Titanium, represented by “Ti”, is a lightweight but very strong metal. It is durable and non-corrosive. In addition, titanium does not lose its sheen like platinum or gold. Because of this fact, it is commonly used in jewelry. It also doesn’t cause skin irritation.
Why choose Titanium jewelry?
There are numerous reasons why I would recommend choosing titanium jewelry.
1) It is not as dense as some metals which gives it a comfortable and lightweight feeling.
2) Titanium does not irritate the skin due to its hypoallergenic nature. This means that people who are allergic to other metals can wear it.
3) Titanium jewelry has a strong corrosion resistance making it long-lasting.
Because of these characteristics, I would highly recommend that you think about getting yourself a piece of titanium jewelry the next time you go shopping. It could also be an amazing alternative to what you are used to, especially with its wide array of colors. It might be a little pricier, but it is cost-effective.
What is the best Titanium for jewelry?
Pure titanium (99%) is referred to as Commercially Pure Titanium (CP). There are usually four divisions associated with CP titanium, Grade 1-4. Grade 4 is the hardest form while Grade 1 is the softest. The amount of Oxygen present is what makes the difference in terms of hardness.
For titanium jewelry, an alloy is typically used instead of commercially pure titanium. The most common alloy used in jewelry making is known as Ti2. This alloy consists of titanium with 0.2% oxygen, 0.25% iron, 4% vanadium, and 6% aluminum.
Ti2 Composition
| Component | (Grade 2 Require) Wt. | Our Jewelry Wt. |
| C | < 0.1% | 0.005% |
| Fe | < 0.3% | 0.05% |
| H | <0.015% | 0.009% |
| N | <0.03% | 0.004% |
| O | <0.25% | 0.19% |
| Ti | Balance | Balance |
Normal Titanium Jewelry Types
Titanium, with its many properties, is an excellent metal to be used in jewelry making. If you are wondering about the types of jewelry that can be made with titanium, here is a list of a few of them:
- Engagement rings and Wedding bands
- Earrings
- Necklaces
- Bracelets
- Pendants
Titanium is used in a variety of jewelry mainly because of its hypoallergenic nature concerning the human skin. So, there is no need to worry about your hand, ear, ring, or any other part of your body having an allergy reaction.
One piece of advice I will give you though is to check the titanium percentage compared to the other metals present when purchasing a piece of titanium jewelry. You should especially check the amount of nickel present in the jewelry, as this metal is a skin irritant.
Fun Fact: Because titanium is so hypoallergenic, it is typically used in surgical instruments and medical implants. One of the few piercers recommended by the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) are ones made from implant-grade titanium, as they are nickel free.
What is the color of titanium jewelry?
Titanium is typically darkish grey to white. However, you will notice that there are varying colors, and a rainbow of hues when it comes to titanium jewelry. Through a process called anodic oxidation, a thin oxide layer is formed on the jewelry which can reflect a spectrum of colors. By carefully controlling this process, a variety of colors can be obtained. In other words, you can find titanium jewelry in every color possible.
On the market, it is common to find titanium chains in colors of silver and chrome as they reflect light well. Rings normally come in darker finishes. But as I said, you can choose what color jewelry you want.
| Pros | Cons |
| Cost-effective: Compared to all the other traditional metals, titanium is much more cost-effective in the long run. It is also cheaper than platinum and gold jewelry. | Resize issues: Titanium jewelry is quite hard to resize. Ornaments like rings, earrings, and bracelets are more prone to this problem as they need the perfect size tofit. Even if you get to resize the jewelry, then the operation might tilt its natural appearance. |
| Durable: When you purchase a piece of titanium jewelry, best believe that it will last you a lifetime. It has the best strength-to-weight ratio compared to other metals. That’s how good it is! | Cost: Due to how hard titanium is, jewelers may find it difficult to shape the metal, and hence the price might be a little higher compared to other pieces of jewelry. |
| Hypoallergenic: Unlike gold and silver, you don’t have to worry about titanium jewelry triggering a flare-up or causing contact dermatitis. After all, it doesn’t contain nickel. | Difficult to make Engravings: Compared to other metals, engravings or initials are not as easy to be made on titanium jewelry. So, it might be a little difficult to make specific engravings, or if it is possible, it is more expensive. |
| Lightweight: Titanium is not only strong, but it is lightweight. There is a noticeable difference between wearing a gold chain and a titanium chain. You might even forget that you’re wearing it! | Become dull over time: Titanium jewelry can become dull over time. It will not retain its color forever; the coating will eventually scratch off. |
| Variety of colors: Unlike gold and silver, you can practically get a piece of titanium jewelry in any color of your liking. |
FAQs on Titanium jewelry
Does Titanium scratch?
Although titanium is known for its hardness and durability, it is scratch-resistant, not scratch-proof. Like most pieces of jewelry that encounter a hard surface, you can expect titanium jewelry to be scratched, the layer of finish to be exact.
However, you can be assured that your titanium jewelry will not break or crack, the only thing it might need is a re-finishing.
Can Titanium wedding rings be re-sized?
Titanium jewelry is quite hard to resize. Ornaments like rings are more prone to this problem as they need the perfect size to fit. Normal titanium wedding rings can be resized, larger or smaller, by 1.5 sizes in either direction. Of course, it becomes more difficult when there is a more intricate pattern.
Can Titanium rings be removed in an Emergency?
Yes, you can remove titanium rings in the case of an emergency. All you need is a Power Ring Cutting Kit which can remove not just titanium rings, but also cobalt, stainless steel, and other metal rings.
How Long Will Titanium Jewelry Last?
Titanium jewelry is several times stronger and more durable than other metal jewelry. While the finish on your jewelry might scratch and wear out, titanium will never fade or rust. The only thing I would recommend is for it to be cleaned and polished. Your titanium jewelry has the expected longevity of a lifetime.
Can you wear titanium in the shower?
Yes, you can wear your jewelry in the shower. Titanium will not react with water because it’s an inert metal. If it is titanium, silver, gold, palladium, or platinum, then you can go right ahead
Does titanium jewelry turn your skin green?
No, titanium does not tarnish or rust, therefore it will not cause your skin to become green. It is usually jewelry made from inexpensive metals that cause green skin.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a piece of durable, eye-catching, and cost-effective jewelry, then titanium is the way to go. It doesn’t rust, it doesn’t tarnish and with proper care, it can last a lifetime.
Like any other piece of jewelry, titanium jewelry has its pros and cons, but there are more advantages than there are disadvantages. So, what are you waiting for? Get your piece of titanium jewelry today!
