The Pros & Cons Of Titanium Jewelry

Let's talk about titanium jewelry, we will cover the pros and cons and hopefully open up new options for you. Titanium was discovered in 1791, by William Gregor. On the Periodic Table, Titanium is symbolized by Ti. Titanium has gradually made a name for itself over the years, being used in a multitude of products. Titanium has been used in everything from aircrafts to human medical implants. It wasn't until the late 70's early 80's that titanium made its way into the fashion industry.

Titanium is very light and extremely durable, making it an ideal candidate for wearable jewelry. It is now made into eyeglass frames, bracelets, watches, rings, and earrings. Because it is so light, wearing titanium is almost like wearing nothing. The first titanium pieces were not overly attractive, as they were gunmetal gray in color. Granted, that specific color has its niche in the world; most buyers would not be attracted to its bland appearance. As with most products, time and technology improved on it.

Pros

One of the pros to owning a titanium piece is that less people seem to have an allergic reaction to it than gold alloys. This could be because it is not as mainstream as gold or white gold pieces. If you have not been able to wear gold alloy jewelry, titanium may be a suitable alternative for you. As I have said before, titanium is extremely lightweight. This is great for people who don't wear jewelry because of its weight or bulkiness. You cannot begin to understand how light it is until you have touched it for yourself. I suggest walking into your local jewelry store and asking to see a 10mm gold wedding band and a 10 mm titanium band at the same time. Once you have one in each hand you will feel the difference. Another pro is the durability; it is virtually indestructible through normal wear. Unlike gold alloys that wear down over years of normal use, titanium will hold strong showing very little wear over the years. Selection is another pro for titanium, as the styles have improved immensely since the first consumer pieces available. Titanium is now set with stones, die cut, paired with gold or white gold; so finding a suitable/fashionable piece is no longer an issue. Titanium is not rare, so the price is very affordable. Affordable, stylish jewelry is not always easy to come by, so this is a great alternative for the budget conscious buyer.

Cons

Since titanium is so durable, it is very difficult if not impossible to resize. This is bad for someone whose weight fluctuates. This is also a big drawback if you are using it for a wedding band. If you plan to own the piece for your entire life, your weight will change for the better or worse over the course of years. It is not possible to make the rings smaller, but it is possible to buff some of the excess metal away from the inside to make is a tiny bit larger. If it is scratched, not all jewelry stores are equipped to buff out scratches. Minor issues with the ring will most likely require the piece be sent out for repair. Titanium can be cut off in an emergency, but it may take a little longer than a gold or platinum ring. Most all hospitals and jewelry stores are equipped with a tool to handle such emergencies.

You could go on about titanium for days, and still not say all that could be said for it. With any luck at all this will help you make an informed purchase. Check out Overstock.com for inexpensive titanium jewelry. Their styles are limited but very inexpensive; they have some small pieces to get your titanium collection started.

By Zakeri Young

Men's Titanium Wedding Rings Shopping Guide

Congratulations-You are getting married! Now that you have begun your search for the wedding ring of your dreams, you have some decisions to make, starting with the choice of metal. Titanium is the perfect choice for a wedding ring today. No other item of jewelry has played such important role in demonstrating affection as the wedding ring. Of the precious metals used to create wedding rings, titanium has merits that supersede gold or platinum in its beauty, quality and value that make it an ideal choice as the symbol of your love.

Why a Titanium Wedding Ring?

While titanium has been known to us for many years, it was originally used in aerospace and salt water projects, becoming widely used in commercial applications and now in jewelry designs during the last two decades. One reason why titanium rings are gaining in popularity, especially with men, is because of its strength that belies its light weight feel.

The style and design of your wedding ring aside, there are some practical reasons why choosing titanium makes sense. Because it is an inert metal, it is ideal for people with sensitive skin. This fact accounts for its use in the production of equipment and tools for medical procedures. You will never have to worry about damage from the elements to your titanium wedding ring, unlike silver, it will remain completely tarnish-free.

Whenever you buy jewelry, quality is always the primary concern. The wide spread use of titanium within jewelry industry confirms its quality and its market appeal. In respect to the purity of the metal itself, neither gold nor platinum can match titanium. Today, jewelry designers are using titanium for more of their work, taking advantage of titanium’s beautiful grey sheen that rivals the look of platinum at a more affordable price.

How to Buy a Wedding Ring

A wedding ring is an investment that brings beauty and aesthetic pleasure. But keep in mind that there is a distinct difference between the shape of the hand of a man and a woman. Some are slender with tapered fingers. For this type of hand, a ring that is designed with a diagonal pattern works well, even with an array of stones. However if the hand is broad and fingers are very thick, a flat design, perhaps with contrasting bands could be a good starting point. With the variety of men’s titanium wedding ring designs available, you are sure to be impressed. You can find solid titanium as well as titanium rings in combination with gold or platinum.

What to Look for When Choosing a Men’s Titanium Wedding Ring

Be aware that just like gold, there are different grades of titanium on the market today. You will find many designs made from alloyed titanium, but if you want your wedding ring to be pure titanium, make sure you ask your jeweler for the CP grade of titanium of the ring you are interested in. Purchasing a titanium ring with a CP grade of 2 will prove to be a good investment.

By Suneva