Titanium rings are a relatively young trend in jewelry. But they are becoming more popular, and many prefer this strong metal, rather than the usual gold or silver. What caused this popularity? Is it comfortable and safe to wear titanium rings? About all this, as well as about many other nuances, we will discuss later in the article.
Mysterious material
What is titanium? This metal is white or light gray in color, which is in 10th place in terms of prevalence on Earth. It is found even in some meteorites.
But his most interesting property is that he has the highest tensile strength in relation to the weight of the metal. It has a very low mass, but it is 3 times stronger than steel. Tungsten could compete with it, but titanium has a density of 4.11, and tungsten has a density of 19.25, that is, titanium rings on a finger will be lighter than a feather, and tungsten rings will be very noticeable in weight.
Toughie
If you lead an active lifestyle, then you need jewelry that will retain an attractive appearance for a long time.
Titanium products have four degrees of strength: from the first (softest) to the fourth (most durable). The strength of the metal varies depending on the amount of impurities of other elements in its composition and on the method of its processing. To create jewelry, as a rule, use pure (at least 99%) titanium.
For rings that will often be worn (for example, engagement rings), it is best to take metal 2-4 degrees of strength. This ensures resistance to scratches and other damage. But in emergency cases (if the finger is very swollen, and blood circulation is impaired), such rings from titanium can be removed with special nippers for the rings. But you need to consider that they are not in every hospital.
But many buyers want the greatest possible strength. It can be provided by aviation grade titanium, or 5th degree of strength - it contains 90% titanium, 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium. However, it will be impossible to cut such a product even with nippers; a dental saw or a saw with diamond tips will have to be used. The process will be very unpleasant for the victim. Therefore, rumors that in order to remove stuck titanium rings, fingers need to be amputated are not so exaggerated.
In addition, the size of such products is very difficult, sometimes impossible. They are also not subject to repair.
Other benefits
In addition to strength, titanium rings have other properties that are very useful for the buyer:
- They are completely hypoallergenic. Titanium is so safe for the human body that it is used in dentistry and prosthetics.
- They perfectly resist corrosion and tarnishing. This metal is able to withstand even prolonged exposure to salt water.
- Titanium is a very poor conductor of heat and electricity, so titanium rings do not heat up well.
Material flaws
Alas, there are no perfect things. The main disadvantage of titanium rings is the complexity of their processing. Since this is a very strong metal, it is impossible to make very thin patterns on it or to give it a bizarre shape. Therefore, the choice of models is much smaller than among gold or silver products.
This drawback can be eliminated if you choose a ring with inserts from a more ductile and easier to process metal, but this will significantly change its cost and properties - first of all, such a ring will be subject to scratches.
Repair of such products is also problematic due to the complexity of processing the material.
Change of size
It is best to try on titanium rings before buying, as they are not so easy to reduce or increase, like gold or silver rings.
Of particular difficulty are products:
- with overlays of another metal - they often crack in the process;
- with gem inserts - holes for stones are deformed;
- less than 2 mm thick.
The degree of strength also plays an important role, for example, rings of the 2nd degree can quite simply be increased or decreased by 1, sometimes even by 2 sizes, but the higher it is, the more difficult the work. Therefore, it is sometimes cheaper to buy a new product than to change an old one.
Eternal love
Wedding rings made of titanium have gained quite wide popularity. After all, what can better symbolize the strength of marriage ties than one of the most durable metals on Earth?
Paired rings are available in a wide range of sizes - from small women's sizes to large men's ones. Jewelry design for brides is usually a little thinner and more elegant, while jewelry for grooms is larger and more massive.
Engraving on the inside or outside will give the rings a special personality. This may be the date of the wedding, the names of the spouses or part of the wedding vows - the choice is for the newlyweds.
Even in wedding fashion, engraving in the form of palms holding a heart is in demand. This is a design that repeats the traditional Irish Kladdah engagement ring.
Various images of inverted eights are also popular - a symbol of infinity, in this case, infinity of love of newlyweds. It can be not only engraving, but also a volumetric pattern.
Decor options and cost of rings
Titanium itself looks spectacular. But as mentioned above, only fairly simple patterns can be made on it.
And for lovers of more elaborate designs, jewelers offer various inserts and overlays:
- inlaid with gold or silver - with patterns or simply in the form of contrasting stripes;
- carbon fiber inserts;
- lining in the form of strips of crushed jewelry stones - opal, turquoise, agate, jasper, tiger's eye, etc .;
- precious wood inserts;
- precious stones - diamonds, rubies, emeralds, etc., inserted into small niches in the ring.
In addition, titanium itself can change its color under the influence of anodization. Depending on the current strength, you can get a variety of shades.
The cost of titanium as a metal for industrial purposes is very high, but compared to gold, it is much cheaper. In jewelry, the price of the finished product is significantly raised by the time-consuming processing and decoration of the rings, which, in addition to the time spent by the master, cause rapid wear of the equipment.
What is the cost of such products in Russian online stores? Rings made entirely of titanium can be bought from 1000 rubles. Jewelry with gold accents (made of precious metal, not just gold) is much less common, and their cost is much higher - from 13 thousand rubles.