Perhaps you like the look of titanium rings but aren't sure how titanium compares to other metals, or how it would work as a wedding ring. There are pros and cons to this metal, so read on to find out if it's right for you. Does this Spark an idea?
What is Titanium?
Titanium is an abundant metallic element that is used to make jewelry, golf clubs, watches, and even aircraft. It was discovered in the late 18th century, and was named after the Titans, mythical Greek giants who ruled the earth and personified different forces of nature. Titanium is one of the transitional elements on the period table of elements, and is found in many forms.
Benefits
Titanium is lightweight, which makes the ring comfortable and easy to wear. It is a very strong and resistant metal. It is much less expensive than other ring materials, such as gold or platinum, yet is attractive enough for use as wedding jewelry.
If you react poorly to certain metals, another major benefit of a titanium ring is that it's hypoallergenic; perfect for anyone with metal allergies. Unlike white gold, titanium can be left as is and will continue to look great over the years, instead of needing the occasional re-coating that white gold does. Also, titanium can be colored into a wide variety of colors.
Disadvantages
Titanium cannot be made into a prong setting, so it can't be used for a traditional-looking engagement ring unless the prong setting is made of a different metal and riveted onto the titanium. People can avoid this by only having the groom's wedding band made out of titanium and having a different material for the bride's set.
Another disadvantage is that titanium rings can be difficult to fit. Titanium cannot be soldered, so if your ring is too large, it cannot be made smaller. If you need it made larger, one of the only options you have is to remove the material from the inner part of the band to make it slightly bigger.
Other Considerations
While titanium is surprisingly strong for how lightweight it is, it can still show signs of scratching and other wear. But titanium can usually be polished by a jeweler. If you want to have a colored titanium ring, consider that the color can wear and may need to be reapplied.
Potential for You
Whether a titanium ring is right for you depends on what you want. If you want a fancy diamond engagement ring that will match the wedding band, and can be easily resized in the future, then probably not. However, if you're looking for a ring that is lightweight, attractive, and fairly inexpensive, it may be just right.
