Problems With Titanium Rings
Titanium rings' popularity, particularly among men, has exploded in recent years. The metal has traditionally been used in the construction of numerous products from airplanes and bikes to household items and watches. Its durability is an asset when compared with softer metals such as gold but titanium does require different manufacturing techniques, and extra care when it comes to sizing. Does this Spark an idea?
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Properties
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Titanium is one of the most plentiful metals on Earth. Its strength is similar to alloy steel but at half the weight, which is why it is favored by the aviation industry. Titanium is corrosion resistant like platinum and is naturally hypoallergenic, unlike gold and silver, which can affect some wearers. It is also scratch, dent and bend resistant, though its surface can be abraded, which is why jewelers advise avoid wearing a titanium ring while doing manual labor.
Sizing
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Unlike other metals, titanium rings cannot be resized. Once titanium is cut it cannot be soldered back together. In some cases, it can be enlarged through stretching but by only by a small amount, from a quarter to a half size. As for establishing a size, it is done the same as any other ring. The only difference is with wider rings of 8 millimeter or more, some wearers may find them uncomfortable, so extra care is required.
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Manufacturing
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Titanium rings are manufactured with special machines that differ from typical ring-making machinery. This adds to the cost compared with other more workable materials.
In Case of Emergency
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A titanium ring is much stronger than gold, silver or platinum and requires special care if it needs to be removed due to emergency. A great many comments can be found online about the inability to cut a titanium ring, but it can in fact be done. It is not as easy as other softer metals--and particularly difficult with some superior types of titanium--but it is not an impossible task with the right tools.
Coloring
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Typical titanium rings are silver-gray in appearance and will not tarnish like other metals. They can be colored through an oxidation process that is achieved through heating. The colors range from near black to blue and purple. Most colored rings have some color variation, such as black with hints of purple. The coloring is only on the surface of the ring, so while it will not chip or fade, it can be scratched off. This is why a satin finish, as oppose to a shiny finish, is recommended. It helps ensure greater color longevity, though rings can later be re-colored if needed.
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