Titanium

What is Titanium?

Titanium is an element (symbol Ti) like gold, silver and platinum. Titanium is naturally platinum gray in color and is the ninth most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. Discovered in the late 1700's, it wasn't until the last few decades that technology provided the means of extracting titanium from the Earth. Although it remains a costly and difficult process, the effort has provided a far greater positive impact on mankind than any material in recorded history. From the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space, from the smallest medical implants to the largest passenger planes, titanium has become an indisputable part of human triumph. Its applications have spread throughout sports and automotive industries, industrial design and architecture. Ancient monuments were accented with gold. Today, many of our most modern architectural marvels, including the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain are clad with titanium.

Titanium is inert

It’s the most bio-compatible element known to man, and therefore the material of preference in the medical world for surgical tools, implants, pacemaker cases, and other internal casings. It will not react to ANY chemistry other than Hydrofluoric acid. (That means it’s completely unreactive to salt water, chlorine, detergents, alkaloids, or body acids…… not any, not ever!!). Pure titanium is 100% hypoallergenic. It won’t react with any part of the body, making it a great choice for even those persons most sensitive to other materials. And, unlike silver, titanium will never tarnish.

Titanium is Exceptionally Lightweight and Strong

Named after the Titans of Greek mythology known for their extreme and superior strength, titanium is lighter than steel but just as strong. Titanium has the highest strength to weight ratio of ANY known element (which is why 85% of the Space Shuttles structure is titanium). In jewelry applications, titanium’s strength allows for design capabilities that were otherwise impossible. For example, tension set rings made with titanium provides maximum security for the stone. Titanium can be worn throughout active and demanding lifestyles without concern for the excessive wear and tear that would be exhibited by gold and platinum. With jewelry, titanium’s light weight translates to comfort. Platinum, gold and silver must sacrifice style and function to reduce weight and costs.

Titanium is proven

Titanium is the fastest growing category in jewelry history. Without exception, titanium has dominated each and every market arena it has entered. From sports products like bicycles, tennis rackets, and golf clubs, to marine hardware, computer cases, and jewelry, titanium symbolizes the new standard for excellence. Even the term “titanium” has come to represent the highest standard of excellence and quality (example: “Titanium” credit cards).

Titanium is a noble element

It is the first new element to enter the noble metals arena of platinum and gold in over 3,000 years.

Titanium is leading edge

The technology used in working with titanium has significantly and positively impacted manufacturing methods throughout the entire jewelry industry. Titanium is the perfect marriage of art and science.

Virtually every industry in which titanium has entered has seen this remarkable material quickly become that industry's standard of excellence. Titanium is now taking this notable achievement and revolutionizing an industry that has remained practically unchanged for thousands of years - the fine jewelry industry...

Titanium FAQ's

What are the different grades and purities of titanium?

There is an extreme diversity of available titanium alloys. All of the titanium rings shown here, with the exception of the patented Black-ti, are created using 99% Commercially Pure (“CP”) grades 1 and 2 titanium. These were selected for their balance of high purity, bio-compatibility, strength, and safety. (Black-ti(tm) is the only alloyed titanium. It was developed after 14 years of research and development. This alloy is comprised solely of other biocompatible materials.)

How difficult is it to cut a titanium ring off the finger?

Since titanium is stronger and harder than conventional materials, the cutting process will take a bit longer and often requires a second cut on the opposite side. Tests were conducted using a variety of standard ring cutters on rings 6 and 7 mm wide, and 2 ? mm thick. The time required was between 5 and 7 minutes per cut, about twice the time it took to cut a 6mm 14k band under 2mm in thickness. When tests were run on aerospace grade 6-4 titanium, using the same process, the results were far different. After 5 minutes the surface was barely penetrated and the cutter edge showed significant wear! This is why the titanium rings we sell are Commercially Pure (“CP”) grades 1 and 2.

Can a titanium ring be engraved or stretched?

CP grade can be stretched somewhat, however this does not include rings with inlays, and stones. Stretching an inlayed ring will cause a separation at the joining point of the inlayed material. CP grade can be engraved with most conventional engraving systems. The engraving will not be as deep as in softer materials but will outlast most other inscriptions.

How do I care for titanium?

Titanium can be cleaned with any non abrasive soap or cleaner then dried with a soft issue.