanium jewelry last?
Titanium is extremely long-lasting. Since the metal is very durable, it can last you a lifetime. This is especially the case if you take good care of your titanium jewelry and clean and polish it.
Why is titanium jewelry so expensive?
Compared to gold, titanium jewelry is usually less expensive. However, the price and availability of titanium jewelry vary widely because it is difficult to work with. Since it is extremely durable, it can be difficult to create intricate designs and more expensive.
Where to Buy Titanium Jewelry
Titanium jewelry is more common among men since it is very durable and requires little to no maintenance. However, there are also some beautiful options for women. Just ensure that the titanium is authentic and of good quality.
Here are some of the best places to find titanium jewelry:
- Etsy: On Etsy, you can find a wide variety of titanium jewelry for all budgets, including necklaces, rings, earrings, and much more..
- LilyFair Jewelry: Lilyfair has some beautiful and unique jewelry pieces available on their website. The store has affordable titanium jewelry with beautiful detail and is perfect for any occasion.
- Kobelli: At Kobelli you can find some unique men’s ring options with a mixture of wood textures and unique titanium finishes.
- Zales: Zales has a wide variety of men’s rings, watches, and bracelets made of titanium. The store also features personalized titanium jewelry of high quality and for all budgets.
The Metal of the Gods
Titanium might have its fallbacks because of how hard it is to work with it. However, it is a great option if you want something that is very low maintenance and you do not have to be careful when doing daily tasks.
Plus, titanium jewelry is more budget-friendly than other metals and a great investment in the long run. There are some beautiful options on the market that feature delicate work and will look beautiful.
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