Titanium Vs. Silver Rings
Titanium recently became a great metal for fashionable rings, but does it replace the reigning champion, silver? Although most titanium rings made today are meant for fashionable uses rather than wedding bands, thrifty couples are turning toward titanium rather than gold, platinum or silver. However, when it comes down to it, silver still has its place as an inexpensive, clean-looking metal. Does this Spark an idea?
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Appearance
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People wear rings that appeal to them and make them feel good about wearing them. Thus, the appearance of the metal is a very important factor in ring selection. Titanium has a very distinct gray color; whereas, silver possesses a brighter, more "white" color. Depending on the batch of silver used and the process in making the ring, the color may vary slightly but noticeably if placed next to each other.
Durability
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Titanium reigns as the strongest precious metal on the market. Silver, however, is much softer, and it dents and scratches much easier. Silver also tarnishes over time, where titanium will not. When it comes to durability, titanium not only beats out silver, but all the other precious metals.
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Workability
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Titanium rings are nearly impossible to work with when it comes to re-sizing or soldering due to the strength of the steel. Silver can be re-sized, shaped or soldered if the ring contains pure sterling silver. Pure silver is needed in order to reduce the chance of color differences in any of the additions.
Cost
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Silver costs significantly more than titanium, initially and long-term. As of 2010, prices for silver run at $17.32 per ounce; titanium costs about $2.50 per ounce. Silver, like gold, needs to be cleaned and refinished every year or two to keep it from tarnishing and looking dirty.
So which is better?
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No one but you can say which metal fits you the best. It all comes down to what appeals to you and suits your lifestyle. Although silver costs more, jewelers can work the metal more than titanium to adjust size due to weight changes or even additions to the rings. Titanium, however, costs much less and is more suited toward an active lifestyle due to its durability. The most important factor however, is that you walk away satisfied and confident with your new piece of jewelery.
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